24 Heart-Healthy Dinners in 30 Minutes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best dinner for a heart patient? ›

Make a salad for dinner (or pack it for lunch) with mixed greens, beans, any vegetables you have and a sprinkle of unsalted sunflower seeds. Microwave a sweet potato and puree it with beans and low-sodium chicken broth for a satisfying soup.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , the following foods are the best for your heart: Vegetables: such as leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots. Fruits: such as apples, bananas, and oranges. Whole grains: such as plain oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread or tortillas.

“In general, I recommend oatmeal as the best option.” He advises a small cup of oatmeal made with water, not milk or butter, and loaded high with berries, plus additional heart-healthy ingredients such as ground flax seed or a few walnuts.

Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function. Adding fiber-rich foods to meals is also key to keeping off belly fat.

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood.

One of the main fats in peanut butter is oleic acid. When substituted for other fats in your diet, oleic acid helps maintain good cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Managing these levels in your body can lower the risk of heart disease.

Heart-Healthy Diet Guidelines

Make vegetables, fruits, and whole grains the focus of your diet. Include fish, legumes (beans), and nuts in your diet and use nontropical vegetable oils (such as olive or canola oil). Limit intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red or processed meats.

Are potatoes heart-healthy? ›

As long as they're not deep-fried, potatoes can be good for your heart. They're rich in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, and they're high in fiber, which can lower the risk for heart disease. "They are definitely not a junk food or refined carbohydrate," said Graf.

The plan should include plenty of lean protein, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit high-fat foods such as red meat, cheese and baked goods. Also limit foods that are high in sodium such as sandwiches, pizza, soup and processed foods. Cut back on foods and drinks with added sugar too.

Heart-Healthy Diet Guidelines

Make vegetables, fruits, and whole grains the focus of your diet. Include fish, legumes (beans), and nuts in your diet and use nontropical vegetable oils (such as olive or canola oil). Limit intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red or processed meats.