Table 3.

AHA diet and lifestyle recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk reduction (adapted from Lichtenstein AH et al.⁹).

• Balance calorie intake and physical activity to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight.

• Consume a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

• Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods.

• Consume fish, especially oily fish, at least twice a week.

• Limit your intake of saturated fat to <7% of energy, trans-fat to <1% of energy, and cholesterol to <300 mg/day by choosing lean meats and vegetable alternatives; selecting fat-free (skin), 1%-fat, and low-fat dairy products; and minimizing intake of partially hydrogenated fats.

• Minimize your intake of beverages and foods with added sugars.

• Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt.

• If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation.

Notes: When you eat food that is prepared outside of the home, follow the AHA Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations.