6 Canned Foods That Could Help Lower Your Cholesterol, Recommended by Dietitians

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
During the morning rush, the last thing you want to be doing is spending a lot of time making breakfast. That's why we've put together these heart-healthy breakfast recipes that are easy to make when you need a quick, healthy bite. Each breakfast is ready in 15 minutes or less, and they meet our requirements for a heart-healthy diet, meaning they're low in saturated fat and sodium. These recipes contain no more than 600 milligrams of sodium and no more than six grams of saturated fat. Breakfasts like our Blueberry-Banana Peanut Butter Parfait and our BLT Breakfast Sandwich are filling, delicious and the perfect start to any morning.
01 of 15
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
This chia seed smoothie is a nutrient-packed blend perfect for breakfast. Sweet, tropical mango pairs with juicy blueberries for a refreshing balance of flavors and natural sweetness. Chia seeds add texture while providing fiber and omega-3s. This colorful smoothie is as energizing as it is delicious, keeping you feeling fueled and refreshed all morning.
02 of 15
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This blueberry-banana peanut butter parfait is a delicious layered breakfast that combines fruit, yogurt and nutty goodness. Sliced bananas and juicy blueberries are stacked between creamy yogurt and swirls of peanut butter for a sweet and satisfying meal. Chunky peanut butter adds a bit of crunch for extra texture, but smooth peanut butter blends in beautifully if you prefer a silkier bite.
03 of 15
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This strawberry-mango chia seed smoothie is a nutrient-packed drink rich in fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds provide a plant-based source of protein and help keep you feeling full longer. You can use frozen strawberries and mango, but you’ll need to add extra almond milk to help it blend smoothly.
04 of 15
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl
This banana–peanut butter yogurt parfait is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack that relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to create a creamy, flavorful base. The combination of banana and peanut butter is a classic pairing that provides healthy fats and a boost of protein. This easy parfait is a great way to start your day or enjoy a midday pick-me-up.
05 of 15
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl
This open-face sandwich is a delicious way to start your day. Turkey bacon provides savory flavor and crunch while keeping fat and calories in check. Country-style whole-wheat bread (or sourdough) often has no added sugars, making it the best choice here.
06 of 15
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This vibrant green smoothie with spinach, banana, mango and pineapple is a refreshing way to start your day. The spinach blends in seamlessly without overpowering the sweet tropical flavors. Banana gives the smoothie a creamy texture, while mango and pineapple bring natural sweetness and a bright, sunny taste.
07 of 15
Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries, with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a simple snack you can prepare in advance, but add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.
08 of 15
Ali Redmond
This watermelon-peach smoothie is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days. Made with ripe watermelon and frozen peaches, this smoothie bursts with fruity flavor without the need for added sugar. Use frozen peaches from a bag or freeze your own ripe, in-season peaches for the best sweet and fruity flavor.
09 of 15
This breakfast is great when you have leftover ricotta cheese--plus it comes together in just 5 minutes.
10 of 15
For this healthy smoothie bowl recipe, be sure to use frozen fruit (not fresh) to keep the texture thick, creamy and frosty.
11 of 15
Topping a tomato toast or avocado toast with an egg makes for an easy protein-packed breakfast.
12 of 15
In Costa Rica, this popular breakfast bean dish is called gallo pinto, which means spotted rooster, referring to the dark beans amid the pale rice. We call for cooked barley here, but you can use whatever leftover cooked grain you may have on hand.
13 of 15
These delicious and unbelievably simple pancakes are best enjoyed right after cooking. With just eggs and a banana, you can have healthy grain-free pancakes with no added sugar.
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Wheat berries, a nutty-tasting whole grain with a pleasantly chewy texture, are the base of this hearty breakfast bowl recipe. The fiber-rich grain freezes very well, so cook up a batch to stash away for salads, bowls and more. Topped with spinach, peanuts and an egg, these bowls make for a satisfying breakfast. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper for extra heat.
15 of 15
Sometimes basic is better. At breakfast, that can certainly be the case. These easy oatmeal recipes teach you the basic methods so you get creamy, tender oats every time. The flavorings and toppings are up to you.
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
If you have spinach taking up space in your fridge or freezer, we’ve put together some recipes that will transform it into a delicious and healthy dinner. Not only is spinach a versatile and delicious veggie, it also can help improve digestion and lower blood pressure. From quick dinners like Honey Salmon with Potatoes & Spinach or hearty dishes like our Baked Spinach & Mushroom Ravioli Lasagna, you’ll never forget to put spinach on your grocery list ever again.
01 of 10
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This creamy lemon-pesto pasta dish is a bright, comforting dinner that comes together quickly. The sauce combines pesto, a splash of cream and fresh lemon juice for a rich yet zesty flavor. Tender spinach is cooked with the pasta, wilting gently and adding a splash of color.
02 of 10
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This honey salmon with potatoes and spinach is a quick, wholesome meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With only five ingredients (not counting oil, salt and pepper), this dish comes together fast without sacrificing flavor. The salmon is seared to a golden crust and glazed with honey for a sweet and savory finish. Tender roasted potatoes and garlicky spinach round out the plate. It’s a simple, nutritious dinner that feels special with minimal effort.
03 of 10
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley
This spinach-artichoke gnocchi skillet recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy and doesn’t skimp on flavor. Spinach and artichokes take center stage, while the gnocchi soaks up the flavors of the creamy sauce. Best of all, it comes together in just one skillet, saving you time on prep and cleanup. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Serve it as is or pair it with a simple green salad for an extra serving of veggies.
04 of 10
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
This stuffed butternut squash recipe is a creamy and delicious dish that brings comfort food to a whole new level. Tender roasted butternut squash halves are filled with a cheesy spinach-and-artichoke mixture, making each bite better than the next. Give these delicious stuffed squash halves a finishing touch with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat, small fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet flavor contrast that ties it all together.
05 of 10
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This creamy orzo with white beans and sun-dried tomatoes is the ultimate weeknight winner, ready in just 30 minutes! This comforting dish combines tender orzo, protein-packed white beans and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy garlic-and-herb cheese sauce. This one-pot meal is both quick and satisfying, perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty without the hassle.
06 of 10
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This baked Brie, sun-dried tomato and spinach pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with a touch of sophistication. The creamy melted Brie creates a velvety sauce that fills in the ridges of fusilli pasta, ensuring the sauce clings to every bite, while Parmesan cheese gives it a nutty, savory depth. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness that balances the richness. Add a hint of heat with a little crushed red pepper, plus wilted spinach for earthy notes and nutrients, and you’ve got a balanced dish that feels both hearty and refined.
07 of 10
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
This inside-out spinach ravioli lasagna is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Cremini mushrooms add a savory note to this easy plant-based dinner. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess on top. You can swap it out for shredded mozzarella in a pinch or use an Italian cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
08 of 10
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This creamy spinach-and-artichoke chicken skillet serves up the classic combo often reserved for dips, elevating it to main-dish status with the addition of quick-cooking chicken cutlets. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, perfect for those busy nights when you crave something comforting yet sophisticated without spending hours in the kitchen. We prefer tender canned artichokes here, but be sure to give them a good rinse to wash away some of the sodium. Add some crushed red pepper to give this dish a little kick.
09 of 10
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Quick-cooking chicken cutlets are coated in a garlic cream sauce, while spinach adds a boost of color and nutrition to this easy one-skillet recipe.
10 of 10
Preethi Venkatram
Rosemary has a strong flavor, but offers only a subtle hint in this healthy spinach soup recipe. If you like, substitute any seasonal greens you have on hand for the spinach.