CASTLE ROCK, Colo. --
The kitchen is where local firefighters are learning to save their own lives.
Mixed between the fresh vegetables and cooking utensils they're finding recipes for healthier hearts.
"We're going to show those who take care of others how to take care of themselves," said Dr. Richard Collins.
Collins is a cardiologist with South Denver Cardiology Associates. He teaches a unique way to improve heart health.
Known as the Cooking Cardiologist, Collins offers cooking classes to teach patients how to easily change their eating habits.
"Surprisingly firefighters die of heart disease, that's their number one killer. It's not smoke inhalation. It's not a ladder falling on them. It's a heart attack on the scene or later on," said Collins.
Collins is visiting Castle Rock fire departments and turning their kitchens into his demonstration stage. He's removing the processed foods and teaching firefighters ways to make their favorite foods with a healthy flair.
He says healthy can still taste good.
"That's my philosophy. Don't give up what you like to eat, just change the recipe. That makes it real easy," said Collins.
In his kitchen, eggs can be replaced with egg whites. Sausage can be replaced with soy sausage. Vegetable broth can be substituted for oil to reduce fat.
Firefighters in Castle Rock agree, the most impressive recipe is for the cheese steak sandwich.
By removing some of the excess bread, Collins is able to keep flavor and reduce 30-percent of the calories.
"The Philly steak sandwich was good because it doesn't change anything that I would normally eat. It just teaches me how to prepare them differently," said Steve Patik, a Castle Rock paramedic and fire fighter.
To try some of Dr. Collin's heart healthy recipes visit Firefighter Cooking Recipes.
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