How to Create a Heart-Healthy Grocery List

A heart-healthy diet is composed of foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat, and packed with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to exercising, not smoking and reducing stress, making smart food selections is an excellent way to keep your heart strong and healthy.

Instructions

• 1

  Add blueberries to the top of your produce list. This fruit is a known disease-fighting food because blueberries contain antioxidants and are loaded with fiber and vitamin C.

• 2

  Select salmon when planning your meat and fish purchases. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

• 3

  Plan on purchasing foods rich in soy protein, including edamame, soy nuts and tofu. Soy protein boasts heart-healthy fiber, vitamins and minerals, and can reduce LDL, or the "bad" cholesterol, which reduces your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

• 4

  Create a breakfast list that includes oatmeal. The oats in oatmeal are whole grains, which are an excellent and heart-healthy source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, which lowers your cholesterol.

• 5

  Choose spinach as tops among your leafy green purchases. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, including folate and iron, which combat heart disease and protect your eyesight.

• 6

  Prepare a grocery list that contains almonds, which contain vitamin E, magnesium, fiber and heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats.