Cardiac Rehab Diet

A well balanced diet is essential, especially if you are recovering from heart surgery. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cardiac problems should learn to eat a diet that is rich in nutrients and low in fat. Eating a cardiac rehab diet will make you feel much better and will help you live a longer life. It will be challenging to learn new ways of cooking and eating, but you will get the hang of it soon. You just have to learn a few different habits when it comes to grocery shopping and cooking your foods.

Watch Fat in Your Diet

It is critical that the cardiac patient stays away from foods high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. These foods are the enemy of a good heart. Saturated fats raise the level of cholesterol in your blood, thereby raising the risk of heart disease and stroke. The majority of saturated fats come from animal foods, such as fatty beef, pork, lamb, poultry with skin, lard, cream, butter and whole milk products. These foods contain cholesterol, too. Many baked and fried foods contain saturated fat, as well. The American Heart Association limits the intake of saturated fats to 7 percent of your total calories. Trans fats are also very dangerous for your heart. French fries, doughnuts, piecrusts, biscuits, cookies, crackers, stick margarines and shortenings are some foods that contain trans fats.

Fruits And Vegetables

A cardiac rehab diet will include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and are high in fiber.A diet high in soluble fibers, which is found in fruits and vegetables, actually helps lower your cholesterol and will reduce the risk of heart disease. Keep cauliflower, carrots and broccoli cut up and ready to eat at all times. This will make it easier for you to eat healthy. Instead of grabbing the meat and cheese from the refrigerator, grab that container of fresh vegetables. Choose food that contains vegetables as the main ingredient for your meals, like stir-fry or a chef salad. Make sure you do not heap butter or high-fat sauces on your vegetables. Eat an apple or a peach for dessert or snack.

Protein is a Must

Protein is another important part of a heart healthy diet. When choosing your meats, make sure they are high in protein and low in fat. Choose prime cuts of beef instead of fatty cuts. Include legumes, peas and beans because they are a high source of protein and do not contain cholesterol. Fish is another great source of protein. Cod, tuna and halibut have little fat in them. Eating a diet that is beneficial to your heart health will take dedication and practice, but it is an attainable goal.