Every time you decide what to eat, you either
increase or decrease your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Let that
inspire you to choose triglyceride-friendly meals.
“Changing the diet can have dramatic effects on triglyceride
levels,” says Robert Bonow, MD, former president of the American Heart
Association and professor of Medicine at Northwestern University. In fact, a
healthy diet -- plus exercise and weight loss if you’re overweight -- can cut
your triglyceride levels by 20% to 50%.
The meals below can help lower your triglycerides. You may need to
adjust portion sizes to meet your calorie level.
Breakfasts That Protect Your Heart
Start the day off with healthy decisions. Choose one of these delicious
breakfasts.
Cereal & Berry Bowl
1 cup 1% or skim milk
1/2 cup oatmeal with 1-2 Tbsp of chopped walnuts
Or 1 serving
of cold cereal, with 5 or more grams of fiber and 8 or less grams of sugar
1 cup raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries on top
Egg Sandwich
1 whole egg, 2 egg whites, or 1/4 cup egg substitutes
1 cup or more of diced tomatoes, spinach leaves, minced onion, and
mushrooms
1 tsp trans-fat-free margarine or a small amount of olive oil
2 slices whole wheat toast
1 orange in sections or 1/4 cantaloupe on the
side
Yogurt Parfait
1 cup low-fat or nonfat yogurt
1 cup high-fiber cereal
1 sliced banana, 1 cup mango, or 1 peach
A small handful of almonds on top
Salmon Bagel
1 whole-grain bagel
1 oz sliced smoked salmon
1 Tbsp low-fat or nonfat cream cheese
Capers or fresh dill
1 cup melon cubes with any type of berry on the side
Lunches to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack
Here are some flavorful lunches you can pack, and a few you may
even be able to buy.
Soup & Salad
1 cup vegetable, black bean, or lentil soup (or any low-fat or
vegetarian soup)
5 whole-wheat crackers
2 cups salad made with dark greens, like spinach, mixed greens, or
radicchio
1 cup of any combo of colorful, chopped veggies: broccoli,
carrots, red bell peppers, sugar snap peas, snow peas, tomatoes
1 cup fruits: apples, grapes, kumquats, pears
1 Tbsp salad dressing made with olive oil or canola oil (or nonfat
dressings)
Sandwich With Double Crunch
2 slices whole-wheat bread or 1 hamburger bun
2 oz tuna
1 Tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
Minced onion
Dill pickle relish or sugar-free sweet pickle relish
Top with thin slices of apple or pear for crunch (1 medium piece
of fruit)
Add this crunchy side:
Finger Salad
1 cup veggies like baby carrots, grape tomatoes, and red pepper
strips mixed with fruit such as apple, grapes, or pear (with peel)
Chinese Delight
1 cup veggie stir-fry with 2 oz shrimp, chicken, or tofu (request
olive or vegetable oil)
1/2 cup whole-wheat pasta or rice (brown or wild)
1 cup pineapple chunks
A Friendlier “Burger”
2 oz grilled chicken breast on whole-grain sandwich (with 1 Tbsp
low-fat or nonfat mayo)
1 cup side salad
1 piece of fresh fruit
Chicken Dinner
3 oz skinless grilled or broiled chicken (breast or dark meat)
1 baked sweet potato, served with 1 tsp trans-fat-free margarine
1 cup steamed broccoli with red pepper rings
1/2 cup light ice cream, frozen yogurt, low-fat or nonfat pudding,
with 1 tsp chopped pistachios
Pasta Night
1 cup whole-wheat pasta or spaghetti squash
1 can of Italian diced tomatoes
1 cup or more of sauteed zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms,
peppers, or onions – veggies you like best
Add 3.5 oz. ground turkey breast, tofu, or crumbled meat
substitute
Add basil, oregano, or rosemary, whichever flavor you prefer that
night
1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, dry grated, reduced fat
Wine: 1 glass for women, 2 for men (Skip the alcohol if your
triglycerides are over 200 mg/dL)
Easy Fish
4 oz grilled or sauteed salmon or tuna steaks
Or grilled or broiled shrimp kabobs
1 tsp olive oil
1 cup steamed asparagus with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup wheat couscous with mushroom broth and sliced scallions
1 cup roasted tomatoes
Vegetarian Night for Meat Lovers
1 (8 inch) corn tortillas
1/3 cup refried beans (fat-free or vegetarian)
2 Tbsp salsa
1 oz low-fat or fat-free Mexican cheese
1/2 cup slices of avocado
2 oz crumbled veggie sausage or meat substitute
Beer: 1 glass for women, 2 for men (no alcohol if your triglycerides
are over 200 mg/dL)