Losing weight can help your heart.

Diet

Your body produces about 80% of your cholesterol. The other 20% comes from the food you eat.

Change Your Diet by Keeping It Simple

Changes to your diet may not be enough to get you to your cholesterol goal. But, healthy changes to your diet can help you lose weight. And losing weight can help your heart.

If you are overweight or obese, you're not alone. Nearly two-thirds* of American adults are overweight or obese. But being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease. It puts a great deal of pressure on your heart. It can damage your arteries.

Changing your diet is one way to manage your weight. Begin with small changes that will give you some "quick wins." Here are some simple things you can start doing today:

  • Read food labels to help you make good choices
  • Drink no more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day
  • Limit your food portions. One "serving" may be less than you think
  • Choose nonfat or low-fat dairy products
  • Reduce your use of salt and avoid salty foods. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure

Talk to other people and find out what's worked for them. Talk to your doctor before starting any diet plan.

daily caloric needs

*Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Adults: United States, 2003-2004. CDC Web site. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/overweight/overwght_adult_03.htm. Accessed June 30, 2007.

Reference:

  1. Duffy RL. American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2002.
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