Vanderbilt Heart

Buying healthy "building block" foods is the first step to a heart healthy lifestyle change. If you have these basics on hand, it's easier to make healthy choices when it's time to eat.

Refrigerator

• Fresh fish
• Lean meats like turkey breast or chicken breast
• Low-fat cheese and yogurt
• 1% or skim milk
• Fresh fruits and vegetables

Pantry

• Olive oil or canola oil
• Light bottled vinaigrette salad dressings
• Herbs and spices to add flavor without adding salt
• Whole-grain, low-sugar breakfast cereal or low-sugar oatmeal packets
• Low-salt mixed nuts
• Reduced-fat whole grain crackers
• Light popcorn
• Low-sodium broth and soups
• Whole grain pastas and brown rice (also consider alternative options like couscous, barley, or quinoa for variety)
• Tomato-based canned pasta sauce (look for organic versions with low sodium content)
• Canned tuna packed in water
• Whole wheat flour
• Canned beans
  
• Flavored, sugar-free mineral water, no-calorie iced tea, or ice water flavored with lemon or lime
   

Freezer

• Frozen fruit (just add low-fat yogurt and orange juice and blend for a healthy smoothie)
• Frozen spinach adds color and nutrients to any omelet, pasta dish or casserole
• Frozen broccoli florets
• Frozen whole grain waffles
• Frozen all-natural chicken breast
• Veggie burgers (look for low-sodium varieties)
• Frozen mixed vegetables (perfect for a quick and easy side dish)