You can help a loved one who has heart disease by adopting a diet that curbs LDL (”bad”) cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, and helps with weight loss.
The best strategy: Focus on what the person with heart disease can eat, not just what’s off-limits. Research shows that adding heart-saving foods is just as important as cutting back on others.
These nine strategies will help you plan meals for someone with heart disease:
MORE VEGETABLES, FRUITS, WHOLE GRAINS AND LEGUMES
Eat more plants based food as they are rich in fiber and other nutrients, also they taste good in salads, as a side dish or as an entrée. One should not opt for much cheese or fat while preparing them.
CHOOSE FAT CALORIES WISELY
- Limit Saturated fat
- Avoid additional trans fats as much as possible.
- When using added fats for cooking or baking, choose oils that are high in monounsaturated fat or polyunsaturated fat.
INCREASE THE INTAKE OF PROTEIN RICH FOOD
Balance meals with lean meat, fish and vegetable sources of protein.
LIMIT CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol found in red meat or dairy products can be really harmful and can raise blood cholesterol levels.
RIGHT KIND OF CARBS
Includes food like brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa and sweet potatoes to add fiber and help control blood sugar levels.
EAT REGULARLY
This helps someone with heart disease, control blood sugar and burn fat more efficiently and regulate cholesterol levels.
CUT BACK ON SALT
Too much salt is bad for blood pressure. Instead use herbs, spices, or condiments to flavor foods.
ENCOURAGE HYDRATION
Staying hydrated makes you feel energetic and eat less. Encourage your loved ones to drink 32 to 64 ounces (about 1 to 2 liters) of water daily, unless their doctor has told them to limit fluids.
KEEP SERVING SIZES IN CHECK
It can help to use smaller plates and glasses and to check food labels to see how much is in a serving.
It is extremely important to take care of the diet if somebody who is a heart patient as a lot depends on it. The diet can either cause harm or can really improve the health
