Heart Healthy Breakfast Recipes

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Today, On The Blog, I am sharing heart healthy breakfast ideas along with 10 recipes created by dietitians that are packed with flavor and nutrient dense ingredients.

I encourage you to take the time to not only learn what foods are heart healthy but think about how you will incorporate these foods into your lifestyle.

With February being American Heart Month, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than featuring these recipes. From savory to sweet, there is something for everyone. Breakfast has truly never been easier!

heart sign labeled february national heart month

What is Heart Disease

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a condition that impacts the blood vessels in your heart. This disease state can lead to heart failure, stroke, or high blood pressure (1).

National Heart Month was created to bring awareness of this disease state that is still the leading cause of death in America (2).

Let this month be the inspiration you need to start make changes to live a healthier life. Just like with diabetes, you do not have to become part of these statistics.

Heart Disease and Diabetes

According to Quality Care for Veterans, every day, 2,200 people die from heart diseases — that’s nearly 800,000 Americans each year, or 1 in every 3 deaths.

Unfortunately, there is a large connection between heart disease and diabetes.

Uncontrolled blood sugars can cause damage to blood vessels over time. Did you know that those with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease (3)?

By following a lifestyle to manage blood sugars and control other risk factors, you can manage or prevent the progression of both disease states.

Nutrition is one aspect that you have control over and what better way than kickstarting the morning with a healthy breakfast!

brown heart on ridged background

What is a Heart Healthy Breakfast

When it comes to a diet for heart disease and diabetes, it is the balance of fiber, protein and fat that turns any meal into a healthy choice.

Instead of focusing on eliminating certain foods, focus on building a meal with these nutrients. 

Below you will find a list of foods that fit into these three categories (fiber, protein and fat) to use as a guide as you build a breakfast meal.

Refer back to this list any time you need!

Fiber

Dietary fiber will slow digestion to help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time while also promoting blood sugar control.

  • Seeds such as chia, pumpkin, sunflower or flax
  • Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts or pecans
  • Fruits such as pears, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples or avocados
  • Vegetables such as artichokes, brussels sprouts or kale
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Oats
  • Popcorn

Protein

Protein will extend the time it takes your body to break down carbohydrates, which can prevent spikes in blood sugars. Learn more about protein.

  • Plant based such as beans (black, kidney, chickpea, pinto), lentils, edamame, nuts, tofu
  • Fish such as tuna or salmon
  • Eggs
  • Lean poultry, beef or pork
  • Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt

Fat

Like protein, fat also extends the time it takes your body to convert carbs into glucose preventing blood sugar spikes. Learn more about fats.

  • Olive oil
  • Nuts
  • Nut butters
  • Cheese
  • Avocado
  • Fatty fish
  • Olives (low sodium)

*Consult with your medical profession and Registered Dietitian on how much of each nutrient is the right target for you.

top down view of yogurt parfait next to bowl of granola

10 Heart Healthy Recipes For Diabetes, From Dietitians

I love collaborating with fellow dietitians to bring you all a wide variety of recipes.

You’ll also find Healthy Sweet Snacks for Diabetes and Healthy Savory Snacks for Diabetes On The Blog, containing delicious, yet nutritious snacks all created by nutrition experts.

Let’s dive in to find out what cardiovascular benefits these recipes have to offer!

Each one includes fiber, protein and fat or can easily be paired with the missing nutrient for a balanced breakfast option with heart healthy benefits.

What Else Can I Do

There are many actions that can be taken to prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Focusing on a single action is your next step. 

Commit to improving your health by:

  1. Scheduling a FREE Discovery Call – a time dedicated to determining the best plan for you based on your needs and goals.
  2. Downloading The 25/75 Method – a guide that takes all the frustration out of meal planning. It is a sustainable framework that you can follow for breakfast, lunch and dinner to manage blood sugars. 
  3. Signing up for my Flourish Lifestyle Program – a 3-month program focused on managing blood sugars, decreasing A1c and creating a long-term sustainable wellness plan.

Small changes can truly make a big impact so get started today!

Explore More

Springtime Nutrition, LLC was founded on my passion to partner with individuals to eliminate the stress, frustration and overwhelm of changing their nutrition lifestyle. I am committed to supporting you at every step of your journey. Ready to transform your life? Get started today!

(1) American Heart Awareness Month – Quality of Care (va.gov)

(2) Heart Disease Facts | cdc.gov

(3) Diabetes and Your Heart | CDC

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Kari Garner- Springtime Nutrition

Kari Garner MS RDN LD CDCES

Registered Dietitian & Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Kari has a passion for helping others and has a mission to help prevent and delay illness through diet and lifestyle changes. She lives in Summerville, SC and see patients virtually that live in North and South Carolina. For more about Kari, click here.

Kari is a licensed Registered Dietitian in North Carolina and South Carolina. She is nationally licensed with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Her diabetes speciality certification is with the Certification Board of Diabetes Care & Education. 

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