Many of my clients have cardiovascular conditions. Naturally, they want to learn how to eat a healthy heart diet. Obviously, the food you eat effects the health of your heart. Therefore, it is very important to learn which foods are heart smart and try to include them as a regular part of your diet.
For starters, follow these simple guidelines:
Total fat intake should be less than 30 percent of total calories daily.
Saturated Fats should be less than 10 percent of total calories daily.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake should be no more that 10 percent of total calories daily.
Monounsaturated fatty acids make up the rest of total fat intake, about 10 to 15 percent of total calories daily.
Cholesterol intake should be no more than 300 milligrams per day.
Sodium intake should be no more than 3000 milligrams per day.
Beware of chemicals in your food like caffeine, MSG, and other food additives.
All these will be explained to you in our easy-going sessions and the friendly environment of our counseling. Don't forget that you can enjoy the taste of eating right. Healthy heart foods can be delicious.
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If you are tired of diets (yo-yo dieting) and want to find a permanent solution to your weight problem, you have to first change your mindset. It is your mindset that will determine what you want to look like and how you want to feel today and in the future. This will only be achieved through healthy living and making healthy lifestyle changes.
Change your Mindset. Is your self image fit or fat? If fat is all you see, reaching and maintaining your ideal weight will be a futile struggle. Learn to imagine yourself as slender and energetic. Once the "fit" image dominates your thoughts, it can become a reality.
Eat nutritious Whole Foods. Permanently changing the way you eat to a healthy diet is the best way to reach and maintain optimum weight. Choose fresh produce, low fat protein, 100% whole grains. I will recommend a very good supplement regimen that will respond to the daily requirements of your body and lifestyle.
Focus on Vegetables Most veggies are low in fat and calories and high in healthy fiber that helps fill you up. Start designing meals and snacks around vegetables. Add protein, whole grains and a small amount of olive oil for complete nutrition.
Eliminate High Glycemic Foods. Processed grains, sugar and other simple carbohydrates are one of your biggest enemies. The resulting insulin release causes you to store fat and crave sweets.
I will work with you and show you how to eat low on the glycemic index.
Drink Plenty of Water and Pure Drinks. Water is the perfect calorie-free drink and helps you feel full. For something sweet, add several drops of Stevia (a natural herb sweetener) to lemon water or herbal tea.
Get Moving. Daily exercise and a good lean muscle to fat ratio keeps your metabolism working optimally. It also helps benefit your bones, heart, your whole body and disposition.
Increase Fiber. To lose weight you need to eat fewer calories. Foods with high fiber content will help you feel full longer and provide protection from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Replace bad fats with Good Fats. Trans fatty acids, processed vegetable oils and excess saturated fats add empty calories and are bad for your health. Eat whole grains, seeds, and fatty fish for their beneficial omega-3 FAs and use small amounts of extra virgin, first cold pressed olive oil for cooking and salads.
Listen to your Body. Be your own Best Judge Studies show that most successful people with weight loss find their own way. If a good diet recommends 5 meals a day, but 4 or 6 suits you better, then do what's best for you.
Have a Simple organized Plan. You and I will draw up a plan that works best for you and fits your lifestyle. Once you are satisfied with that plan, stick with it. Find recipes you like. Have healthy foods available at all times. When you go to restaurants, take along your favorite salad dressing and fruit for dessert. Stay on top of your program.
Forgive yourself and Move On. Guilt, self-pity and irritation have no useful purpose. They will get you down. Remember you are building a new “You”. Find the positive points about your life. Remind yourself why you are making these changes. Remember what your goals are. Call me when you hit a rough spot. I am available for phone consults. |