Sophia’s Guide to Meal Planning for Blood Pressure Control

Control of blood pressure via diet is not difficult. Health coach and nutritionist Sophia offers her tried-and-true strategies for meal planning to keep blood pressure within normal range.

Sophia explains, “The first step,” is to concentrate on full, unadulterated meals. Her advice is to include into your meals a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats. She advises porridge topped with fruit and a scattering of flaxseeds for breakfast. “It’s a fantastic source of heart-healthy nutrients and fiber,” she says.

Lunch would be a colorful salad of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and grilled chicken. “Don’t forget to drizzle a little olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice for flavour,” Sophia says. Dinner might feature steamed broccoli and quinoa next to baked fish. “Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health,” she says.

Sophia also underlines minimizing salt consumption. “Try to avoid processed and packaged foods as much as you can,” she recommends. To organically improve flavors, she advises instead on utilizing herbs and spices such basil, paprika, and garlic.

Another important element is hydration. “Drinking lots of water and restricting sugary beverages can make a big difference,” Sophia says. She also advises drinking herbal teas, such hibiscus tea, which has been demonstrated to aid blood pressure drop.

Sophia thinks anyone can make meals that not only taste great but also help to promote ideal blood pressure levels by spending a small amount of time each week meal prep.