8 Heart-Smart Snack Tips

The old adage, "Eat your heart out," may not have been such a great idea when it comes to weight management, but eating right for your heart sure is. Keep these tips in mind when prowling the grocery store aisle in search of heart-smart snacks:

1. Look for the words, "May reduce the risk of heart disease," which is a claim that is approved by the FDA.
2. Increase your fiber intake by choosing items with 5 grams or more per serving.
3. Cut fat intake by reaching for foods with less than 3 grams of fat per serving.
4. Opt for foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish (salmon or tuna), walnuts, cooked soybeans (edamame), cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
5. Choose margarine spreads and other products enriched with plant sterols and stanols.
6. Avoid foods with trans fat. If it says "partially hydrogenated oil" in the ingredient list, steer clear.
7. Watch saturated fat levels and aim for 1 g or less per serving.
8.Cut salt by choosing products marked "low sodium," "reduced sodium" or "no sodium added."