Tips for Eating Heart Smart

Eating the right foods can drastically reduce your risk for high blood pressure, not to mention contribute to your overall health and well-being. The following are some quick tips that will help you get your diet, and your body, in shape:

1. Avoid eating fast food as much as possible.

2. Reduce the consumption of red meat by eating more fish, skinless chicken and turkey.

3. Avoid hidden fats - for example: cook with non-stick vegetable oil cooking spray instead of regular oils.

4. Buy lean cuts of meats and/or trim excess fat off before cooking.

5. Be a diligent shopper - check the labels on all your purchases.

6. Steam, bake, broil, or grill foods instead of frying them.

7. Eat more fruit, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

8. Watch your fat intake - be sure that you are conscious of what foods you're eating and when. Keep a food diary if you need to.