Create a Simple Heart Healthy Diet

Program Description
It can often seem a daunting task to choose heart healthy foods and meals on a daily basis. Instead of stressing over what to eat (which certainly will not help the heart), simplify your meals with tried-and-true nutrition tips. You'll lower cholesterol and benefit your heart health.

Actions
1. Begin every meal with a serving of fresh vegetables or fruit, in a variety of colors.
2. Choose light meats over dark meats (chicken and fish instead of beef and pork).
3. Choose dark carbohydrates instead of light (whole grain instead of white flour).
4. Trim all fat off meat, and skip high-fat dairy products--go for skim and low-fat dairy.
5. Turn to 1 to 2 oz. of dark chocolate per day (which contain antioxidants that benefit heart health) and keep sugary desserts to a minimum.
6. Enjoy one serving size of red wine on occasion, and drink lots of water.
7. Skip butter and cooking oils, and grill foods with olive oil.