1. Post Heart Attack Diet
The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet, or TLC, is typically recommended by doctors after a person has suffered a heart attack or has been diagnosed with heart disease. It is a low cholesterol diet that also is low in fat. The diet is meant to reduce blood cholesterol and prevent any more heart problems. While the TLC diet is a healthy eating plan for anyone looking for a guide to maximum health, the ultimate goal is not to aid in weight loss. Most people who follow the TLC plan, however, will experience weight loss if they are carrying around extra pounds.
2. Lowering Cholesterol
On the TLC diet, you will learn to recognize saturated fats. No more than 7 percent of your daily intake can be from this source, while about 30 percent of the day's calories can be from all fats. Saturated fats raise the bad cholesterol, called LDL. It is mainly found in fatty cuts of meat, poultry skin and whole dairy products, as well as many oils. By eating less meat all together, you will also eliminate the extra cholesterol that your fragile body doesn't need.
3. Leave the Salt on the Table
Sodium intake is monitored heavily for people with high blood pressure, hypertension and heart disease. The TLC diet advises you to keep you sodium intake under 2400mg a day. You'll find most of that amount of sodium already present in restaurant or prepared foods, which make up a good part of a typical American diet. You do not have to stop eating out and you can still eat food that's canned or frozen. Just read the labels for especially high sodium levels and take the salt shaker off the table altogether.
4. Calorie Counting
By watching fat, cholesterol and salt intake, you will naturally reduce caloric intake. By following these saturated fat rules, you will realize the biggest effect on your weight. You really won't have to count calories so much on the TLC diet, because a healthy level happens almost effortlessly. You do want to eat enough calories to maintain a healthy weight, however. Your ideal weight is an individual number that and you should rely on your doctor for advice, and not some arbitrary chart.
5. Additional Help
Exercise will aid in the reparation of a damaged heart by increasing circulation and clearing out clogged arteries. Most heart patients are given a regimen to follow along with the TLC diet. The amount and level of exercise is determined by your current physical condition and should be increased, as you get better. Drugs are the last resort. If your LDL cholesterol levels are not reduced by diet and exercise, then you may need to take some medication for a while to help it along.
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