Health experts say the leading cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease. With heart disease becoming more common than ever, the push towards proactive preventative measure becomes all the more important. Luckily, there are some easy changes you can incorporate into your lifestyle that can help.

See our 5 heart healthy shopping tips that will improve your overall wellbeing.

Embrace Fruits & Veggies

Something we all know, but unfortunately still like to avoid. Fruits and vegetables are necessary for your daily fiber intake. You should start working to include at least five servings a day.

Start adding some color to your favorite dishes to get your necessary nutrients and antioxidants. Your body will start feeling the difference!

Choose Fats Wisely

There are good and bad fats. Avoid fatty dairy products (like butter) as well as eating a lot of meat. Instead, opt for healthier fats like: low-fat dairy products, lean meats, avocados, coconut oil, nuts and seeds.

Bye, Bye Sugar!

Sugar is probably one of the worst things you can have. It’s also in most processed foods. Make a habit of checking out your labels before buying boxed and canned ingredients. Know what you’re putting in your body. There’s always a healthier substitute out there.

Have a Strategy

Have you ever heard anyone say: “don’t shop while hungry?” It’s true. Go to the store when you’re not dying for some Mint Milano cookies and you’ll thank yourself later. Make a shopping list and stick to it!

As a rule of thumb, stay within the outside aisles of the grocery store for your shopping (where they keep the fresh food like produce, meats and dairy products). Usually, the inner aisles are the ones filled with the processed and fatty foods you want to avoid putting in your cart.

Think Positive

Now, we know what you’re thinking. We understand this may be a tough change for some folks. But health comes first. What you eat has long-term effects on your overall health. You don’t have to make the change overnight, but gradual steps towards a heart-healthy diet will improve your overall well-being.

Here are a few websites with delicious heart-healthy recipes you can try:

• heart.org
• delish.com
• eatingwell.com

Have a yummy heart healthy recipe? Please share in the comments below!