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Heart & Hypertension

Easy cardiologist‑approved food and snacks to eat for heart health

Discover prepared snacks designed around cardiologist-recommended nutrients from Step One Foods.

Explore cardiologist-developed foods from Step One Foods for Heart Health Month, all grounded in published research and built to help support cholesterol through daily choices.
Feb. 25, 2026, 6:58 a.m. ET
  • Cardiologists suggest that daily food choices are a key, but often overlooked, part of heart health.
  • Small, consistent dietary changes can be more effective for long-term heart health than drastic overhauls.
  • Cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Klodas founded Step One Foods to provide clear, food-based guidance for managing cholesterol.

Heart-healthy eating is one of those things most of us know we should be doing, but putting it into practice can feel overwhelming. Between fiber goals, whole-grain swaps, omega‑3s and confusing nutrition labels, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of, “I’ll start next week.”

But the basics of a heart‑healthy diet don’t have to be complicated. With a few strategic food adjustments, you can help support your heart without overhauling your entire routine.

Why heart health matters

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but many of the biggest risk factors like high LDL cholesterol, inflammation and elevated blood pressure are strongly tied to everyday diet patterns. The good news? According to dietitians, even modest changes in daily fiber intake, whole-grain consumption and fat quality can have a real impact over time.

Cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, MD, FACC, created Step One Foods after repeatedly watching patients get told to “watch their cholesterol” without clear guidance on how to actually do that. The brand was built to translate heart health research into achievable and sustainable daily habits.

Clinical research shows diet can affect cholesterol faster than many expect. Here’s how to use food to support your heart health in February.

Explore food-first heart health support

Simple swaps that make heart‑healthy eating easier

If you’re looking for a realistic entry point this February, Step One Foods offers a 30-Day Starter Pack, which includes a variety of the brand’s clinically studied foods. It’s built as an easy way to try a consistent daily routine without the guesswork.

Explore the Step One Foods 30-Day Starter Pack

Step One Foods 30-Day Starter Pack
Not sure where to start? The 30-Day Starter Pack makes it easy to build consistency, with heart-focused foods you can reach for twice a day as part of your everyday routine. Start a 30-day heart health routine

Discover more heart-focused food choices from Step One Foods

Step One Foods Fiber Pack
This Fiber Pack bundles cardiologist-developed, fiber-rich foods to help you easily work more heart-focused choices into your everyday routine. Shop Step One Foods Fiber Pack
Step One Foods Snack Pack
The Snack Pack offers grab-and-go, cardiologist-developed options for anyone who wants their between-meal bites to support heart-focused goals. Shop Step One Foods Snack Pack
Step One Foods 18-Day Intro Pack
Not ready for a full month? This 18-day bundle lets you explore cardiologist-developed, clinically studied foods without overcommitting. Shop Step One Foods 18-Day Intro Pack
Step One Foods Breakfast Pack
This Breakfast Pack helps you turn your first meal of the day into an easy, heart-focused routine with cardiologist-developed, clinically studied foods. Shop Step One Foods Breakfast Pack

What should people know about Heart Health Month?

Much of February’s messaging focuses on risk, warning signs and medication. All super important topics, but they can leave adults wondering what they can do right now. A food‑first approach offers people clarity and confidence rather than fear. And with adults 50+ increasingly seeking calm, evidence‑based wellness recommendations, February is an ideal time to highlight practical steps rather than overwhelming guidelines.

Some key points cardiologists like Dr. Klodas wish more adults knew:

  • Early momentum helps. Seeing improvement, even small, can build confidence and adherence.
  • Food doesn’t need to be drastic to be effective. Consistency matters more than perfection.
  • You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet. Small swaps can lead to meaningful improvements over time.
  • Medication and food are not opposites. Many people benefit from both.

When it comes to supporting heart health, many adults assume that dietary changes require extreme restriction. But cardiologists often emphasize predictable, repeatable habits.

That’s part of why Step One Foods has resonated with adults looking for a supportive on‑ramp instead of a full diet overhaul. The brand’s foods including bars, smoothies, oatmeals and even pancake mixes are formulated based on published clinical research and designed to be used twice a day.

Discover Step One Foods

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