Lifestyle Decisions
Questions about Coronary Artery Disease
Diet and Coronary Artery Disease

Eating the Heart–Healthy Way

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, coronary artery disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Because of this and the prevalence of other cardiovascular diseases, manufacturers have begun to target the health–conscious consumer with a number of “heart–healthy” products. From cereals, breads and pastas to veggies and fruits, many products in today’s grocery stores boast the heart–healthy label. And the FDA agrees, citing a heart–healthy diet as one that is well–balanced and nutritious, high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt.

The Food Pyramid

In 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the food guide pyramid of the 1990s with a new program designed to adjust to the active lifestyles of all individuals, taking into account sex, age and activity levels. The new program, MyPyramid, is designed to help individuals make healthy food choices by showing them what categorizing foods and allowing individuals to form meal plans that accommodate their lifestyles.

Grains. Grains or starches include breads, pastas, cereals, rice and starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes. This group provides carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber that your body needs on a daily basis. You should try to incorporate grains into each meal of the day. Examples of a serving of starch include a piece of bread, a small potato or a ½ cup of cooked cereal.

Vegetables. Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fiber and are low in carbohydrates. They include lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, turnip greens and carrots. A serving of vegetables includes 1 cup of salad or a ½ cup of green beans.

Fruits. Fruits provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates. Examples include apples, oranges, pears, grapes, strawberries, raisins, canned fruits and fruit juices. A serving includes a small apple or a ½ cup of juice.

Milk. Milk provides vitamins, minerals, calcium, carbohydrates and protein. Yogurt is also included in this category. An example of a serving is 1 cup of either low fat or fat free yogurt or 1 percent or skim milk.

Meats and Beans. This category provides protein, vitamins and minerals. Examples from this group include meat, poultry, eggs, fish, cheese, beans and tofu. You should eat a small amount from this category daily. Peanut butter and cottage cheese also fall into this group of foods. A serving includes 1 slice (or ounce) of turkey, 1 egg or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.

Oils. The oils category includes the fats and sweets we incorporate into our diets. You should eat sweets sparingly. They can be high in fat, cholesterol and calories and are not as filling as other foods. Limiting the amount of oils in your diet can help keep both your weight and blood glucose levels under control. Bacon, donuts and salad dressings are included in the oils category.

Nutrition Labels

To ensure you are eating a balanced diet, read nutrition labels closely. Try to buy and eat foods that are

  • less than 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.
  • at least 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for fiber, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C and iron.

For more information on food labels, including what manufacturers are required to list by law and how to interpret what you are reading, logon to the FDA and Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s Food Labeling and Nutrition Web site.

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