Menus for heart-healthy eating: Cut the fat and salt

Do you want to follow a heart-healthy diet, but aren't sure where to start? One way to begin is to create a daily meal plan. The plan should include plenty of lean protein, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit high-fat foods such as red meat, cheese and baked goods. Also limit foods that are high in sodium such as sandwiches, pizza, soup and processed foods. Cut back on foods and drinks with added sugar too.

Below are two days' worth of heart-healthy menus. Use them as examples of heart-healthy eating.

• 1 cup cooked oatmeal, sprinkled with 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts and 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 banana
• 1 cup skim milk

• 1 cup low-fat (1% or lower), plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
• 1 cup peach halves, canned in juice
• 5 Melba toast crackers
• 1 cup raw broccoli and cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese, plain or vegetable flavor (as a spread for crackers or vegetable dip)
• Sparkling water

• 4 ounces salmon
• 1/2 cup green beans with 1 tablespoon toasted almonds
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 small orange

• 1 cup skim milk
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried fruit, no added sugar
• 20 dark chocolate chips

• 1 cup plain, low-fat yogurt, topped with 3/4 cup blueberries
• 3/4 cup calcium-fortified orange juice

• 1 whole-wheat pita stuffed with 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers, 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese and 1 tablespoon reduced-fat ranch dressing
• 1 kiwi
• 1 cup skim milk

• Chicken stir-fry (3 ounces) with eggplant (1 cup) and basil
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup brown rice with 1 tablespoon chopped dried apricots
• 4 ounces red wine or Concord grape juice

• 2 tablespoons mixed, unsalted nuts
• 1 cup fat-free frozen yogurt

On both days, if you're thirsty, drink water as a calorie-free way to hydrate.