Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition when the heart is not able to pump blood as much as it is supposed to. People who have been affected by CHF will experience symptoms like rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, and puffiness of hands and legs. Medication is the first line of treatment. Pacemakers or defibrillators will be placed after surgery for those who have severe symptoms. In addition to this, a patient is advised to modify their lifestyle, eating habits, stop smoking, and abstain from alcohol to reduce the risk of heart failure. Here are a few tips concerning top foods to prevent a heart disease like CHF.

Get used to a low salt diet
One of the first few instructions that a doctor asks you to do is to cut down on your salt intake. Your salt intake should be about 1500 milligrams of sodium per day. Read labels and choose items that are low on sodium. If you are using sauces, dressings, and readymade condiments while you cook, do not add additional salt.

Make your dressings and sauce
A number of dishes depend on a lot of sauces and dressings for everyday cooking. Since store-bought products are high on sodium and are also high on chemical additives, you can make them at home once a month or so and keep them refrigerated. Just remember to add little or no salt when you cook them.

Eat fresh food as much as possible
Every fresh meal requires a lot of planning and time. If you are working, or unable to cook a fresh meal every time, you can still cook your meals in batches during weekends or whenever you have time, and store them in clean and individual containers. You can use them as and when you need them. Make sure that you eat the food you store within a week. Otherwise, it just defeats the purpose. Avoid foods that are ready to eat and processed as they contain high amounts of sodium, saturated, and trans fat, all of which have to be completely avoided if you have been diagnosed with CHF.

Snack fresh
There is a tendency to depend on readymade snacks, as they are easy and convenient. Develop the habit of eating a fruit, or trail mix or a handful of nuts that are safe and not high on fat. You can carry them in your bag, have some in your glove compartment in your car, or store some in your office. This will make sure that you do not end up buying readymade or mass-produced snacks when you have a hunger pang or a craving. 

Flavor your food
It might take a few days to get used to eating less or no-salt food, but you can supplement it with herbs and spices that can add good amounts of flavor and make up for the lack of salt.

Make changes in the way you cook and eat
Bake and grill instead of sautéing and frying.  Avoid mayo and low-fat Greek yogurt. Spice it up with herbs and spices and use it in a sandwich. Egg whites and buttermilk can be used to get an enhanced texture while baking cakes. Replace cheese with ricotta. Choose turkey, fresh or frozen fruit over canned fruit or juice.