A cardiac diet is a heart-healthy diet to prevent the development or progression of risk factors associated with heart disease. This diet is generally low in fat, sodium and cholesterol, and high in fiber. A physician or registered dietitian can help you develop a diet plan customized to meet your specific nutrient needs.
Cooking Techniques
Because low-fat foods are an integral part of the cardiac diet, choosing or preparing foods in a heart-healthy manner is an important part of the diet. Instead of frying foods, try baking them or "oven-frying," which uses little fat. Other appropriate forms of low-fat cooking include grilling, broiling and steaming.
Seasoning Food
In addition to choosing foods that are salt-free or low in sodium, properly seasoning them can also affect the sodium content. Avoid table salt and seasoning salts. In addition, soy sauce and many bottled sauces are high in sodium. Instead, use sodium-free seasonings and spice mixes. Also, fresh or dried herbs are a healthy way to infuse flavor without adding extra salt. Try basil or oregano on chicken, garlic powder or rosemary on beef and dill or lemon juice on fish. In addition to avoiding foods seasoned with salt, also avoid foods seasoned with fats, such as vegetables and soups cooked with bacon, fatback or ham hocks.
Snacks and Condiments
Many food manufacturers offer reduced-sodium versions of their snacks. Because this means it has 25 percent less sodium, these are better options than the original but may still contain high levels of sodium. Air-popped popcorn, fresh fruits and vegetables, unsalted nuts and ice pops are healthy snacks to keep on hand. Condiments, such as butter, mayonnaise and high-fat dressings can turn an otherwise healthy food into something less healthy. Instead of sour cream on your baked potato, try a dollop of fat-free plain yogurt. Instead of creamy salad dressings, try a light vinaigrette. Look for heart-healthy buttery spreads or olive oil in place of butter.
Dining Out
Although dining out allows you less control over the foods you eat, following a few tips can help you make the right choices. Avoid foods with the words "crispy," "creamy" or "buttery" as these foods are generally high in fat. Instead, order foods that have been baked, grilled or broiled and ask for your vegetables to be prepared without added salt or fat. If the restaurant has one, pick from the lighter fare section of the menu. Most restaurants will accommodate substitution requests, such as a plain baked potato in place of french fries or a plain dinner roll instead of garlic bread. Ask for a light dressing on the side of your salad so you can control how much is added. At Chinese restaurants, ask for your food to be prepared without monosodium glutamate, often called MSG, which is a source of sodium. Lastly, if the meal is large, only eat half. Ask for a to-go box at the start of the meal and divide it before you start eating to reduce the temptation of finishing it all in one sitting.
