Heart Health – Part 2

Heart Health – Part 2

Yesterday we listed some tips for a heart healthy diet.  Today it’s time for a few more!

Limit unhealthy fats – saturated or trans fats should be less than 6% of total calories in a day. This means using “good” fats like olive or canola oil, cholesterol lowering margarine like Benecol, Promise Active or Smart Balance.  You can add nuts and seeds to your diet and avocado is also a good fat.  (Flaxseed is healthy and adds fiber as well!)

Choose low-fat protein sources – lean meats, fish, poultry (no skin); low fat dairy like skim or 1% milk and eggs.

Reduce salt intake – reduce the amount of salt in your food.  Avoid processed foods as they are usually very high in sodium.  The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300mg of salt a day.  This is the equivalent of 1 teaspoon. 

Create daily menus – daily menus will help you with healthy ingredients.  You might get inspired to have a meal full of vegetables or make a homemade soup.

Allow yourself an occasional treat – there are a lot of temptations so try not to be too hard on yourself and have a treat now and again.  They may not be good for the heart but they can be very good for the soul.

Private Home Health Care is thinking about heart health this month.  Be on the lookout for more helpful information from us.