“A lot of heart-healthy foods are actually some of the most affordable and convenient, such as beans, lentils, oats, frozen vegetables, and canned fish. The key is making these foods your staples,” Routhenstein said.
“I often recommend having a flexible structure for the week, along with light planning ahead to avoid the daily “what’s for dinner” question that no one enjoys,” she continued.
“Planning one bean-based meal, one fish meal, and a few simple home-cooked options can help reduce reliance on last-minute choices, which often end up being higher in sodium or more processed,” she said.