The federal government and the American Heart
Association are among the organizations that provide
recommendations for a healthy lifestyle.
The recommendations
frequently parallel those of the healthy heart diet,
a plan that emphasizes the consumption of less fat, less
cholesterol, and less sodium. There is also agreement that
diets should include fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables,
and whole-grain products.
Guidelines also focus on the importance of regular
physical activity to prevent or lower the risk of
conditions like heart disease. Generally, people are
advised to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of
the week.
While some recommendations are designed
for healthy people, the guidelines also apply to a
healthy heart diet. There may be more specific instructions
in plans to lower cholesterol levels.
DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS 2005.
Nutrition
and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
defines a healthy eating plan as one that:
-Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatfree
or low-fat milk and milk products.
-Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and
nuts.
-Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt,
and added sugars.
-The total fat intake should be between 20% to 35%
of the daily calories consumed.
People can create a diet with those foods by using
online tools like the USDA’s MyPyramid Plan and
calculators on theNHBLI pages for the Heart Healthy
and TLC diets.
Someone Internet sites produce an
individualized plan with specific calorie amounts, recommended
foods, serving portions, and a system to
track physical activity.
Read more...
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION 2006 DIET ANDLIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE NHBLI HEART HEALTHY DIET.
THE TLC DIET.
