Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in Springfield, MA

Photo of Cara Schrager, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Cara Schrager
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Online Only
I am a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and Diabetes Care and Education Specialist passionate about helping you achieve your nutrition goals. I have over a decade of experience in nutrition counseling with a special focus in working with people with diabetes and weight management. I follow a nonrestrictive "all foods fit" approach and I will help you feel empowered with your nutrition choices. As an avid marathon runner, I am also passionate about sports nutrition, helping individuals learn how to optimally fuel their bodies.
I am a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and Diabetes Care and Education Specialist passionate about helping you achieve your nutrition goals. I have over a decade of experience in nutrition counseling with a special focus in working with people with diabetes and weight management. I follow a nonrestrictive "all foods fit" approach and I will help you feel empowered with your nutrition choices. As an avid marathon runner, I am also passionate about sports nutrition, helping individuals learn how to optimally fuel their bodies.
(508) 501-7872 View (508) 501-7872
Photo of Stacy Garvey - Wellpoint Health Solutions, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSHS, RD, LDN, CDN
Wellpoint Health Solutions
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSHS, RD, LDN, CDN
Serves Area
We are a group of Dietitians and Nurse Practitioners here to help you manage and treat a whole host of conditions with lifestyle education including obesity, diabetes, IBS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reflux, food allergies and many more. We offer Integrative Nutrition and Wellness one-on-one support, group classes, personal training and supplements to help you reach your health goals. We have a solution that will work for everyone!
We are a group of Dietitians and Nurse Practitioners here to help you manage and treat a whole host of conditions with lifestyle education including obesity, diabetes, IBS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reflux, food allergies and many more. We offer Integrative Nutrition and Wellness one-on-one support, group classes, personal training and supplements to help you reach your health goals. We have a solution that will work for everyone!
(413) 225-8962 View (413) 225-8962
Photo of Amanda K Mittman - Happy Valley Nutrition, PC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Happy Valley Nutrition, PC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Serves Area
Do you ever eat beyond the point of fullness or feel guilty for what you ate? Do you find yourself eating for reasons other than hunger? Have you tried a diet (or a lifetime of diets) and "failed," only to put the weight back on...and then some? Are you frustrated by your relationship to food and your body? Do you know what to do but have a hard time following through? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place! Happy Valley Nutrition is the Pioneer Valley's ONLY group practice of weight-inclusive, fat-positive, HAES-aligned RDs.
Do you ever eat beyond the point of fullness or feel guilty for what you ate? Do you find yourself eating for reasons other than hunger? Have you tried a diet (or a lifetime of diets) and "failed," only to put the weight back on...and then some? Are you frustrated by your relationship to food and your body? Do you know what to do but have a hard time following through? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place! Happy Valley Nutrition is the Pioneer Valley's ONLY group practice of weight-inclusive, fat-positive, HAES-aligned RDs.
(413) 461-2260 View (413) 461-2260
Photo of Amber Cross, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MBA
Amber Cross
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MBA
Serves Area
Do you feel like you've tried every diet and exercise program out there, only to end up more confused and frustrated than when you started? Are you tired of losing and regaining the same weight over and over? Trying to reach performance goals in the gym but exhausted? Or maybe you are dealing with chronic health conditions, such as EoE or IBS and don't know how to eat. You deserve support from someone who gets it! Someone who won't judge your past attempts, has been there before, and can help you build lasting habits that fit your real life, your health conditions, and your goals.
Do you feel like you've tried every diet and exercise program out there, only to end up more confused and frustrated than when you started? Are you tired of losing and regaining the same weight over and over? Trying to reach performance goals in the gym but exhausted? Or maybe you are dealing with chronic health conditions, such as EoE or IBS and don't know how to eat. You deserve support from someone who gets it! Someone who won't judge your past attempts, has been there before, and can help you build lasting habits that fit your real life, your health conditions, and your goals.
(413) 225-4533 View (413) 225-4533

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Marit Harney, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, IFNCP
Marit Harney
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, IFNCP
Hadley, MA 01035
Marit Harney is a Registered Dietitian, practicing functional nutrition. Her private practice is at AEGIS Physical Therapy in Hadley, MA. She has been in the fitness and nutrition space for 17 years and has worked with a wide variety of patients. She specializes in digestive wellness (IBS, Celiac Disease, IBD, food allergies and sensitivities, GERD etc), though she also commonly helps with the following health concerns: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Autoimmune Diseases, Prenatal nutrition, and skin issues (acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc).
Marit Harney is a Registered Dietitian, practicing functional nutrition. Her private practice is at AEGIS Physical Therapy in Hadley, MA. She has been in the fitness and nutrition space for 17 years and has worked with a wide variety of patients. She specializes in digestive wellness (IBS, Celiac Disease, IBD, food allergies and sensitivities, GERD etc), though she also commonly helps with the following health concerns: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Autoimmune Diseases, Prenatal nutrition, and skin issues (acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc).
(413) 320-4550 View (413) 320-4550
Photo of Jacqui Campbell, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN, LDN
Jacqui Campbell
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN, LDN
Serves Area
My goal with all my clients is to help them form and foster a healthy relationship with food. I do not do diets or quick weight loss. I help people eat to nourish their bodies and minds, overcome fear foods and food rules and eat with freedom. I work with clients of all ages and health concerns. I have several years experience working with eating disorders.
My goal with all my clients is to help them form and foster a healthy relationship with food. I do not do diets or quick weight loss. I help people eat to nourish their bodies and minds, overcome fear foods and food rules and eat with freedom. I work with clients of all ages and health concerns. I have several years experience working with eating disorders.
(860) 200-3742 View (860) 200-3742
Photo of Jennifer Carlson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CYT
Jennifer Carlson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CYT
Serves Area
Jennifer has a master of science degree in food and nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian and a yoga teacher. She provides both in person as well as virtual services. For over 15 years, she has provided nutrition related services to thousands of people in a variety of settings including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community health centers, schools, cafes, bakeries, restaurants and more. For the past decade, she has provided medical nutrition therapy to clients as a licensed dietitian. In 2021 she opened her private practice, Peace and Power LLC. Learn more at www.peaceful-nutrition.com!
Jennifer has a master of science degree in food and nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian and a yoga teacher. She provides both in person as well as virtual services. For over 15 years, she has provided nutrition related services to thousands of people in a variety of settings including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community health centers, schools, cafes, bakeries, restaurants and more. For the past decade, she has provided medical nutrition therapy to clients as a licensed dietitian. In 2021 she opened her private practice, Peace and Power LLC. Learn more at www.peaceful-nutrition.com!
(774) 484-1477 View (774) 484-1477
Photo of Karen Kiver Patalano, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RD, LDN, CDE
Karen Kiver Patalano
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RD, LDN, CDE
Online Only
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
(508) 841-3561 View (508) 841-3561

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Amy Adams, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MEd, RD, LDN
Amy Adams
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MEd, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi, I’m Amy! I’m a Registered Dietitian & bodybuilder with 11 years of experience who knows firsthand what it’s like to put in maximum effort and still feel stuck. If you’re training hard, eating well, and not seeing the results you expect, you’re not broken. And if this is your very first step toward prioritizing your health and changing your life, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. My approach blends sustainable, evidence-based nutrition with personalized support, meeting you where you are and helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Hi, I’m Amy! I’m a Registered Dietitian & bodybuilder with 11 years of experience who knows firsthand what it’s like to put in maximum effort and still feel stuck. If you’re training hard, eating well, and not seeing the results you expect, you’re not broken. And if this is your very first step toward prioritizing your health and changing your life, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. My approach blends sustainable, evidence-based nutrition with personalized support, meeting you where you are and helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
(339) 231-8126 View (339) 231-8126
Photo of Naima Sullivan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Naima Sullivan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Norwood, MA 02062
As an anti-diet, HAES-aligned dietitian, I believe that restrictive diets can lead to harmful patterns of behavior that have real physical and emotional consequences. I support clients from all walks of life through disordered eating, chronic dieting, and binge and emotional eating. I also have a special interest in family feeding including children and families with selective (picky) eating and ARFID as well as growth, development, and weight concerns.
As an anti-diet, HAES-aligned dietitian, I believe that restrictive diets can lead to harmful patterns of behavior that have real physical and emotional consequences. I support clients from all walks of life through disordered eating, chronic dieting, and binge and emotional eating. I also have a special interest in family feeding including children and families with selective (picky) eating and ARFID as well as growth, development, and weight concerns.
(781) 702-4423 View (781) 702-4423
Photo of Ellen Harris, Nutritionist/Dietitian, EdM, RDN, LDN, CLT
Ellen Harris
Nutritionist/Dietitian, EdM, RDN, LDN, CLT
Natick, MA 01760
Would you like to work on weight or chronic health conditions: diabetes/pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, skin reactions, GERD/reflux, gout, kidney stones, migraine, or brain fog? I work with you to target inflammation and food sensitivities using Integrative Nutrition Therapy combining western and complementary approaches. This regularly results in reducing or eliminating the need for medication. It repeatedly comes down to what you eat -- or don't eat — as well as stress management and exercise. My goal is to help you enjoy better health now and to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Would you like to work on weight or chronic health conditions: diabetes/pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, skin reactions, GERD/reflux, gout, kidney stones, migraine, or brain fog? I work with you to target inflammation and food sensitivities using Integrative Nutrition Therapy combining western and complementary approaches. This regularly results in reducing or eliminating the need for medication. It repeatedly comes down to what you eat -- or don't eat — as well as stress management and exercise. My goal is to help you enjoy better health now and to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
(617) 209-4796 View (617) 209-4796
Photo of Natalie Pirolli - Naturally Natalie RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, RYT
Naturally Natalie RDN
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, RYT
Boston, MA 02116
With experience working in clinical dietetics, nutrition education, and eating disorder treatment, I've seen just how important a good nutritional foundation is for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I see clients via Telehealth in my virtual practice to help with various concerns such as eating disorders and disordered eating, stress management, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, intuitive eating, health concerns (stress, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, blood sugar management, etc.), or just a desire to improve overall health and well-being.
With experience working in clinical dietetics, nutrition education, and eating disorder treatment, I've seen just how important a good nutritional foundation is for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I see clients via Telehealth in my virtual practice to help with various concerns such as eating disorders and disordered eating, stress management, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, intuitive eating, health concerns (stress, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, blood sugar management, etc.), or just a desire to improve overall health and well-being.
(401) 210-0678 View (401) 210-0678
Photo of Gwen G Johnson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Gwen G Johnson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Pepperell, MA 01463
Gwen is a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of experience in the field of Nutrition and the owner of Sage Nutrition Solutions, LLC. She is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Gwen is an advocate of balanced nutrition and has an all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle philosophy. Using a science-based, individualized approach, Gwen's nutritional counseling, support, and guidance will help you manage your overall health, prevent and treat new or chronic conditions, optimize exercise performance, and build a healthy relationship with food and body.
Gwen is a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of experience in the field of Nutrition and the owner of Sage Nutrition Solutions, LLC. She is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Gwen is an advocate of balanced nutrition and has an all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle philosophy. Using a science-based, individualized approach, Gwen's nutritional counseling, support, and guidance will help you manage your overall health, prevent and treat new or chronic conditions, optimize exercise performance, and build a healthy relationship with food and body.
(978) 581-1903 View (978) 581-1903
Photo of Ryan John Gebo, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Ryan John Gebo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Our relationships with food are often complex and dynamic. We provide telehealth support to those seeking an individualized outpatient treatment program for eating disorders including ARFID, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-eating, and others. While helping clients achieve complete peace with food, we also guide and motivate them towards optimal health and wellness through mindfulness based practice, compassion, and support. Our work together will consist of building a strategy to navigate difficult food situations, building confidence in food decisions, securing body-image, and allow you to finally enjoy food for ALL of what it is.
Our relationships with food are often complex and dynamic. We provide telehealth support to those seeking an individualized outpatient treatment program for eating disorders including ARFID, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-eating, and others. While helping clients achieve complete peace with food, we also guide and motivate them towards optimal health and wellness through mindfulness based practice, compassion, and support. Our work together will consist of building a strategy to navigate difficult food situations, building confidence in food decisions, securing body-image, and allow you to finally enjoy food for ALL of what it is.
(508) 266-8589 View (508) 266-8589
Photo of Joseph Feldman Lehrberg - CardioFunction Integrative Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
CardioFunction Integrative Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Online Only
Everything is tailored to your lifestyle, with a focus on improving key markers and protecting your long-term heart health.
Your doctor told you your numbers are high. Maybe you've already tried changing your diet. Maybe you don't know where to start. Either way, that's exactly who I work with. Most people know something about eating "healthy," but are still missing the specific dietary patterns that drive high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A general healthy diet isn't the same as a targeted one. Small, precise changes, and sometimes counterintuitive ones, move numbers more than overly restrictive approaches.
Everything is tailored to your lifestyle, with a focus on improving key markers and protecting your long-term heart health.
Your doctor told you your numbers are high. Maybe you've already tried changing your diet. Maybe you don't know where to start. Either way, that's exactly who I work with. Most people know something about eating "healthy," but are still missing the specific dietary patterns that drive high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A general healthy diet isn't the same as a targeted one. Small, precise changes, and sometimes counterintuitive ones, move numbers more than overly restrictive approaches.
(857) 382-4426 View (857) 382-4426
Photo of Colleen Elizabeth Johnson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN LDN, CDCES
Colleen Elizabeth Johnson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN LDN, CDCES
Worcester, MA 01602
As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, I am passionate about equipping clients with the tools they need for sustainable health. My approach centers around collaboration, helping clients set realistic goals and create individualized plans to improve their relationship with food, health, and lifestyle. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve lasting health and wellness through personalized medical nutrition therapy.
As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, I am passionate about equipping clients with the tools they need for sustainable health. My approach centers around collaboration, helping clients set realistic goals and create individualized plans to improve their relationship with food, health, and lifestyle. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve lasting health and wellness through personalized medical nutrition therapy.
(508) 625-6212 View (508) 625-6212
Photo of Natallia Lambrecht, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Natallia Lambrecht
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
“ I have tried everything and nothing seems to work.” I hear this often from women who are frustrated with stubborn weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, food cravings, or chronic digestive problems. These challenges can make every day feel like an uphill battle. I want to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way. You are not broken. Your body is not failing you. Your body is an intelligent organism designed with an inherent ability to heal and self-regulate. You need to get to the bottom of the problem and do the work that will bring your body back to balance.
“ I have tried everything and nothing seems to work.” I hear this often from women who are frustrated with stubborn weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, food cravings, or chronic digestive problems. These challenges can make every day feel like an uphill battle. I want to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way. You are not broken. Your body is not failing you. Your body is an intelligent organism designed with an inherent ability to heal and self-regulate. You need to get to the bottom of the problem and do the work that will bring your body back to balance.
(774) 619-7851 View (774) 619-7851
Photo of Voula Manousos, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Voula Manousos
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Online Only
If you are tired of restrictive food rules and diet burnout that leave you ashamed and defeated, you are not alone and it’s not your fault. I empower people who are exhausted by dieting to rebuild trust with food and their bodies through a personalized, non-diet approach to nutrition so they can improve their health, boost energy and create lasting change. Weight loss is a natural by-product of our work together and not the driver. My approach is holistic, non judgmental and addresses root causes for long lasting sustainable change. I also specialize in prenatal/postpartum nutrition with a specialty in Gestational Diabetes.
If you are tired of restrictive food rules and diet burnout that leave you ashamed and defeated, you are not alone and it’s not your fault. I empower people who are exhausted by dieting to rebuild trust with food and their bodies through a personalized, non-diet approach to nutrition so they can improve their health, boost energy and create lasting change. Weight loss is a natural by-product of our work together and not the driver. My approach is holistic, non judgmental and addresses root causes for long lasting sustainable change. I also specialize in prenatal/postpartum nutrition with a specialty in Gestational Diabetes.
(339) 213-8621 View (339) 213-8621
Photo of Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes - 360Girls&Women, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES , LDN, CPT
360Girls&Women
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES , LDN, CPT
Hopkinton, MA 01748
Chronic disease ( Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes..) significantly affect your reproductive health.
As your personal women's health dietitian I provide customized assessments and plans using our comprehensive 360health review (nutrition, fitness, beauty, & mental clarity) + medical history, nutrient analysis, hormone testing, target supplement &herbal recommendations, inbetween sessions check-ins, access to our resources like hormone balanced meals & more.
Chronic disease ( Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes..) significantly affect your reproductive health.
As your personal women's health dietitian I provide customized assessments and plans using our comprehensive 360health review (nutrition, fitness, beauty, & mental clarity) + medical history, nutrient analysis, hormone testing, target supplement &herbal recommendations, inbetween sessions check-ins, access to our resources like hormone balanced meals & more.
(508) 625-7042 View (508) 625-7042
Photo of Shannon M Burke - Burke Nutrition LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Burke Nutrition LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Online Only
Offering comprehensive, individualized medical nutrition therapy, with specialties in: Weight Loss and Maintenance Diabetes & heart disease GLP-1 medical weight management Post-bariatric surgery care Liver & kidney health Binge eating disorder Shannon is also the only dietitian in Massachusetts specializing in nutrition for addiction recovery.
I am a dietitian with a purpose. Through my own life experiences, including a significant weight loss and other health issues, I help others. If you have struggled with weight loss, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, struggle with emotional eating, and/or want to learn what a healthy and livable approach to nutrition and physical activity looks like for YOU, I am here to help. Livability. Healthy relationship with self, food, activity. I hear you. I walk the talk. Let me meet you where you’re at.
Offering comprehensive, individualized medical nutrition therapy, with specialties in: Weight Loss and Maintenance Diabetes & heart disease GLP-1 medical weight management Post-bariatric surgery care Liver & kidney health Binge eating disorder Shannon is also the only dietitian in Massachusetts specializing in nutrition for addiction recovery.
I am a dietitian with a purpose. Through my own life experiences, including a significant weight loss and other health issues, I help others. If you have struggled with weight loss, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, struggle with emotional eating, and/or want to learn what a healthy and livable approach to nutrition and physical activity looks like for YOU, I am here to help. Livability. Healthy relationship with self, food, activity. I hear you. I walk the talk. Let me meet you where you’re at.
(339) 300-1552 View (339) 300-1552
Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians
How does nutrition affect heart health?
Nutrition plays a significant role in heart health, affecting conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Consuming too much saturated and trans fats can raise "bad" cholesterol levels, potentially leading to clogged arteries and heart disease. In addition, high-sugar and refined carb foods, common in the American diet, are often high in calories but low in nutrients. Abundant consumption of such foods can lead to conditions such as weight gain and diabetes, which put extra strain on the heart. Excess sodium intake is yet another dietary component that can impact heart health. Consumption of too much sodium can raise blood pressure, making the heart work harder. Conversely, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps support heart health through the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels and the reduction of inflammation.

What diet is best for heart health?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to a heart healthy diet. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce blood pressure and positively impact heart health; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with heart conditions or high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats such diets can include.

What foods increase one's risk of heart disease?
Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, can have a very negative impact on heart health. In addition, sweets, high-sugar drinks, and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta are usually good to avoid in order to positively impact heart health. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fat alternatives, such as consuming lean fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of red meat, is often a good strategy, as is replacing highly-processed and sugar-rich foods with alternative carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Why should someone with heart disease see a dietitian?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so individuals with heart disease may greatly benefit from seeing a dietitian to improve their cardiac health. Dietitians can help clients identify foods that support heart health, such as whole grains, as well as help clients eliminate foods that can place a strain on the heart when consumed in large quantities over time, such as saturated and trans fats. Dietitians can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support heart health, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with heart disease, such as kidney conditions or diabetes.