1. People with heart failure should use food labels and a nutrition guide to limit sodium intake to no more than 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day — or whatever your doctor recommends. Sodium causes the body to retain fluid, which increases the heart's workload. Salt is just one source of the sodium you consume every day. Many foods contain sodium in other forms, too. Some medicines are high in sodium. Be aware of all your sources of sodium.

2. Remove the salt shaker from the kitchen table and stovetop to avoid cooking with salt or using it at meals. Use salt-free seasonings instead.

3. Drain and rinse canned foods before preparing them to remove some of the salt.

4. To reduce fat intake, substitute fat-free milk and nonfat or low-fat frozen yogurt for whole milk, cream and ice cream.

5. To make meat dishes healthier, trim all visible fat from cuts of beef and pork, and remove the skin from chicken and turkey.

6. When reading food labels, pay attention to how many servings are in a package. To control sodium, fat and cholesterol intake, make sure that your serving size is the same as the recommended one.

7. Substitute fresh vegetables, fruits and foods labeled "low-sodium" for canned and processed foods, which are usually high in salt.

8. Get to know the owner or manager and servers at favorite restaurants. This will make it easier to negotiate the menu and ask for low-fat, low-salt versions of certain dishes.

9. For dessert, choose fresh fruit, fruit ice, sherbet, gelatin or angel food cake, which are good alternatives to fat- and cream-laden sweets. Look for sugar-free versions to control calories and limit added sugars in your diet.

10. Some people with heart failure need to limit how much liquid they take in every day. Many doctors recommend eight cups or less, but check with your doctor to see what's best.

11. Don't fry foods. Instead, bake, broil, roast, boil or microwave for less fat and fewer calories.

12. Invest in a nonstick frying pan. Then you can use little or no oil (which adds fat and cholesterol) without having food stick.

13. If a recipe calls for butter and eggs, try substituting polyunsaturated margarine (1 tablespoon) or oil (3/4 tablespoon) for a tablespoon of butter, and egg white (1) plus unsaturated oil (2 teaspoons) for one egg.

14. When eating out, ask to substitute a healthier alternative, such as a plain baked potato or unsalted vegetables, for a high-sodium, high-fat side dish like french fries or onion rings.

15. The D.A.S.H. (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has all the components of a heart-healthy diet. It's delicious and varied — rich in vegetables and fruits, with whole grains, high-fiber foods, lean meats and poultry, fish at least twice a week, and fat-free or 1 percent fat dairy products. Download a PDF of the complete D.A.S.H. eating plan. This link is provided for convenience only, and is not an endorsement or assurance of the entity or any product or service.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 10/07/09.