Lower your blood pressure with the DASH diet. It stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, but it’s an ideal eating style for everybody. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked it the best and healthiest diet plan. These are some suggestions for how to get started.
Eating On The DASH Diet
1. Make a calorie plan.
The DASH diet is based on a recommended number of servings from various food groups. Once you determine how many calories you need to consume, it’s easy to plan your meals and snacks around any foods you prefer.
2. Reduce your salt intake.
There are two versions of DASH allowing 2,400 or 1,500 milligrams of salt. If you’re over 50 or have certain medical conditions, you may need to use the lower limit. In any case, try to eat less processed food and experiment with other seasonings like herbs, vinegar and lemon.
3. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
4. Switch to low fat dairy products.
Most people will need to increase their daily servings of produce and whole grains. These fiber rich foods will help you feel full and supply important nutrients your body needs.
Look for skim milk or low fat milk when you’re grocery shopping. Buy nonfat or low fat yogurt. If you’re lactose intolerant, you may want to try dairy alternatives or other lactose-free products.
5. Cut back on red meat.
Get your protein from leaner sources like fish. Eat more beans and other vegetarian dishes. When you do eat meat, watch the portion sizes. A 3 ounce serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.
6. Limit your sugar intake.
7. Focus on healthy fats.
Sugar is high in empty calories. Drink water instead of soda. Eat fruit for dessert and snack on brown rice cakes.
Cutting back on processed foods will also help you avoid trans fats that increase the risk of heart disease. Opt for healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive or canola oil.
8. Make gradual changes.
Suddenly eating more whole foods can cause bloating and diarrhea. Give your body time to adapt by introducing them into your diet step by step. Add an extra helping of vegetables to one meal a day. Substitute whole grain breads for your usual breakfast pastry.
9. Learn new recipes.
You can still enjoy delicious foods. Visit your local library or take a cooking class on how to prepare seasonal produce and other fresh ingredients.
10. Get a free guidebook.
The DASH diet was created in part by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Their website offers free guidebooks that will help you design your individual plan and track your progress.
Other Lifestyle Suggestions
1. Take medication as directed. Hypertension can cause heart and kidney disease. Continue taking any medication your doctor prescribes for high blood pressure and talk with your doctor about how to get the most out of the DASH diet.
2. Lose weight. Losing excess weight will help you lower your blood pressure. Your doctor can advise you on how to lose weight gradually and safely.
3. Exercise regularly. Engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. If you’re trying to lose weight, increase that to 60 minutes daily. Find activities you enjoy so you’ll stick with your program.
4. Consume alcohol in moderation. You can drink alcohol on the DASH diet. Most experts agree that safe consumption levels are one drink a day for women and two for men.
Get fit by following the DASH diet. If you have high blood pressure, it will help you manage your condition. Even if your blood pressure is normal, it’s a healthy way to live.