Panama City, Fla. -
A heart healthy diet includes cutting back on sodium. Experts say processed foods contain a lot of salt. High salt diets can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
The Mediterranean Diet is one way to eat healthier and cut back on the sodium.
Bay Medical Center Dietician Cindy Shipman says the Mediterranean Diet is based on the foods and lifestyle of those that live in the Mediterranean Sea area. She says it's a lifestyle.
"This is a diet that's been around for hundreds of years, and what they've found is that those populations have less chronic disease," explained Shipman.
The diet focuses on eating fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and seafood.
Shipman advises, "Look at your plate. You want your plate to be full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and minimal amounts of meat. Focus on seafood instead."
Shipman goes on to say that the foundation of the Mediterranean Diet is physical activity.
"To be healthy requires more than diet alone. The base of the Mediterranean pyramid is physical activity. It's really about a whole approach to living."
Shipman says you should talk with your doctor about the best type of diet for you, and she says eliminating soft drinks and other sugary drinks is key to healthy living as well.
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