Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Healthy Eating: Eating Heart-Healthy Foods

Table of Contents


Overview

Heart-healthy eating means eating food that can help lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

You eat lots of heart-healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. You limit foods that are not so good for your heart, like sodium, alcohol, and sugar. You also balance the calories you eat with your physical activity to stay at a healthy weight.

There are a few heart-healthy eating plans. They include the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet.


How to eat a heart-healthy diet

Watch your portions

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Limit saturated fat

Eat foods high in fiber

Limit salt and sodium

Limit sugar

Limit alcohol

How can you get started?

Start with small changes. Make one or two changes at a time. As soon as you are used to those, make another one or two changes. Over time, making a number of small changes can add up and make a big difference in your health.

Here are some ideas about how to get started.

It may take some time to get used to new tastes and habits, but don't give up. Keep in mind the good things you are doing for your heart and your overall health.


Credits for Healthy Eating: Eating Heart-Healthy Foods

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.