A Sample Cardiac Diet

Getting Started


It is often difficult to change one’s eating habits, but it is more difficult to deal with cardiovascular problems. This is why it is important to let go of those days of unhealthy eating and instead, start a diet that will prove to be beneficial to the heart. Knowing the certain types of foods that increases the heart’s susceptibility to disease and failure will lead you towards a healthy heart.

One way to start consuming the right foods and limiting the ones that are bad for the heart is to start following a cardiac diet. A good cardiac diet limits the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and high-fat proteins. This is the most important aspect of a cardiac diet. Foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats increase the body’s LDL (“bad”) cholesterol level.

Lowering Cholesterol With Diet

A high blood cholesterol level in the body results to the buildup plaque in the arteries which can lead to heart attack or stroke. In order to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, the cholesterol levels must be reduced.

The American Heart Association established a limit on how much fat and cholesterol is acceptable. Ideally, saturated fat consumption must be less than 7% of the total daily calories. Trans fat should be less than 1% and cholesterol must be less than 300 milligrams per day. Just one egg yolk contains about 270 milligrams of cholesterol.

Low-Fat Protein and Fiber-Rich Foods

A cardiac diet also promotes the consumption of low-fat protein sources. This includes lean meat, poultry, fish, soy protein and other low-fat food options. The diet must also include an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables as they are good sources of vitamins and minerals and they are rich in fiber.

A cardiac diet must be high in fiber in order to fight cholesterol and prevent or treat heart disease. A good source of fiber is whole grains. Salt must also be reduced to control high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, adults should only eat less than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day. Processed convenience foods like TV dinners are the worst offenders when it comes to high sodium content.

Don't Overdo It

Lastly, a cardiac diet should not only provide a list of which foods to eat and to avoid. It should also encourage moderation when eating. Portions must be limited and the number of servings must also be tracked. It should be a balanced diet and there should be variety in the menu choices. Below is a sample of what a heart-healthy diet should look like.

SAMPLE CARDIAC DIET:

Breakfast

1 slice of toasted whole grain bread with jam or jelly (no butter)

Egg substitute topped with peppers, tomatoes and onions

1 banana

Skim milk

Snack

1 ounce of nuts

1 cup raw carrots with no dip or low-fat dip

Water or low-calorie beverage

Lunch

Green vegetable salad topped with grilled skinless chicken breast

Vinaigrette or non-fat salad dressing

1 slice low-fat cheese

1 small apple

Water or low-calorie beverage

Dinner

1 serving of baked or grilled salmon

1 cup steamed broccoli

1 medium baked sweet potato

Green tea

Snack

Low-fat yogurt with 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseed

1 cup of peaches

Looking for more sample cardiac meals?

1. A heart healthy breakfast that's quick and easy to make.

2. A sample cardiac lunch that will fill you up.