Interesting stuff Louie. I've severely cut fat and upped the amount of fish in my diet and cut out a lot of salt, which I think are the most important (in my case) changes besides an overall huge cut in caloric intake in general. I have redeveloped my taste for fresh fruit, whole grain and salad/veggies too.

I do believe that my heart health leans heavily on the exercise side of the coin. Diet + exercise is crucial for me. One without the other tends towards dysfunction in my case. I have no actual data to base this on, only my own sense of my health, though via the combination of the two (diet and exercise) my blood pressure has reduced to well within normal range, and my cholesterol/triglyceride #'s have changed significantly for the better.

Hey Steve,

I agree with you I also believe exercise and diet has a huge role in my heart health, as well as stress management.

I've actually have tried all of the above mentioned diets with success in numbers, weight, and overall health. But I am actually feeling my best and also my leanest with a paleolithic type of diet. It is basically lean meats, lots of veggies, some fruits, and healthy fats(tree nuts, avocado's,etc... and try to eliminate processed foods.

Thanks for the comment!
Louie

My diet it is simply to formulate .... minimal intake of cholesterol and salt.

Later on, after seen that many heart patient develops diabetes, I also try to reduce sugar intake.

The main problem is that there are many many aliments with cholesterol .... including most of bakery items (except bread) and all ice creams and full eggs and all cephalopodes (very common in Spain)... and lamb and pork ....

Jesus

Hey Louie,

I read the studies you referred us to. Sort of discouraging, in that many of them don't really support the principles we've come to believe in. Although, if I concentrated correctly while I read them, it sounds like there IS some evidence for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as for fish with Omega 3's (is that what other people interpreted, or not?)

I have certainly noticed, as we've spent time with each other, that we heart patients have a wide variety of interpretations of what is heart healthy eating. Well, no wonder, given the confusing research!

I feel confident about what I'm doing, nutrition-wise. I feel that my blood test results are giving me good feedback- total cholesterol = 135, HDL = 63, LDL = 35, on 10mg of Lipitor. My BP is running low (as it did before my MI, which is both encouraging and yet . . . .?).

I try to eat increased fruits, veggies, whole grains, brown rice, plenty of fish, lowfat meats, fresh herbs, and MUFA's, like avocados and walnuts. I limit saturated fats (therefore much less dairy products than before, except nonfat yogurt, fat-free milk, a LITTLE BIT of low fat cheese) and allow NO trans fats (to do so, can't eat processed foods, except for brands like Kashi, that don't have hydrogenated oils, unlike brands like Nabisco and most grocery store brands that DO have trans fats- look for hydrogenated oils on the label!). I do eat some seafood that contains cholesterol, because it is high on Omega 3's, like shrimp, every couple of weeks. I do limit the sodium I consume, though it's not my primary focus. I also somewhat limit the total amount of food I consume. I LOVE my diet. I have a DELICIOUS smoothie, with extra fiber in it every morning (see the discussion post about smoothies). I rarely feel deprived. I make my diet VERY, VERY tasty, and I feel very fortunate. It takes somewhat more planning and prep than my diet did before, but it's not that hard to do.

I totally understand why we all have different interpretations of this. It's sort of crazy. I hope we each keep doing the best we can, and that we continue to learn from each other, and support each other in heart healthy eating and living.

Sue,

The cholesterol in see-fruit, like in most animals is on the brain, so you can eat all the shrimps that you want if you discard the heads.

Jesus

Hi Louie

Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease

Changing your eating habits can be tough. Start with these eight strategies to kick-start your way toward a heart-healthy diet.
By Mayo Clinic staff

Although you might know eating certain foods can increase your heart disease risk, it's often tough to change your eating habits. Whether you have years of unhealthy eating under your belt or you simply want to fine-tune your diet, here are eight heart-healthy diet tips. Once you know which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit, you'll be on your way toward a heart-healthy diet.

1. Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol

Of the possible changes, limiting how much saturated and trans fats you eat is the most important step you can take to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries, called atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
The American Heart Association offers these guidelines for how much fat and cholesterol to include in a heart-healthy diet:
Type of fat
Recommendation
Saturated fat
Less than 7 percent of your total daily calories
Trans fat
Less than 1 percent of your total daily calories
Cholesterol
Less than 300 milligrams a day for healthy adults; less than 200 milligrams a day for adults with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol or those who are taking cholesterol-lowering medication
The best way to reduce saturated and trans fats in your diet is to limit the amount of solid fats butter, margarine and shortening you add to food when cooking and serving. You can also reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet by trimming fat off your meat or choosing lean meats with less than 10 percent fat.
You can also use low-fat substitutions when possible for a heart-healthy diet. For example, top your baked potato with salsa or low-fat yogurt rather than butter, or use low-sugar fruit spread on your toast instead of margarine.
You may also want to check the food labels of some cookies, crackers and chips. Many of these snacks even those labeled "reduced fat" may be made with oils containing trans fats. One clue that a food has some trans fat in it is the phrase "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredient list.
When you do use fats, choose monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats, found in nuts and seeds, also are good choices for a heart-healthy diet. When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help lower your total blood cholesterol. But moderation is essential. All types of fat are high in calories.
Fats to choose
Fats to limit
Olive oil
Canola oil
Margarine that's free of trans fats
Cholesterol-lowering margarine, such as Benecol, Promise activ or Smart Balance
Butter
Lard
Bacon fat
Gravy
Cream sauce
Nondairy creamers
Hydrogenated margarine and shortening
Cocoa butter, found in chocolate
Coconut, palm, cottonseed and palm-kernel oils

2. Choose low-fat protein sources

Lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and egg whites or egg substitutes are some of your best sources of protein. But be careful to choose lower fat options, such as skim milk rather than whole milk and skinless chicken breasts rather than fried chicken patties.
Fish is another good alternative to high-fat meats. And certain types of fish are heart healthy because they're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. You'll find the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Other sources are flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.
Legumes beans, peas and lentils also are good sources of protein and contain less fat and no cholesterol, making them good substitutes for meat. Substituting soy protein for animal protein for example, a soy burger for a hamburger will reduce your fat and cholesterol intake.
Proteins to choose
Proteins to avoid
Skim or low-fat (1 percent) milk
Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese
Egg whites or egg substitutes
Fish, especially fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon
Skinless poultry
Legumes
Soybeans and soy products, for example, soy burgers and tofu
Lean ground meats
Full-fat milk and other dairy products
Organ meats, such as liver
Egg yolks
Fatty and marbled meats
Spareribs
Cold cuts
Frankfurters, hot dogs and sausages
Bacon
Fried or breaded meats

3. Eat more vegetables and fruits

Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals; they are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Vegetables and fruits also contain substances found in plants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables may help you eat less high-fat foods, such as meat, cheese and snack foods.
Featuring vegetables and fruits in your diet can be easy. Keep vegetables washed and cut in your refrigerator for quick snacks. Keep fruit in a bowl in your kitchen so that you'll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredient, such as vegetable stir-fry or fresh fruit mixed into salads.
Fruits and vegetables to choose
Fruits and vegetables to avoid
Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits
Low-sodium canned vegetables
Canned fruit packed in juice or water
Coconut
Vegetables with creamy sauces
Fried or breaded vegetables
Canned fruit packed in heavy syrup
Frozen fruit with sugar added

4. Select whole grains

Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. You can increase the amount of whole grains in a heart-healthy diet by making simple substitutions for refined grain products.
Another easy way to add whole grains to your diet is ground flaxseed. Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your total blood cholesterol. You can grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor and stir a teaspoon of them into yogurt, applesauce or hot cereal.
Grain products to choose
Grain products to avoid
Whole-wheat flour
Whole-grain bread, preferably 100 percent whole-wheat or 100 percent whole-grain bread
High-fiber cereal with 5 or more grams of fiber a serving
Whole grains such as brown rice, barley and buckwheat (kasha)
Whole-grain pasta
Oatmeal (steel-cut or regular)
Ground flaxseed
White, refined flour
White bread
Muffins
Frozen waffles
Corn bread
Doughnuts
Biscuits
Quick breads
Granola bars
Cakes
Pies
Egg noodles
Buttered popcorn
High-fat snack crackers

5. Reduce the sodium in your food

Eating a lot of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing sodium is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends:
Healthy adults have no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day (about a teaspoon)
People age 51 or older, African-Americans, and people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease have no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day
Although reducing the amount of salt you add to food at the table or while cooking is a good first step, much of the salt you eat comes from canned or processed foods, such as soups and frozen dinners. Eating fresh foods and making your own soups and stews can reduce the amount of salt you eat. If you like the convenience of canned soups and prepared meals, look for ones with reduced sodium.
Another way to reduce the amount of salt you eat is to choose your condiments carefully. Many condiments are available in reduced-sodium versions, and salt substitutes can add flavor to your food with less sodium.
Low-salt items to choose
High-salt items to avoid
Herbs and spices
Salt substitutes
Reduced-salt canned soups or prepared meals
Reduced-salt versions of condiments, such as reduced-salt soy sauce and reduced-salt ketchup
Table salt
Canned soups and prepared foods, such as frozen dinners
Tomato juice
Soy sauce

6. Control your portion size

In addition to knowing which foods to eat, you'll also need to know how much you should eat. Overloading your plate, taking seconds and eating until you feel stuffed can lead to eating more calories, fat and cholesterol than you should. Portions served in restaurants are often more than anyone needs. Keep track of the number of servings you eat and use proper serving sizes to help control your portions.
A serving size is a specific amount of food, defined by common measurements such as cups, ounces or pieces. For example, one serving of pasta is 1/2 cup, or about the size of a hockey puck. A serving of meat, fish or chicken is 2 to 3 ounces, or about the size and thickness of a deck of cards. Judging serving size is a learned skill. You may need to use measuring cups and spoons or a scale until you're comfortable with your judgment.

7. Plan ahead: Create daily menus

You know what foods to feature in your heart-healthy diet and which ones to limit. Now it's time to put your plans into action.
Create daily menus using the six strategies listed above. When selecting foods for each meal and snack, emphasize vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Choose lean protein sources and limit high-fat and salty foods. Watch your portion sizes and add variety to your menu choices. For example, if you have grilled salmon one evening, try a black bean burger the next night. This helps ensure that you'll get all of the nutrients your body needs. Variety also makes your meals and snacks more interesting.

8. Allow yourself an occasional treat

Allow yourself an indulgence every now and then. A candy bar or handful of potato chips won't derail your heart-healthy diet. But don't let it turn into an excuse for giving up on your healthy-eating plan. If overindulgence is the exception, rather than the rule, you'll balance things out over the long term. What's important is that you eat healthy foods most of the time.
Incorporate these eight tips into your life, and you'll continue to find that heart-healthy eating is both doable and enjoyable. With planning and a few simple substitutions, you can eat with your heart in mind.

Rich the Elder