Cardiac Rehab-Nutrition

For patients enrolled currently in cardiac rehab at UMASS Memorial Medical Center, we offer regular nutrition education classes, grocery store tours, and cooking classes.  Please click on the following links for more information.  In addition, you will find quizzes and stress management information to enhance your knowledge about managing your cardiovascular health, including a check-list for prior cardiac rehab participants to assess your progress. 

Cardiac Rehab Nutrition Education Classes 

Cardiac Rehab Shopping Tours 

Heart Smart Quizzes 

Stress Management 

                                       Are You Still on Track?

* Are you eating less than 40 grams of sugar per day (20-30 grams if you are diabetic)?

* Are you getting 25-30 grams of fiber per day in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains (50 grams if you are  

  diabetic)?

* Are you limiting your sodium intake to 2000 milligrams per day or less?

* With your doctor’s approval, are you exercising for 30 minutes most days of the week at a moderate

   pace?

* Are you keeping your follow-up visits with your PCP, cardiology and any other specialists?

* Have you noticed any weight changes compared to what you weighed in cardiac rehab?

* Are you choosing low-fat/fat-free dairy products?

* Are you eating sources of omega-3 fats such as fatty fish (sardines, salmon, tuna), flax seed, walnuts, and

   green leafy veggies or are you still taking your fish oil/omega-3 supplements?

* Are you eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day?

* Are you checking ingredient lists for the presence of any hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils?

* Are you limiting refined grains and choosing bread with 2 grams of fiber or more per serving?  Cereal 5 grams

   or more?  Pasta 4 grams or more?

* Are you limiting your servings of whole eggs to no more than 3 per week?

* Are you eating less than 15 grams of saturated fat per day?

* Do you limit red meat, hamburger, lamb and pork to once per week?   Are you choosing leaner cuts such as

   pork loin, beef loin, etc.?

* Do you include beans and nuts in your diet regularly?

* Are you taking your medication regularly?

* Do you know your cholesterol level and blood pressure?