Healthy Living Plans

eDiets offers 10 different Healthy Living Plans which are designed around specific health conditions or food preferences. These plans emphasize prevention and make it easier for you to plan and prepare healthy meals by providing weekly menus with shopping lists.

Before starting any of these healthy living plans you should consult your health care provider as changes to your diet may affect any medication you could be taking.

Here’s a quick look:

LIVING WITH DIABETES PLAN

Proper diet is key to reducing complications associated with diabetes. Obesity is a major risk factor so keeping your weight under control and maintaining a healthy diet is paramount.

Based on the American Diabetes Association guidelines, each meal should contain 50% carbohydrates, 25-30% protein and 25-35% fats. The eDiets Living with Type II Diabetes includes a variety of foods, emphasizing those containing high amounts of fiber such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

As always, regular exercise is essential.

HEART SMART PLAN

Heart disease is the number one killer in America. A good plan to reduce your risk should include foods that are low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium. Of course it also needs to be flexible and satisfying to qualify as a healthy diet for life.

Among the non-dietary things you can do to reduce your risk are: quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure and becoming physically active.

Needless to say, reducing your weight is also a key ingredient.

The eDiet Heart Smart Plan will help you reduce your intake of foods that are high in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol and replace them with lean meats and low-fat dairy products.

Other foods you’ll find in this healthy living plan include whole grains, vegetables, fruit, beans and oats. Healthy fats are included such as those in avocados, olive oil, nuts and oily fish.

CHOLESTEROL LOWERING PLAN

Aimed at reducing dependence on fast food and convenience products, the Cholesterol Lowering diet focuses on heart-healthy and tasty meal choices.

Fatty fish, whole-grain cereals and breads work to reduce cholesterol and thus reduce the risk for heart disease. Unhealthy fats are cut from this diet, such as butter and whole-fat milk. Main meal choices are more likely to be salmon or turkey.

LOW-FAT PLAN

This plan will also lower cholesterol and enhance heart health. It can also bring relief to those who suffer from indigestion, acid reflux and gallstones.

While a Low-fat Diet can help you to lose weight, it doesn’t have to be low on flavor. There is plenty of tasty variety on this diet including foods such as nuts, fruit, beef, shrimp and whole grains.

LOW-SODIUM PLAN

The Low Sodium Diet can be right for you if high blood pressure is a concern. By learning to season your food with herbs and spices instead of salt, sodium intake can be significantly reduced, which is a good idea for everyone.

Lowering your sodium intake can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving your heart function and reducing fluid retention.

On this healthy living plan you’ll eat many of your favorites such as oatmeal, nuts, fish, steak and peanut butter, as well as fruit and vegetables.

HIGH-FIBER PLAN

Here’s another plan which helps to lower cholesterol but also improves bowel function and digestion, reducing the risk of colon cancer. In fact a high-fiber diet has been shown to reduce the risk of numerous cancers.

Red meat is still a dietary choice on this diet but there is an emphasis on the reduction of saturated fats. So, leaner cuts are favored and smaller portions called for.

Foods you will enjoy on this diet include nuts, pork chicken, fruit and grains.

HEALTHY SOY PLAN

For people who prefer less meat and may be frustrated by other diets, this one is for you. This is also a good diet for people who may be at risk for heart disease.

Although some red meat is included, there is a greater emphasis on protein sources apart from meat. Choices on the Healthy Soy Diet include nuts, fruit, rice, vegetables and grains.

VEGETARIAN PLAN

People become vegetarians for a variety of reasons, and health is a good one. But it can be difficult to know where to start. The eDiets Healthy Vegetarian Plan can help by providing you with a plant-based diet plan offering tasty alternatives to meat-based proteins.

Soy is not a required food on this healthy living plan as there are plenty of other vegetable protein sources, including eggs and low-dairy products.

By cutting higher-fat meats from your diet you’ll eliminate some saturated fat from your diet which is a great way to lose weight and protect your arteries. The extra emphasis on fruits and vegetables is also great for lowering your risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer.

LACTOSE-FREE PLAN

Designed for people with lactose intolerance, the Lactose-Free diet is calcium-rich. It will eliminate gas and bloating associated with lactose intolerance while building strong bones.

Foods you will eat on this diet include soy milk, fruit, chicken, eggs, almonds, salmon and whole grains.

HYPOGLYCEMIA/LOW-SUGAR PLAN

The Hypoglycemic - Low Sugar diet at eDiets.com works by stabilizing blood sugar levels which in turn controls sugar cravings and reduces moon swings. By eliminating problem foods and increasing the intake of carbohydrates, hypoglycemics can be free from the concerns associated with sugar crashes.

A typical day’s diet might include cereal, nuts, dairy, chicken, beef, grains, fruit and vegetables.