February is National Heart Month and healthy cooking starts at home. Here at Market Basket, we want to help you shop smart and take control of healthier food choices at mealtime. Start by purchasing lower sodium or no sodium canned foods. Lowering your salt intake will help lower blood pressure. Buy canned fruits packed in water or juice, instead of syrup. This will lower calories and carbohydrate intake. Select whole grains when purchasing breads and crackers to help increase your fiber intake. More fiber in your diet will help you feel full at mealtime and help with daily elimination.
Eating heart-smart can help you avoid heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Lower your salt intake, monitor your weight, calories and carbohydrates, and eat approximately 25-30 grams of fiber a day to be heart smart!