Cardiac Diet Food List

A cardiac diet is a heart-healthy diet, and may be prescribed for individuals that are at imminent risk of a heart attack and/or who exhibit signs and symptoms of heart disease. However, this therapeutic diet is a healthy eating plan for anyone, even those without heart disease. It may be followed as part of a preventative management program, and is low in total fat and sodium, and rich in dietary fiber.

Lean Proteins and Dairy

Protein-rich foods recommended on a cardiac diet, according to the National Institutes of Health, include egg whites and egg substitutes; skinless poultry; fish, especially fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids; lean pork, such as tenderloin; extra-lean ground beef, such as ground sirloin or ground round; ground chicken or turkey breast; and soy products such as tempeh, tofu and veggie burgers. Limit red meat to 3 to 4 servings per week and consume fish at least twice weekly.

Because the fat in animal products, including dairy products, is saturated, choose 1 percent fat or nonfat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. Regular cheeses are restricted on a cardiac diet because they are high in saturated fat and sodium. However, cheeses which provide 3 g fat or less per 100-calorie serving, such as part-skim mozzarella, ricotta or those labeled "low-fat" may be allowed in moderation.

Grains

Naturally low-fat, fiber-rich grains, cereals and starchy foods are recommended for a cardiac diet, according to the Mayo Clinic heart-healthy diet guidelines. Examples of fiber-rich whole grains include whole-wheat pasta, oats, quinoa, barley, air-popped popcorn, brown or wild rice, whole-wheat rolls, bread or buns; as well as pita bread and flour or corn tortillas. Whole grains and legumes provide the most fiber in one's diet. Most ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are a heart-healthy choice, with the exception of high-fat granola and cereals that include coconut. Read labels and aim to consume at least 25 g dietary fiber daily.

Fruits and Vegetables

Choose from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily on a cardiac diet. All varieties of fruits, including dried, fresh, frozen and canned are allowed. Avoid coconut as it is high in saturated fat. Even though avocado is high in fat; it contains mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and may be eaten in moderation. Vegetables, including fresh and frozen, are recommended. Avoid canned vegetables as they are highly processed and often high in sodium.

Starchy beans, such as kidney, black, navy, white or pinto beans are recommended for a cardiac diet as they are high in protein and dietary fiber but very low in fat. Other starchy vegetables, without creamy sauces or butter, are appropriate, and include sweet or white potatoes, peas, squash and corn.

Fats, Oils and Condiments

The American Heart Association recommends limiting fats and oils on a cardiac diet, as well as dietary cholesterol. Limit fat intake to 30 percent of calories or less. On a 2,000-calorie diet, that calculates to approximately 65 g of fat. Seven percent or fewer of total calories should come from saturated fat. Saturated fat is found in tropical oils, butter and shortening; fatty meats and dairy products as well as many desserts. Avoid trans fats completely. These are listed on the Nutrition Facts panel, and found in mainly processed foods and bakery items. Most of the fat on a cardiac diet should come from foods such as unsalted nuts and seeds, avocados, olives and olive oil, trans fat-free tub spreads made from vegetable oils and canola oil.

The cardiac diet is a sodium-controlled diet. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, most Americans consume far too much sodium. Try to limit sodium to 2,300 mg, which is the equivalent of 1 tsp. Avoid salty condiments such as commercially prepared salad dressings, barbecue sauces, ketchup and soy sauce. Choose lower sodium alternatives whenever possible and cook with herbs and spices instead of salt.