Slide show: Heart-healthy eating after acute coronary syndrome

Vegetables and fruits contain substances found in plants that might help prevent heart disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help you avoid high-fat foods, such as meat and cheese. Start increasing the amount of fruits and veggies in your diet by adding a serving of vegetables to your lunch or eating fruit as a snack.

When fresh isn't available, choose frozen or canned vegetables or fruits without any added sugar, salt or saturated fats or trans fats. Keep vegetables washed and cut in your refrigerator for snacks. Place fruit in a bowl in your kitchen, so you'll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredients, such as vegetable stir-fry or mango-salsa pizza.