When you are on a 3-day cardiac diet, it is necessary to consume a lot of heart-healthy foods. These foods include fruits, vegetables, and meals with high fiber & Omega-3 fatty acids content.
This article will introduce you to a 3-day cardiac diet. It will help you lose 10 pounds or more in 3 days.
But before then let’s shed more light on some of the foods that make up a cardiac diet. You need to know what to eat on a cardiac diet. It is very paramount!
See the different types of foods allowed in a cardiac diet below:
What Can You Eat on a Cardiac Diet?
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are unquestionably healthy foods. They charge your immune system and provide the necessary nutrients your body needs to function efficiently.
They also help to reduce inflammation.
The awesome fact is that every fruit and vegetable available is good for your body. This is as long you are eating them without using salts and sugars.
You should vary your vegetable intake each day. Also, try to consume more of the non-starchy options (such as potatoes).
Foods such as cauliflower, onion, and mushrooms, are extremely healthy.
Soluble Fiber
You will most likely think of fiber as being good for digestion. Yes, but you should also know that it is also a good component of a heart-healthy diet.
Soluble fiber is great for heart health(1). Consuming soluble fiber can help you lower your body cholesterol level.
Fibre also helps to manage blood sugar levels. You can get fiber in the following foods:
- Oats.
- Ground flaxseed.
- Beans.
- Berries.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fatty fish and also seen in some nuts and seeds. These fats help to reduce blood pressure and drop triglyceride levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce the infliction of plague in the arteries & lower the risk of arrhythmias.
Doctors sometimes prescribe an Omega-3 supplement to patients on heart diet.
You can also consume omega-3 rich foods like Tuna, Salmon, Sardines, Herring, Ground Flaxseed, Walnuts, Hemp Seeds and Chia seeds.
Foods to Avoid During This 3 Day Cardiac Diet
Are you suffering from high blood cholesterol or any other cardiovascular health issues?
There are some foods you will have to avoid to keep your heart healthy.
Rather than focus on foods that are high in cholesterol while on a cardiac diet, reduce or stay away from trans-fats, saturated fats and also foods high in sugar & salt.
1.Trans Fats
It is best for you if you consume zero of trans fats. This is because many studies link them with heart disease.
These types of fats are present in foods such as packaged cakes, packaged cookies, donuts, and muffins.
To maintain a healthy heart diet, you have to choose roasted or foods and drop fried ones.
Also consume red meat once or twice in a week (or less). Basically, reduce or stay off of fatty cuts of red meat and any fried food.
2. Salt
Having too much salt in one’s diet is not good for human cardiovascular health. This is because additional sodium leads to an increase in blood volume in the blood vessels.
This thereby increases blood pressure which then makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body.
Sodium is present in foods such as; cereal, condiments, sauces, and sweets (such as cookies and cakes).
Read Also- 3 Day Diabetic Diet Plan for a Beginner: Type 2 Diabetes Diet and Weight Loss
3. Sugar
Consuming too much sugar leads to higher risk of heart diseases. Sadly, we are all guilty of excess sugar consumption. So we advise that you reduce your intake of sugar.
The American Heart Association recommends that women should not consume more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day, and men not more than 9 teaspoons per day.
You can put an end to your excess sugar intake.
Start by staying off of foods with added sugar, like candy, fruit drinks, soft drinks, cakes, cookies, ice cream, sweetened yogurt, sweetbreads or waffles.
3-Day Cardiac Diet: Lose 10 Pounds or More
Cardiac diet is one of the fad diets that guarantee fast weight loss. Cardiac diets also help to lower the risk of a heart attack or a stroke.
The 3 basic cardiac diet menu plan will help you control are; high cholesterol, imbalanced blood pressure, and increasing body weight.
3-day cardiac diet was designed for people who need to shed weight within a short period of time.
This 3-day cardiac diet plan consists of a cardiac diet plan food list for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 3 days.
The cardiac diet foods included in this diet plan help to boost metabolism. In addition, they also help to detoxify the body. And of course, they help you lose weight.
This 3-day cardiac diet plan makes a place for the consumption of very little salt and pepper for added taste to the food. However, there is no recommendation for any other seasoning.
It as well allows for the consumption of tea and coffee, so far you take them without milk or any other dairy products (i.e – black tea, black coffee).
It is also advisable to drink at least 9 cups of water every day when you are on this 3-day cardiac diet plan.
See the detailed 3-day cardiac diet plan for quick weight loss below:
(Read Also: Military Diet Menu Plan: Lose 10 Pounds in 3 Days)
3-Day Cardiac Diet
DAY 1
Breakfast
- Black Coffee or Tea.
- Dry Toast (a slice).
- Peanut Butter (a tablespoon).
Lunch
- Tuna (½ cup).
- Black Coffee or Tea.
- Dry Toast (a slice) or 1 oz of Cheddar Cheese.
Dinner
- A Cup of String Beans.
- An Apple (small) or Grapefruit.
- A Cup of Carrots or Beets.
- 3 Oz. of any Lean Meat.
- A Cup of Vanilla Ice Cream.
Read: Easy Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipes (5 Best Tasty Choice)
DAY 2
Breakfast
- Black Coffee or Tea.
- A slice of Dry Toast.
- ½ Banana.
- One Egg.
Lunch
- Saltine Crackers (5).
- Black Coffee or Tea.
- A Cup of Cottage Cheese or ½ Cup of Tuna.
Dinner
- A Cup of Cabbage or Broccoli.
- ½ Banana.
- ½ Cup Carrots or Turnip Greens.
- Two Beef Franks.
- One Cup of Vanilla Ice Cream.
DAY 3
Breakfast
- Black Coffee or Tea.
- One Apple (small).
- Saltine Crackers (5).
- One ounce of Cheddar Cheese.
Lunch
- Black Coffee or Tea.
- Dry Toast (One slice).
- One Boiled Egg.
Dinner
- One Cup of Beans or Cauliflower.
- One Cup of Melon.
- ½ Cup of Tuna.
- One Cup of Vanilla Ice Cream ( No sugar or low fat)
[alert-warning] Warning: Due to the restricted calorie intake during this 3-day cardiac diet plan, it is important to stay away from any form of strength exercise. If at all you will be exercising, it should be minimal.[/alert-warning]
Read Also-9 Fastest Ways to Lose Weight: Lose 10 Pounds in Just 7 Days
Within this 3-day diet plan, you can add the following cardiac diet recipes to your meals:
- Lemon (as much as you want)
- A dash of salt or pepper
- Mustard
- Cooking spray
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Splenda
- Sugar-free Gum/Mints.
(Read Also: Easy Boiled Egg Diet to Lose 24 Pounds in 14 Days)
Foods Substitute 3-day Cardiac Diet Plan
You can use the following food as substitutes for the ones in our 3-day cardiac diet plan.
Grapefruit
Instead of Grapefruit, you can take any other piece of fruit in its place. For instance, orange, apple and a half teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water (an hour before eating).
Banana
Try to take 2 apricots, 2 kiwifruits or a cup of papaya.
Read: 9 Healthy Protein Shake Recipes for Weight Loss
Toast
For a toast, you can have 1/8 cup of shelled sunflower seeds, 5 crackers, half of a protein bar, half cup of whole grain cereal.
Hotdogs
You can have ½ cup of lentils/beans, bratwurst and veggie dogs are just as good.
Tuna
Instead of tuna, you can have the same amount of pumpkin seeds, cottage cheese, tofu, two ounces of cooked chicken, or thirty whole almonds.
Nuts
Asides Nutella, any other nut or seed butter is good.
Ice Cream
Instead, you can consume the same amount of frozen or fruity yogurt or flavored milk.
Egg
Instead, you can consume two slices of bacon, a full cup of milk, a chicken wing.
Broccoli
Consume the same amount of cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
Read Also: 30 Day Paleo Diet Plan for Beginners to Lose Weight and Belly Fat Fast
Green Beans
You can consume the same amount of lettuce, spinach or tomatoes.
Carrots
The same amount of beetroot, bell pepper, a small amount of salad or spinach.
Apple
You can also consume pear, grapes, nectarine or plum.
Tea or coffee
Instead, you can have green tea, sugar-free hot chocolate drink (made with water).
Read: Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink Diet for Weight Loss (Colon Cleansing & Flat Belly)
Conclusion
This Cardiac Diet is great for heart patients who probably need to lose weight in a hurry before having surgery. In 3 days you will lose as much as 10 lbs.
But you have to follow the Rules strictly!!
NOTE: do not change the quantity or make substitutions to the diet menu outside the recommended!
Now is your turn to start losing belly pooch with this 3-day cardiac diet plan. What do you have to lose than 10 pounds or more in 3 days?
And don’t forget to leave us a comment and share your thoughts.
Mavin_Malvina
Thanks for this amazing tips… Will recommend this for a neighbor.
Lori
Can you substitute turkey instead of chicken
remediesnews
Hey Lori.Good question. Yes, you can.
Beth
How can hot dogs ever be heart healthy?
remediesnews
Hello Beth. Good question. Sometimes making a healthy choice of meat depend on the quality of the meat, the processing, and the other added ingredients. Brown recommends chicken or turkey hot dogs with less than 150 calories and fewer than 14 grams of fat, with very low or no sodium, is recommended.
Donna
I don’t like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage or brussel sprouts. The rest of the menu looks great. Would there be any other substitutions that would work?
remediesnews
Hello Donna. Thank for stopping by on our site. Well, you can actually substitute them for kale if you like.
Thanks!
C
I don’t see grapefruit in the 3 day plan?…but it has substitutes listed?
remediesnews
Hello C. You can eat any of these fruits in the 3-day plan: grapefruit, apple, and orange.
Julie
How do you proceed on the 4th day and beyond?
remediesnews
Hi Julie. This diet is just for 3 days. By the end of the 3 days, you can start eating your regular healthy foods and exercise more.
Diana Erickson
Instead of tuna, why are you not putting salmon in the diet. It’s rich with amino acids.
remediesnews
Hi Dian. Tuna is the better option because is low in fat and calories, and that was why we added it to this diet. While salmon is better if you are trying to increase your omega-3 intake.
Thanks!
KC
Love this diet because it help to cleanse my body of sugar . I followed the plan exactly but only lost 2 lbs. not discouraged though as I have found new things to eat and I’m not hungry during the day. Maybe I will cut the ic cream serving in half
Merrianne
It’s for three days what about all the tomorrows isn’t this mainly water weight and how often can you do this and get results and keep them ?
remediesnews
Hello Merrianne. This diet is just for 3 days. You can do once in every 2 months. However, note that the best formula for weight loss is to consume fewer calories than you burn, or burn more than you consume to keep off. And you can achieve this by consuming healthy foods and exercising regularly.
Terrie
What about water. Are you suppose to leave it out or can you drink as much as you want?
remediesnews
Hello Terrie. Water is very good for weight loss and detoxification. Drink as much as you can!
Lori Ross
Can you substitute Equal for Splenda?
remediesnews
Hello Lori. Good question. Yes, you can!
Jessica
Me and my mom started this 3 day diet together and by the 3rd morning I had lost 8lbs already. I love this diet because it was quick and didnt require too much stuff I needed to buy. I’m glad it’s only 3 days I can feel a difference in my body and i definitely get full faster now.
remediesnews
Hello Jessica. I’m glad it works for you.
Shari
My husband and I are going to try this. At the moment I’m doing Cardiac Rehab and since we both quit smoking the weight is piling on.
remediesnews
Hello Shari. Give it a try. Thanks!
Michelle
Hey can you add hot sauce to anything?
remediesnews
Hello Michelle. You can add very little hot sauce. However, you have to be very careful when using hot sauce, because it can lead to heartburning if used too much.
Gabriela Castro
Why is ice creem included.. Doesn’ t it have too much sugar?
remediesnews
Hello Castro. For this diet is recommended to take lower in fat and sugar ice cream. Additionally, ice cream provides your body with main nutrients, including bone-strengthening calcium and phosphorus blood-pressure-lowering potassium and energizing B vitamins.
Sylvia
Is this good for dibetics.
remediesnews
Sylvia good question. If you are diabetic, I will say consult your doctor before starting this diet. Thanks
Theresa
Hi what can I have beside the peanut butter, I don’t like it
remediesnews
Good question Theresa. You can substitute Almond Butter for Peanut Butter. Additionally, is rich potassium, vitamin E, calcium, iron, phosphorous and magnesium as well.
Barbara
Can you substitute soy ice cream for regular ice cream?
remediesnews
Hello Barbara. You can use low fat and low sugar “regular ice cream”.
Suzedm
What’s a good substitute for the melon?
remediesnews
Hello Suzedm. You can take any of these melons: cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon. The best one is watermelon because it contains less sodium than the rest.
Jenn
Can I have almond milk in my coffee I don’t like black coffee
remediesnews
Hello Jenn. Unfortunately, you can’t because almond milk has more sodium in it. You can sub.black coffee for tea. Thanks!
laurie whitten
Can I drink tea throughout the day? No sweetner – just black or herbal?
remediesnews
Laurie, yes but make sure you drink a lot of water too.
Denise
the plan calls for beef franks, not turkey or chicken, so which is correct?
remediesnews
Hi Denise, good question. Beef Franks are made 100 percent kosher beef, with no turkey or chicken. Read here how to make kosher beef
Barbara Gibson
Can you have pork rinds?
remediesnews
Hello Barbara, No! Sorry.
Reza
Can I snack on fruits in between each meal?
remediesnews
Hi Reza. Yes, you can.
Jackie
Which fruits would be best to have for snack in between meals?
remediesnews
Hi Jackie. Baby carrots and berries!
Paola
Hi I have a couples question I don’t like cottage cheese or cheddar cheese so what type of cheese I can eat?? And what type of ice cream like fat free or gluten free ??
remediesnews
Hi Paola. Good questions. You can take plain unsweetened yogurt for cottage cheese and the ice cream is fat-free or low-fat ice cream.
Joyce
The portions are more than I normally eat, do I need to eat the full amount of each item to guarantee a good result?
remediesnews
Good question Joyce. You can cut the portions into half to suit you.
Deedee
What if you have allergies? I’m allergic to peanuts , any type of nuts and fish . It’s always hard for me to do any type of diet because everyone always leaves out people that have allergic to anything…..
remediesnews
Hello Deedee. Hi Karina. You can substitut pecan, hazelnuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts butter for peanut butter
remediesnews
Hello Deedee. Hi Karina. You can substitute pecan, hazelnuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts butter for peanut butter
Maya
Can I have milk and canderel sweetener with my black coffee? I hate it black.
remediesnews
Hi Maya. No, you cannot. Please, stick to the diet plan it is just for 3 days. However, after this 3-day diet plan always include healthy foods into your meal, plus exercise
Karina DSouza
Hi… Any other substitute for almond or peanut butter?
remediesnews
Hi Karina. You can substitut pecan, hazelnuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts butter for peanut butter
Anne Lee
Hi, I don’t eat ice cream, but see that you can substitute it for flavoured milk. Instead of the cup of flavoured milk, why cant I have milk in my tea/coffee during the day, as long as i don’t have more than a cup?
remediesnews
Hello Anne. Good question. You can have that milk in your coffee/tea, but remember this, it milk/ ice cream has to go with your dinner and coffee/tea has to be in your breakfast according to the meal plan. It may eventually affect the meal plan if you add milk to your coffee/tea. For a better result, you have to follow the 3-day cardiac diet meal plan.
Kawanza
Hi,
I am starting the 3 day plan on tomorrow (5/5/2019) can you give a list of snacks that we can have between the meals?
remediesnews
Hello Kawanza. You can snack on fruits like berries etc
Kawanza
Hi,
Can I place strawberries or lemons or cucumbers in my water? I take meds in the morning, at 7am, normally I don’t have a break until 9am. What can I have in the morning to take my meds( high blood pressure).
remediesnews
Hi Kawanza. If you have been treating high blood pressure, please consult your doctor before starting this diet. Thanks!
Dora
I don’t do hot dogs or bratwurst yuck! Lentils and Beans plain? There has to be a better substitute. Help please I really want to try this but can’t get around the processed meat. Yuck!
remediesnews
Hello Dora. Well, you can take Tuna.
Karina DSouza
Could i just have plain salted butter instead of any nut butters?
remediesnews
Hello Karina. I will not use any plain salted butter for this diet because it will increase the sodium level, which is not good for a healthy heart.
Allison
Can I use any olive oil for preparing vegetables?
remediesnews
Allison. Yes, you can!
Bernadette pelliccia
I started the diet today can I eat an orange in between meals
remediesnews
Hello Bernadette. You can fresh orange, but apple is better.
Rose
I did not loose any weight. But i feel lighter and less swollen. I will try it again.
remediesnews
Hello Rose.Thanks for the feedback. Next time you can incorporate this plan with light exercises, I am very sure you will get a good result. Note that you have to wait for 1-3 months before repeating this plan. In the meantime, do some cardio exercises; walking, running, cycling and swimming, etc. and eat more of vegetables .
Carrie
I see you can have fruit in between meals can you also have veggie? We’re growing a garden and cucumbers, carrots, sweet peas, & zucchini are coming in so far. Are they ok?
remediesnews
Carrie. Yes, you can!
Salien
Can I do exercise with this diet and I don’t like coffee without milk and tea so can I drink one time coffee or tea?
Thank you!
remediesnews
Hi Salien.You can exercise, do not add milk to your coffee or tea. Just follow the plan, it is just for 3 days. Thanks!
Lisa
Why don’t people just stick to the plan! If your going to
Try it than try it as is. Ask about changing when you have tried it.
I
Tina
I am a little confused. It says to eat 2 beef franks with Day 2 dinner. In one of your replies above to Beth, you said that “Brown recommends chicken or turkey hot dogs…”. So, which is supposed to be eaten on this diet – beef or chicken/turkey hot dogs? Thanks!
remediesnews
Hello Tina. I was talking about the substitute. For Day 2 is 2 beef franks. Thanks!
Barb
Day 3 says beans at dinner…Is that any kind of beans or is it limited to green beans
Also you should state on 3 day menu that the ice cream should be no sugar or low fat. A person doesn’t know that unless the read this question and comment part
remediesnews
Hi Barb. You can eat any type of beans, and the ice cream part has been updated. Thank for the observation!
Ruth
I followed it exactly even though I don’t eat ice cream. I lost 4lbs, my goal is 13lb. Good start to loose will continue with this.
remediesnews
Hi Ruth.Thank for the feedback!
Tracey
I’m a Vegan, eating veggies & fruit is not an issue. What do I substitute for the bread & butter & definately ice cream. Can I substitute yams vs white potatoes.
HELP ME, PLEASE!
remediesnews
Hello Tracey. You can substitute them for white potatoes.
LeAnn Harp
Is the tuna water packed or oil packed
remediesnews
Hello LeAnn. Tuna has a lot of water and Omega-3 fatty acid. These are very good substances for skin and a healthy heart.
Kelly Crawford
Can I drink black coffee and tea with sweetener throughout the day as long as I drink lots of water?
remediesnews
Hello Kelly. No, just stick to the plan. Thanks!
Debbie
Is there a certain type of bread I should be using? (Wheat, white, sourdough etc.)
remediesnews
Hello Debbie. Wheat bread.
Michele
Do I have to drink the black coffee or tea? Can I just have water?
remediesnews
Hello Michele. You can just take water if you want.
Emily
Hello: If I don’t eat the ice cream at all -does that mess up the plan?
remediesnews
Hello Emily. You can sub low-fat yogurt for ice cream.
Azziale
Hello, can I eat lightly salted popcorn for a snack?
remediesnews
Hello Azziale. Sorry No!
Chelsea
Hi, I’m a vegetarian and was wondering what I could have in substitute of the lean meat for the 1st dinner and also substitute for the tuna for the last dinner (something other than cottage cheese or nuts). Perhaps more vegetables? Thank you.
remediesnews
Hi Chelsea, yes can but we always advise that you should stick to the plan. Thanks!
Kathy
can i repeat this after 3 days? Can i also use almond milk instead of ice c ream
remediesnews
Hello Kathy. No, do not. You can repeat it after 2-3 months. You used “almond milk instead of ice cream” that’s fine.
Taiwo
Can i substitutes beans for chickpea
remediesnews
Hello Taiwo. No! Sorry, you cannot. Just follow the plan. Thanks!
Ada
Hello!
I tried a similar plan many years ago and I not only lost weight, 6lbs , I lost 4 inches!
It works if you stick to the plan. By the 3rd day, my stomach felt like it shrunk and I couldn’t eat the entire evening meal. The only difference with this specific diet and the one I did was mine didn’t have snacking involved. I drank lots of water and I already drank black coffee.
Now I’m in menopause, dealing with weight gain and water weight. So happy you shared this, I’ll be trying this diet very soon.
Thank you for sharing and I wish everyone the best of luck!
remediesnews
Hello Ada. You can give this diet a shot. Thanks for stopping by!