Cut back on fatty meats and high-fat dairy products. Read the nutrition facts label and choose foods that are low in sodium. Eat vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains to add fiber to your diet. Preparing your shopping list ahead of time can prevent you from choosing impulsive foods, which are often unhealthy.
With a little planning, you can make a healthy choice the easiest option. Try creating a 7-day meal plan with the current items in your kitchen. Supplement your meal with heart-healthy food from the supermarket that you may be missing out on. Involve family and friends in meal planning and eat ethnic foods (for example, try black beans, red beans, red beans, or low-sodium canned white beans).
Lentils and split peas are also a great source of fiber. And hummus, which can be made with most beans, is a great snack. The AHA works with manufacturers to help consumers make better grocery shopping decisions. Separating your shopping list by category is a great way to save time and simplify your shopping trips.
Rather than questioning the heart health of, for example, a box of cereal or a bag of crackers, this simple PDF describes products that meet the requirements of the AHA Heart-Check Certification Program, meaning that they meet a strict list of nutritional parameters suitable for the system cardiovascular. Shopping for heart-healthy foods can be difficult at first, but you'll get used to it in no time. The more fresh food you put in your shopping cart and in your body, the more likely you are to have a healthy body, including a healthy heart. Eating more plant-based foods, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, that are minimally prepared can make shopping less expensive.
Dividing it into sections helps you shop more efficiently and minimizes the chances of impulse buying.
