10 Habits of Highly Heart Healthy People

Sometimes the difference between having a healthy heart, and one that's not is as simple as small lifestyle and diet habits. With the variety of foods we have at our fingertips, it's definitely possible to enjoy delicious, satisfying foods that also contribute to heart health.

Adopt these 10 simple habits to help you make your diet both satisfying and healthy:

• Always read food labels and look for products that are lower in saturated fat and have no trans fat. Also, remember that if you eat double the amount of the specified serving size, you have to double the calories and nutrients.
• Eat a variety of fish at least twice a week — especially oily fish which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. They contain high levels of mercury.
• Increase consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Include beans, peas, and lentils in soups, salads and main dishes.
• Choose vegetable oils and products made using vegetable oils like olive oil, soybean oil and canola oil.
• Instead of using butter, opt for soft margarine spreads with no trans fat, like Promise®.
• Choose low-fat dairy products and limit the use of butter.
• Reduce consumption of fatty meats and full-fat dairy products.
• Decrease intake of high-cholesterol foods, like liver, organ meats, and egg yolks.
• Consult a registered dietitian (R.D.) to help you develop a personalized meal plan.



NUTRITION GUIDE ARTICLES
• Fat and Cholesterol 101
• The Omega Connection
• 10 Habits of Highly Heart Healthy People
• All About Plant Sterols
RELATED ARTICLES
• Seven Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle
• Simple Swaps
• Stocking a Heart Healthy Kitchen

Promise® SuperShots® for cholesterol and Spreads
Foods containing at least 0.4g per serving of plant sterols eaten twice a day with meals for a total daily intake of at least 0.8 g, as part of a low saturated fat, low trans fat and low cholesterol diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of Promise® SuperShots® provides 2.0g plant sterols. A serving of Promise activ® Spreads provides 1.0g plant sterols.

Promise® SuperShots® for blood pressure is a good source of potassium and low in sodium. Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke

Promise® Buttery Spreads
Promise® Buttery Spread can help maintain a healthy heart when eaten instead of butter or margarine, as part of a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Promise® Buttery Spread contains 8g total fat and 1.5g saturated fat per serving. It can be used in the preparation of heart healthy recipes when substituted for butter or margarine.

The Promise® website is intended to provide general information for healthy people. If you have heart disease or related conditions, (such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure) or if you have questions about your heart health or your health in general, please see your doctor.