The South Beach Heart Program
Best Bets
The dietary principles used in the South Beach Heart Program are the same as for The South Beach diet weight-loss program. However, certain foods are emphasized for their specific health effects:
For reducing risks associated with LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Nuts and seeds, apples, oat bran, tea, grapefruit, olive oil, canola oil, legumes such as kidney beans, soybeans, lentils
For raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Red wine and other alcoholic beverages, in moderation
For lowering triglycerides
- Cold-water, fatty fish such as salmon, Spanish mackerel, light tuna, and sardines; nuts; whole grains
For lowering blood pressure
- Low-fat dairy products, dark chocolate, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes; red wine in moderation
Nonfood Factors
The program includes regular aerobic exercise and core strengthening, diagnostic testing for things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein, and using medications and supplements as needed in addition to heart-healthy eating principles.
Is This Diet Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yes. The website offers a special meal plan for vegetarians, and although grains are not allowed during the very-low-carbohydrate first phase, high-fiber whole grains can be reintroduced during the second phase, and legumes are always allowed.
Eating Out
The program’s website offers a guide to eating out and ordering healthy anywhere—available with your paid subscription. You will likely need to pass up or make substitutions for some things in your order when dining out. Examples include:
- Request an extra serving of green vegetables in place of the high-glycemic-index mashed potatoes.
- Choose baked chicken instead of breaded and fried chicken to minimize saturated fats.
- Opt for a salad made with apples and walnuts instead of a salad with creamy Caesar dressing.