Plano, TX, 2016 – Eating right is an excellent way to promote weight loss and maintenance. It’s also a critical factor in promoting heart health. Learning how to eat right to provide proper nutrition while protecting the heart in the process doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds either.

“A heart-healthy, weight-conscious diet doesn’t have to be devoid of flavor and variety,” explains Dr. Nick Nicholson, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas-based Nicholson Clinic, one of the top weight loss surgery centers in the country. “The key lies in building meal plans around healthy options, balancing portion size appropriately and being sure to leave some room for moderation.”

Whether a person is trying to adopt a heart-healthy diet after bariatric surgery or to help with promotion of overall health because it’s the right thing to do, these tips can help:

• Strike a balance – Unless there are other medical considerations in play, a smart diet is one that is well-balanced with lots of healthy choices. Explore a variety of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, nuts and legumes.
• Work fish into the mix – Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids can be an excellent choice to add into the diet.
• Eat red in moderation – Red meat doesn’t have to be off the menu entirely, but it shouldn’t be consumed on a regular basis. It’s also best to greatly limit intake of processed meats, such as lunch meat, ham and bacon.
• Watch the salt – Over use of salt can be a real problem for the heart. Try to limit daily intake to less than 1,500 milligrams daily.
• Learn to read labels – Pay close attention to the labels on foods to avoid those high in fat, high in sodium or high in calories. Choose wisely to promote weight loss or maintenance and heart health both.

“Diet plays a critical role in heart health and combating obesity and its effects,” says Dr. Nicholson. “Make eating right a habit and it can help protect the heart for years to come while also promoting a healthy weight overall.”

To find out more about the Nicholson Clinic, its locations and the services it provides, visit it online at www.nicholsonclinic.com.

About Nicholson Clinic
Founded by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the country’s leading weight loss surgeons and co-author of “Weight Loss Surgery: The Real Skinny,” the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery offers a variety of options to help patients gain control of their weight and their lives.