The CSIRO Healthy Heart Diet was developed by, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, which is Australia's national science agency. The diet is intended to provide thorough meal planning guidance to promote cardiovascular care and for the prevention of risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.
Recommended Foods
The CSIRO Healthy Heart Diet offers both high protein and high carbohydrate eating plans. Foods such as beans and cereals are recommended for their high content of soluble fiber which can help reduce cholesterol. Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, are an excellent source of low-fat protein. Pairing these meats with fresh fruits and vegetables will create well-balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
Food Restrictions
The CSIRO Healthy Heart Diet is designed to improve heart health by targeting cholesterol levels and reducing body weight. Items with high amounts of saturated or trans fats should be replaced with low-fat or healthy fat substitutions. For example, fried foods or snack foods prepared in saturated fats or lard should be avoided. Indulgence foods, such as sweets that add empty calories to your diet should also be avoided.
Additional Program Details
The CSIRO Healthy Heart Diet also encourages participants to engage in a 12-week program designed to improve heart health and reduce body weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The program offers approximately 100 recipes and structured checklists for both shopping and logging diet progress. In addition, the book contains an exercise plan designed to promote cardiovascular health and encourage weight loss.
Expert Tips
As with any diet, individuals considering the CSIRO Healthy Heart Diet program should consult a physician prior to starting the plan. Your doctor can help you set healthy and realistic weight loss goals. Consulting a physician will also help you identify and manage any health risks related to diet and exercise.
