Nutrition

Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is an important part of maintaining a healthy heart. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains can help you reduce your risk for heart disease.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition

Want to know the amount of each food group you need daily? The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a customized food guide based on your age, gender, weight and level of physical activity.

The Importance of Weight Management

Did you know that over 130 million American adults are overweight or obese? If you have a body mass index (BMI) that is 25 or higher, you are considered to be overweight, and if your BMI is 30 or greater, you are obese. People who are overweight and obese have a greater chance of developing heart disease, because excess weight puts more of a strain on your heart.

Obesity can cause a number of other health-related problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and stroke. One of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease and other related problems is to lose weight.

Losing Weight: Getting Started

Before you get started, you should set realistic goals, plan for setbacks and decide how to get back on track.

It is a good idea to meet with a registered dietitian to create an eating plan that is right for you. For more information about outpatient dietitian counseling, please call (214) 820-0606.
It is never wise to follow fad diets, go without eating or try to lose weight too quickly.
The most successful people understand that they must make changes over time, and they try not to get discouraged by setbacks.
Please consult your health care provider before making significant changes in your diet.