If you think a heart-healthy diet means oatmeal and salads on repeat, think again! There are countless flavorful meals that support cardiovascular health. Cardiologist Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro shares what an average day of eating looks like for her:
General Dietary Guidelines: The Mediterranean Diet
Dr. Di Pietro follows the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing processed foods, red meat, and foods high in sodium or sugar. This diet has been scientifically shown to support cardiovascular health and reduce heart-related events.
A Typical Day of Eating for Dr. Di Pietro:
Breakfast: Dr. Di Pietro usually starts her day with low-fat Greek yogurt with granola or blueberries. Alternatively, she opts for whole grain toast with organic peanut butter and banana. Both options provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which are beneficial for heart health.
Lunch: Her lunch is typically vegan, often a salad packed with fresh produce. Plant-based meals are known to lower cholesterol and inflammation, both key for a healthy heart.
Snack: If she gets hungry between meals, she grabs a piece of fruit like a banana or apple, which is high in fiber and antioxidants.
Dinner: Dinner varies but often includes fish or lean proteins like ground turkey or chicken, accompanied by vegetables. She enjoys using herbs and spices for flavor, reducing the need for added salt. A family favorite is Moroccan tagine.
sources: Parade
General Dietary Guidelines: The Mediterranean Diet
Dr. Di Pietro follows the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing processed foods, red meat, and foods high in sodium or sugar. This diet has been scientifically shown to support cardiovascular health and reduce heart-related events.
A Typical Day of Eating for Dr. Di Pietro:
Breakfast: Dr. Di Pietro usually starts her day with low-fat Greek yogurt with granola or blueberries. Alternatively, she opts for whole grain toast with organic peanut butter and banana. Both options provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which are beneficial for heart health.
Lunch: Her lunch is typically vegan, often a salad packed with fresh produce. Plant-based meals are known to lower cholesterol and inflammation, both key for a healthy heart.
Snack: If she gets hungry between meals, she grabs a piece of fruit like a banana or apple, which is high in fiber and antioxidants.
Dinner: Dinner varies but often includes fish or lean proteins like ground turkey or chicken, accompanied by vegetables. She enjoys using herbs and spices for flavor, reducing the need for added salt. A family favorite is Moroccan tagine.
sources: Parade
If you think a heart-healthy diet means oatmeal and salads on repeat, think again! There are countless flavorful meals that support cardiovascular health. Cardiologist Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro shares what an average day of eating looks like for her:
General Dietary Guidelines: The Mediterranean Diet
Dr. Di Pietro follows the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing processed foods, red meat, and foods high in sodium or sugar. This diet has been scientifically shown to support cardiovascular health and reduce heart-related events.
A Typical Day of Eating for Dr. Di Pietro:
Breakfast: Dr. Di Pietro usually starts her day with low-fat Greek yogurt with granola or blueberries. Alternatively, she opts for whole grain toast with organic peanut butter and banana. Both options provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which are beneficial for heart health.
Lunch: Her lunch is typically vegan, often a salad packed with fresh produce. Plant-based meals are known to lower cholesterol and inflammation, both key for a healthy heart.
Snack: If she gets hungry between meals, she grabs a piece of fruit like a banana or apple, which is high in fiber and antioxidants.
Dinner: Dinner varies but often includes fish or lean proteins like ground turkey or chicken, accompanied by vegetables. She enjoys using herbs and spices for flavor, reducing the need for added salt. A family favorite is Moroccan tagine.
sources: Parade
