The DASH diet is recommended to many people with hypertension (high
blood pressure) or prehypertension by their physicians. The DASH diet eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in studies sponsored by the National
Institutes of Health (Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension). The DASH diet is based on an eating plan
rich in fruits and
vegetables, and low-fat or non-fat dairy. The full DASH diet plan is
shown
below. New research
continues to show additional health
benefits of the plan.
In addition to being recommended by your physician, DASH is also recommended by:
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (one of the
National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human
Services)
The American Heart Association
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
US guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure
and, the DASH diet formed the basis for the new USDA MyPyramid,
The DASH eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in just 14 days. Best response came in people whose blood pressure was
only moderately high, including those with prehypertension. For people with more
severe hypertension, who may not be able to eliminate medication, the DASH diet
can help improve response to medication, and help lower blood pressure. The DASH diet
can help lower cholesterol, and with weight loss and exercise can reduce insulin
resistance.
The book, The DASH Diet Action Plan, provides real life solutions to
make it easy for people to follow the DASH diet. It has 28 days of meal plans
(with adjustments for various calorie levels), recipes,
guidance for weight loss, how to eat at restaurants, fast food places,
etc. and still stay on track. It shows you how to organize your kitchen for the
DASH diet, how to read food labels to make good choices. And the book shows you
how to add
exercise and other lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure. This
book helps you design your own personal "DASH Diet Action Plan."
New research shows that following the DASH diet over time will
reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. And the benefits of the DASH diet
have also been seen in teens with hypertension. The DASH diet truly is the diet
for everyone.
Grains and grain products (include at least 3 whole grain
foods each day)
6 - 12
7 - 8
Fruits
4 - 6
4 - 5
Vegetables
4 - 6
4 - 5
Low fat or non fat dairy foods
2 - 4
2 - 3
Lean meats, fish, poultry
1.5 - 2.5
2 or less
Nuts, seeds, and legumes
3 - 6 per week
4 - 5 per week
Fats and sweets
2 - 4
limited
Even though most people know that this seems like a very
healthy way of eating, they initially may find it hard to implement and sustain.
The average American gets 2 - 3 servings of fruits and vegetables combined
each day, so following the DASH diet can involve making a concerted effort. The book makes
it easier. It helps you with simple lifestyle changes and strategies to make new
habits that you will keep for a lifetime.
Although weight loss was not a part of the original DASH diet
research,
the book provides guidance and plans for adapting the DASH diet for
successful weight
loss. It is the place to find a 1200 calorie version of the DASH diet. Many
women need to follow a lower calorie diet in order to lose weight. Although this book was not intended to be an aggressive weight loss
program, many of our readers have reported 10 - 35 pound
weight loss in a few months. The design of the meal plans in the book are based
on newer research on how to
make satisfying meals, helping prevent between meal hunger. That is a key
feature of high-fiber, low caloric-density, balanced meals with appropriate serving sizes.
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