Do You Really Eat these??

As I was sitting down to enjoy a meal with my family, I couldn't help but think about the importance of making healthy choices when it comes to the food we eat. With heart disease being the leading cause of death globally, it's crucial to pay attention to what we put into our bodies. As I looked at the food on my plate, I wondered how many of the items on it were contributing to my risk of heart disease.

That's when I decided to research and compile a list of 14 foods that should be avoided for a healthy heart. By making simple changes to our diets, we can reduce our risk of heart attacks and other heart-related illnesses. From sugary treats to processed meats, it's time to take a closer look at the foods we consume and take control of our heart health.

Fried foods

Reason to avoid: Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and calories, which can increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues.

Foods to avoid:

• French fries
• Fried chicken
• Fried fish
• Fried onion rings
• Fried cheese sticks
• Fried calamari
• Fried donuts
• Fried chips
• Fried tempura
• Fried samosas

Sugary drinks

Reason to avoid: Sugary drinks are loaded with calories and sugar, which can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Drinks to avoid:

• Soda
• Sports drinks
• Energy drinks
• Sweetened iced tea
• Fruit juice
• Lemonade
• Sweetened coffee or tea drinks
• Flavored milk
• Chocolate milk
• Sweetened almond milk

Alcohol

Reason to avoid: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health problems, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and increased risk of cancer.

Types of alcohol to limit or avoid:

• Beer
• Wine
• Liquor
• Cocktails
• Mixers with alcohol (like tonic water or soda)

Red meat

Reason to avoid: Red meat is high in saturated fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health issues.

Types of red meat to limit or avoid:

• Beef
• Lamb
• Pork
• Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs

Margarine

Reason to avoid: Margarine is often made with hydrogenated oils, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Types of margarine to avoid:

• Stick margarine
• Tub margarine
• Margarine with hydrogenated oils

White Bread

Reason to avoid: White bread is made with refined flour and often contains added sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Types of white bread to avoid:

• Regular white bread
• Wonder Bread
• White sandwich bread
• White bagels
• White English muffins

Processed Cheese

Reason to avoid: Processed cheese is high in sodium and contains additives, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Types of processed cheese to avoid:

• American cheese
• Cheese slices
• Cheese spreads
• Cheese dip
• Cheese sauce

Candy

Reason to avoid: Candy is high in added sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Types of candy to avoid:

• Hard candy
• Chewy candy
• Candy bars
• Candy with caramel or nougat
• Candy with added fillings or coatings

Commercially Baked Goods

Reason to avoid: Commercially baked goods like pastries and cakes often contain a high amount of added sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined flour, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Foods to avoid:

• Donuts
• Croissants
• Muffins
• Cake
• Pies

Canned Soup

Reason to avoid: Canned soup often contains a high amount of sodium and preservatives, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other health problems.

Soups to avoid:

• Chicken noodle soup
• Tomato soup
• Cream-based soups
• Canned chili
• Canned beef stew

Ice Cream

Reason to avoid: Ice cream is high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Types of ice cream to avoid:

• Regular ice cream
• Premium ice cream
• Ice cream with added candy or sugary mix-ins
• Frozen yogurt with added sugar or high-calorie toppings
• Ice cream novelties

High-sodium foods:

Can increase your blood pressure and put you at risk for heart disease and stroke

Examples: canned soups, frozen meals, processed meats, pickles, soy sauce, bread, cheese, snack foods like pretzels and chips, fast food items like burgers and fries

Refined grains:

Stripped of their fiber and nutrients, leaving only simple carbohydrates that can spike your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes

Examples: white bread, white rice, pasta made with white flour, crackers, cookies, muffins, cakes, pastries, cereal made with refined grains

Full-fat dairy:

High in saturated fats, which can increase your levels of bad cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke

Examples: whole milk, cream, cheese, butter, ice cream, sour cream, yogurt with added sugars, cream cheese