Written by Elaine Meredith
Part of National Nutrition Month 2014

A breakfast for those with hypertension.

Why do you eat what you eat? Maybe because the food you eat now is what you grew up with. Possibly it’s because one restaurant is cheaper than another. Maybe it’s because it’s just plain tasty! Taste has a huge influence on food selection. Why eat a food that you don’t think will make your taste buds happy? Many people, including my father, don’t try healthier options, because they don’t think it will taste good.

My dad’s favorite breakfast meal is pancakes with a side of bacon and fried potatoes. Unfortunately, eating habits like this, have led to my dad’s high blood pressure. The recommended diet for people with hypertension (high blood pressure) is full of fiber and potassium and low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. For many people, including my dad, this diet sounds like a foreign language and it’s hard to translate into what foods to pick up at the grocery store. For others these recommendations may not sound appetizing. So I listed substitutes for his favorite grocery items and provided him with a healthy but tasty breakfast alternative that will still satisfy his sweet tooth!

Image by Elaine Meredith

Whole grain bagel thin + spinach + egg + turkey slice + Muenster cheese +yogurt + grapes + bananas + orange = One healthy delicious breakfast!

What healthy foods are you fearful of trying? Make that healthy substitute, because healthy can always be tasty. Fear no fruits or veggies! The grocery store is your oyster!

References

How to prevent high blood pressure. (2013, May 09). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/what_you_can_do.htm