I spent months researching these "healthy foods" that ended up being food faux pas... BOO! BOO! Don't waste your time. I went through the time and pain so you don't have to waste your time! Follow these instructions to start your heart health research!
Vegan or Vegetarian Packaging
I thought vegan or vegetarian food was deemed "healthy" and, therefore, must be "heart healthy". Wrong! I've discovered that a lot of meatless proteins (ex: veggie patties or vegan cheeses) often put MORE salt in their products to make up for the lack of meat. Vegan and vegetarian food is healthy for other reasons but please avoid these at the supermarket if you're looking to improve your heart health.
Pure Salt Substitutes
Can we all say "Ew"? Have you ever tasted salt substitutes like potassium chloride? Barf. In addition, Potassium Chloride could interfere with many heart medications! Stay away. Instead, choose natural alternatives. I wish I didn't spend all that money on potassium chloride products! To see to full scope of my carefully researched salt alternatives, please check out my post about salt substitutions!
Fast Food (Forget It)
Hey! I love fast food too. But forget about trying to research which one is the "heart-healthiest". There is too much of the "big bad 3" (sodium, cholesterol, and fat) to even count. But there is still hope yet. I am always making my dad burgers and fries. Follow my recipes.
Korean Bison-Mushroom Burger (TO DIE FOR)
Frozen Meals/ TV Dinners
It's not a hard and fast rule, but most frozen meals you'd find at Safeway or Albertsons in the frozen food aisle will have high sodium. Why? The taste of food degrades after it's been frozen during the freezing process. To compensate, most frozen meal companies will add more salt to enhance the "flavor." Or they will add salt as a preservative to prolong the shelf life. I'd rather save the sodium to enhance fresh foods if I can!
Footnotes/Disclosures
*The nutritional information provided in recipes on this website are estimates and is for informational purposes only. Actual nutrition facts may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, as well as the portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist. Thank you for understanding!
** Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services that I have personally used and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for supporting Healthy Heart Foodie!
*** This article was written from the perspective of my own experience with my dad. My dad suffered from heart failure and coronary artery disease requiring bypass surgery. If you suffer from other medical conditions such as diabetes, there may be other considerations.
**** I am not a health-care professional and the information in this website is not meant to be medical advice. Please consult your doctor for medical guidance.
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