Great question! Eating well for your heart doesn't have to mean giving up all the foods you love. Here's a breakdown of what to focus on:
Foods to enjoy
- Fruits and vegetables (aim for at least 5 a day, and go colorful!)
- Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and quinoa
- Lean proteins like skinless Show Full Answer
Great question! Eating well for your heart doesn't have to mean giving up all the foods you love. Here's a breakdown of what to focus on:
Foods to enjoy:
- Fruits and vegetables (aim for at least 5 a day, and go colorful!)
- Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and quinoa
- Lean proteins like skinless chicken, fish (especially salmon, tuna, or mackerel), eggs, beans, lentils, and tofu
- Healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
- Spices like turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon to add flavor without salt Foods to limit or avoid:
- Salt and high-sodium foods
- Saturated and trans fats
- Added sugars and sweetened drinks
- Refined carbs like white bread, white pasta, and pastries
- Red and processed meats
- Alcohol A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared a helpful trick: "I've had success using salt in cooking but then not having any on the table — it keeps me from putting more on my food after it's on the plate."
Small swaps go a long way — like using olive oil instead of butter, or drinking water or green tea instead of soda. If making big changes feels overwhelming, a dietitian who specializes in heart health can help make the transition much easier.
May 11
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