Question (Oct 5, 2009 at 5:40pm)

Oct. 5, 2009 at 5:40pm

My husband recently had a major heart attack and triple bypass on Valentine's Day 09 in Puyallup. He's only 46. No family history. Drs say his lifestyle & eating habits were the main cause: he smoked, no exercise, eating primary anything covered in gravy, mostly red meat & fast food. Since getting out of the hospital, he's done a 180 & successfully graduated from cardiac rehab: quit smoking, started exercising and eating low fat, low sodium. He even did the Heart Walk in Tacoma last weekend! He is naturally very lean & high metabolism: 6'2" and weighs in 160 lbs. In the past, he always "ate what he wanted" because he didn't have to worry about weight. Now that he's eating low fat and keeping his fat intake under the recommended 30%, he still has a hard time keeping weight on. What is the most healthy way for him to keep the weight on but not go overboard on his fat intake? If he adds more protein, how much should he have? We've been following your recipes in your cookbook, and watched your videos in rehab. Your story really hit home with him because of the similarities and age you were at when you had your surgery. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Posted in Questions by Anonymous

Comments (1)

Joe says:

Thanks for the question. I'm glad your husband is doing so well. I'd advise three things:

First, be sure to check with his doctor on what is a healthy weight for your husband. He/She may have you and your husband consult with a registered dietitian.

Next, I'd make sure he was getting enough calories to sustain ideal weight. What a lucky guy! He may get to eat more, while most of us usually have to eat less. But the "more food" that he eats should be heart-healthy, such as vegetables, fruit, beans and nuts. For example, my mid-afternoon snack is a serving of almonds (about a jigger) mixed with a handful of raisins. It contains extra calories that might benefit your husband, and also contains fiber and omega-3's. Don't rely on high-fat foods such as a milkshake to get extra calories and boost weight.

And finally, don't overlook upper-body exercise (when the doctor says he is ready.) Weight resistance exercise can firm and build muscle tissue, thereby helping to keep his weight up. Walking is great, but don't overlook the opportunity for upper-body workouts as well.
1 | Oct. 6, 2009 at 10:42am

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