2021 The American Heart Association Dietary Guidance

 

Poor diet quality is strongly associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.

Evidence-based dietary pattern guidance to promote cardiometabolic health includes the following:

(1) Adjust energy intake and expenditure to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight;

(2) Eat plenty and a variety of fruits and vegetables;

(3) Choose whole grain foods and products;

(4) Choose healthy sources of protein (mostly plants; regular intake of fish and seafood; low-fat or fat-free dairy products; and if meat or poultry is desired, choose lean cuts and unprocessed forms);

(5) Use liquid plant oils rather than tropical oils and partially hydrogenated fats;

(6) Choose minimally processed foods instead of ultra-processed foods;

(7) Minimize the intake of beverages and foods with added sugars;

(8) Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt;

(9) If you do not drink alcohol, do not start; if you choose to drink alcohol, limit intake.

Adhere to this guidance regardless of where food is prepared or consumed.