If you have been referred to the Registered Dietitian as part of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, a Registered Dietitian may visit you while you are in hospital. If you do not see a Dietitian while you are in hospital you can make an appointment to see one after you go home.

Call for an appointment within three months of your discharge. After that time you will need a written referral from your doctor.

A Dietitian will work with you to achieve a healthy lifestyle and help you reach your goals.

Services provided:

• Review of eating habits.
• Education on dietary fat, cholesterol, salt, sugar.
• Helping you achieve an improved cholesterol level and healthy weight.
• Helping you make healthy food choice.
• Label reading and grocery shopping tips.

Try these Heart Healthy Tips to get you started. Call your dietitian for more information.

• Use less fat such as butter, margarine, oils and salad dressing.
• Eat less fried foods, pastries and high fat snacks (potato chips, etc.).
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Try a meatless meal such as baked beans, lentils, vegetarian chili.
• Eat smaller portion of lean meat, fish and poultry.
• Trim the fat and skin off meats and poultry.
• Use lower fat dairy products such as skim or 1% milk, low fat cheeses and yogurt.
• Bake, broil, BBQ, steam, microwave or poach.
• Fry foods less often and use a non-stick fry pan instead of adding fat.
• Use salt in moderation.
• Try herbs, spices or lemon for flavor.
• Limit high cholesterol foods such as egg yolks and organ meat.
• When eating out, watch portion sizes and avoid dishes that are fried or sautéed in butter.
• Limit gravies and sauces such as cheese, hollandaise and béarnaise.