Heart Disease Fear: Disaster Strikes at the Supermarket

Most people I know absolutely hate going to the supermarket with me. I have often crushed many dreams in the bakery section and have nearly brought people to tears in the packaged foods department.

I often go by myself (It's just too upsetting watching adults cry). Off I went to the local Shop Rite to pick up some paper goods. The usual: paper towels, tissues, toilet paper and all the while minding my own business. Until my super nosy busy body alter ego began to eavesdrop on a conversation between two women.

The younger woman was apparently the daughter of the older woman.

"Yes, we can get Daddy the foods the doctor recommended. He said he has to eat low-fat to lose the weight. Mom, if we don't really help him this time he could have another heart attack."

Oh boy. Did I really want to help. Instead of stepping right in with my magic cape, I proceeded to follow the 2 women (I swear, I'm going to get arrested one day).

"Let's get him these granola bars for snacking. It says right here they're heart healthy. He can't have meat anymore so we can pick up some of these frozen dinners that are low in fat."

What was I to do? On the one hand, I shouldn't be following people around the supermarket, but on the other hand how could I stand back and watch this?

These days it's difficult not to meet someone who is either suffering from heart disease, has had a heart attack or has been told they are at risk for heart disease. It's just about as common as meeting someone with brown hair. Unfortunately, the media and even many well-meaning doctors are completely misinformed on how to tackle this growing epidemic. It's the # 1 killer in the US and plaguing many other countries as well.

What are we to do?

The best plan of attack is to combat the risk factors the best we can.

Start following the 5 tips below to get you started on a heart healthy plan:

1. Drop the smokes. Yes, smoking has been shown to be one of the biggest risk factors in heart disease, mainly because of all the toxic chemicals that are added to cigarettes (not that I'm recommending tobacco or anything.) - why do they add them?

2. Walk, walk, walk. If finding time for a structured exercise program is just too much of a challenge right now, just start by having a gentle walk. I have known many people who have strengthened their heart and reversed severe conditions by getting outside and walking. If you can, find a pleasant relaxing route. There's nothing more calming than the outdoors.

3. Calm down. By this I mean, don't stress about the stuff you don't have to. This is actually a very funny statement coming from me who used to stress about everything! Deadlines, laundry, work, family... you name it, I stressed about. Not until I realized that this would kill me no matter how healthy my food was did I drop the stress and pick up the laughter. Right now as I write this newsletter, I've got more things that need to get done today than are humanly possible. My reaction "Haha..better put my Superwoman shirt on"

4. Do not and I repeat, do not go on a low-fat diet. Your heart condition may get worse in your attempts. Drop the bad fats (like hydrogenated oil and the nasty oil in French fries and donuts) and start eating more healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, salmon, walnuts and whole organic eggs.

5. Do not be afraid to eat saturated fat. If you read "The Truth about Fat Burning Food" in my program you know that eating saturated fats is not what is causing people to get heart disease. It is processed foods, sugars and an overabundance of refined carbohydrates that is making this country so sick.

What did I say to the 2 women at Shop Rite?

"Excuse me Ma'am. I don't mean to be nosy, but I write a Blog that may really be helpful to you and for you, its completely free." Gave her the web address and bolted out of there. All that and I totally forgot to get my stuff!

If you thought the article was thought provoking, you might like to check out Nick Pineault's the Truth about Fat Burning Foods recipe book.