A cardiac diet is recommended to prevent disease and reduce the risk of further complications in those who have suffered a heart attack or have a history of heart disease. A cardiac diet includes heart-healthy foods that can improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels while helping you attain and maintain optimal body weight.
Cardiac Diet Basics
The cardiac diet emphasizes low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-salt and high-fiber foods. These foods include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, egg whites, lean meats such as chicken, turkey and fish and fat-free and low-fat milk and yogurt.
Foods to avoid or reduce in portion size include high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, which are often high in saturated and trans fats. This includes fast food, fried foods, high-fat meats such as bacon, sausage and steak, cold cuts, cheese, whole milk, ice cream, butter and full-fat salad dressing.
Be aware of portion sizes, drink alcohol in moderation, and include exercise in your daily routine. For well-rounded meals, include a mix of lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
Day 1
For breakfast on Day 1, have plain oatmeal prepared with skim milk and topped with fresh or dried fruit, 1 tbsp. of peanut butter and a dash of cinnamon. For lunch, enjoy a chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and mustard on whole grain bread. For dinner try baked tilapia topped with homemade mango salsa. Serve the fish with brown rice and a small salad with low-fat dressing. For a snack eat mixed vegetables with hummus.
Day 2
Start day 2 with an egg white omelet with tomato, spinach and pepper, a slice of plain, whole grain toast and a glass of skim milk. For lunch have a large salad topped with low-salt beans, 2 tbsp. of avocado, mixed vegetables and low-fat dressing. For dinner, have 4 oz. of roasted chicken seasoned with salt-free spices and served with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables. As a snack have low-fat yogurt with mixed fruit.
Day 3
Start day 3 with a whole grain, high-fiber cereal. Add skim milk, top with sliced banana and blueberries, and serve with 1 cup of orange juice. For lunch, have tuna in a whole grain pita, prepared with reduced-fat mayonnaise, celery, tomato and lettuce, and an apple on the side. Start dinner with a small salad. Saute tofu and mixed vegetables in 2 tbsp. of olive oil and serve over brown rice. For a snack enjoy a granola bar or high-fiber pretzels.
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