Making Heart Healthy Choices While Shopping

by Sarah
By incorporating heart healthy options into your regular nutrition, you can lower your risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, and stroke. One way to spot heart healthy items in the grocery store is to look for the Heart-Check logo on food and beverage packaging. The American Heart Association (AHA) has created a list of Heart-Check Certified Foods to help consumers make more informed choices while shopping.
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What makes a food certified as Heart-Check Certified? Nutrition information is evaluated based on nutrients such as fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, and sugar levels to name a few. Once an item meets the AHA’s requirements, it is added to the list.
 
While these heart healthy suggestions are good choices, fruits and vegetables are always heart healthy options. They are low in fat and calories, don’t have cholesterol, and contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that our bodies need to stay healthy. Incorporating lean meats, whole grain options, and healthy fats from items like fish and liquid oils such as olive oil can be a great start to eating heart healthy.
 
After viewing the list, I noticed a few items that are some of my go-to’s when shopping. One item that I always keep on hand is oatmeal! Quaker Oats Quick Oats or Steel Cut Oats are usually always in my pantry or desk drawer at work. Another item that is usually always in my pantry at home is StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water; this is a great fish and protein option for meals and snacks. You can view the complete list of Heart-Check Certified foods on the American Heart Association website here.
 
Happy Shopping!
 
Be Well,
Sarah

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