The cardiac diet is a very specific diet developed to reduce your sodium, fat, and cholesterol intake.  In this way, it is often used to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease.  Patients on this diet typically lose approximately 10 pounds in their first week.  So, sometimes the cardiac diet can be used to jump start weight loss or to lose weight prior to surgery.  Ultimately, the goal of the cardiac diet is to promote a healthier heart, this is done through learning healthier food choices that help to lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and help you achieve a healthier overall weight.

Unhealthy Fats

Unhealthy fats can raise your cholesterol levels which can have a negative impact on your overall cardiovascular healthy.  Knowing which fats are unhealthy and avoided or limiting them will help improve your health.

Trans fats are typically considered unhealthy fats as it increases your cholesterol levels.  Trans fats are usually found in processed foods because it is produced when oil is converted into fat.  Some of these processed foods include chips, crackers, French fries, and baked foods that are baked in hydrogenated oil.

Saturated fats also cause high cholesterol.  You should attempt to consume no more than 15 grams of saturated fats per day.  Saturated fats are found in foods like butter, chocolate, ice cream, milk, and pork.

Cholesterol

Since your body makes its own cholesterol it is important to limit additional cholesterol that is found in foods.  Some high cholesterol foods include high-fat meats, egg yolks, and high-fat dairy products.  Instead substitute low=fat proteins like fish, or low-fat meats.

Limiting these fats and cholesterol from your diet through healthy choices and food substitutions is important step in reducing your risk of heart disease.

Sodium

Another piece to the cardiac diet is to lower your sodium intake.  Sodium dramatically affects your blood pressure so by lowering to less than 3 grams per day you are creating a healthier heart.  This is done through making healthier food chooses as most of the sodium we consume is already in our food when it is processed.  The amount of salt added during cooking or at the table is minor in comparison.

Healthy Choices

Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Get plenty of high-fiber foods, and whole grains in your diets.  Pay attention to portion sizes.  Making sure that you are consuming only the number of calories you need per day.

The cardiac diet will set specific food choices and amounts for you to follow.  It is a highly effective and beneficial diet for you heart.

Bread/Cereal/Pasta

While on the cardiac diet you will want to eat 6-11 servings of bread, cereal, and pasta.  Look for foods that are high in fiber.  Whole grain cereals, and whole wheat pastas.

Vegetables

At least three servings per day.  Preferable fresh plain vegetables.  Vegetables that are frozen or canned are good too as long as they are not high in sodium.

Dairy

Using low fat choices, you should consume 2-3 servings of dairy products.  Including milk, yogurt, and cheese.  Be sure you are choosing low-fat options.  Skim milk as opposed to whole milk.

Proteins

Consume 2-3 servings per day of proteins.  These can be from beans, fish, or meat.  However, you should limit your red meat consumption to 2-3 servings per week.

If you stick with this diet you can drastically reduce your chances of a heart attack.  At the NYC Weightloss Solutions we have a number of talented staff who can help you select the right foods to succeed with this diet option or one of our own programs.  We offer a variety of benefits and a full range of services.  The program includes one on one counseling and advice, as well as fitness instruction, meal recipes, diet supplements, and regular weight ins.  In addition you will receive support, and motivation.  The program is tailored for your individual needs to fit your lifestyle and goals.  We have successfully helped many clients with health risks or complications including hypoglycemia, diabetes, and we can help you.

Most diet programs fail because they are not suited to the individual.  Finding a weight loss program that is tailored to you, your lifestyle, and your particular health needs is essential to your success.   To schedule your free consultation please click below or call (212) 759-8118.