Cardiac Rehab Diet Makeover: Lunch Makeover

Before: Two slices of pepperoni pizza, small salad with iceberg lettuce and blue cheese dressing, regular soda.

After: One slice of vegetable pizza, small salad with romaine lettuce, olive oil-based vinaigrette dressing, diet soda.

Adding vegetables increases fiber and heart-protecting antioxidants. Olive oil contains vitamin E, another antioxidant that is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Replacing a sugar-sweetened soft drink with diet soda may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.