What Is a Good Diet After a Heart Attack?

Since heart attacks can happen more than once to the same person, it is important to follow an organized diet program. This diet should be low in unhealthy fat, cholesterol and sodium. Instead, the diet must be high in low-fat protein and fiber. A change in lifestyle that includes modification of the regular diet will be beneficial in decreasing the risk for future heart attacks.


What You Should Eat After a Heart Attack


A good diet after a heart attack is a diet that is low in animal protein and high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The American Heart Association diet is one of the best diets to follow after a heart attack to reduce its future attacks. The AHA diet is low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. It is also moderate in sodium and low in total calories.

What the American Heart Association Diet Recommends


Grains, Fruits, Vegetables and Protein

The AHA diet requires at least six servings of whole grains and five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. At least one serving of fruits or vegetables high in Vitamin C should also be included in the diet. Lean meat, seafood or poultry servings should be no more than 6 ounces and at least two servings of fish is recommended. Two or more servings of fat-free dairy products can also be included.

Fats, Cholesterol and Alcohol

According to the American Heart Association, saturated fats should be no more than 10% of the daily calories. Cholesterol must be limited to less than 300 milligrams and sodium should be no more than 2,400 milligrams per day. Alcohol must also be avoided. However, people who drink should only limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day.

A Note About Fat

Fat is important in our diet. However, consumption of too much fat and of saturated and trans fats increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and recurring heart attacks. In this case, fried foods must be avoided. Try grilling, roasting, steaming, poaching or baking instead. However, if it is necessary to fry, use olive oil or have a non-stick frying pan handy.

Low-Fat Alternatives

Switch to low-fat alternatives such as skim milk, low-fat or fat-free yogurt, low-fat cheese, and fish chicken and turkey instead of red meats. All meats must be free from of all visible fat or skin and servings must always be less than vegetable servings.

Watch the Sugar

Sugar must also be cut down as foods high in sugar raise the blood sugar levels that can eventually lead to high blood pressure. Sugar also increases blood clotting, which causes a higher incidence of heart attacks.

A good diet after a heart attack also consists of limiting or eliminating the consumption of soda drinks, cakes, pastries, ice cream, cookies, and chocolates. For sweet cravings, choose those that are low in sugar or uses sugar alternatives.

Next: A sample heart healthy diet plan.