6. Welcome fish and chicken into your diet. While both are low in fat, fish contains omega fatty acids, which are important in lipid management.

7. Limit red meat and pork. They are higher in fat and speed up the atherosclerosis process, or hardening of the arteries, which leads to heart disease.

8. Enjoy fresh fruit for dessert rather than high-calorie options like cake or ice cream.

9. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per day (12 oz. beer, 4 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits). Red wine contains heart-healthy flavonoids and antioxidants, but that does not make it safe to drink in excess, Dolan says. Excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, high blood pressure, obesity and stroke.

10. Watch your serving size. The key is keeping portion sizes small. Dolan suggests "tricking" yourself by replacing big plates with smaller, appetizer-size plates.

Source: Saint Louis University School of Medicine