Diet is a major factor for heart disease and, unlike genetics; it’s something you can control, especially when you keep your kitchen stocked with heart-healthy choices.

Cook with fresh ingredients, including herbs and brightly colored vegetables, cooking them so their colors remain vivid. As colors fade, so does nutritional content.

Avoid processed foods, which are often very high in sodium and simple carbohydrates.

Whole grains are a better source of carbs and nutrition. When grocery shopping, one trick is to walk the perimeter of the store. This is where you will typically find fresh produce, dairy, seafood and meat rather than canned and processed foods.

Limit your intake of red meat. Chicken and fish are both lower in fat, and fish contains omega fatty acids, which are important in lipid management. Replace butter with olive and vegetable oil.

Instead of serving butter with bread, try olive oil topped with fresh thyme or basil. Choose fresh fruits for snacks and dessert.

Allow yourself an occasional splurge, but watch your serving sizes. Portion control is sometimes easier when you replace big plates with smaller, appetizer-size plates to help trick your brain as you load up with a reasonable amount of delicious heart-healthy foods.