Looking to protect your heart while slimming down? We have compiled a list of some of the best foods to include in your diet plan.

These foods that we have chosen to include are high in fiber yet low in calories. They will keep you feeling full and not create fat accumulation on the body. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet of healthy fats, protein, vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of clean pure water.

Here are our top 15 picks for heart health and weight loss

Celery – Celery stems contain 95% water, so they detoxify the body and accelerate the weight loss process.

Citrus Fruit – oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C and flavonoids, promote the health of the liver and skin, spur digestion and help weight loss.

Eggs – You can eat as many boiled eggs as you want, and still not gain weight.

Melon and watermelon – Each slice of these fruits contains approximately  60 to 70 calories, but it detoxifies the body, leads to satiety, and removes excess fluids. Watermelon is a negative calorie food. It takes more calories to burn it off than you consume.

Cucumber – Cucumbers are perfect for weight loss. They help you shed calories and also reduce bloating.

Salad – Salads are high in folic acid. For instance, a lettuce leaf contains only 3 kcal, so you can eat as much as you want without gaining weight. Try and aim for darker leafy greens to get the most nutrients.

Plums and Apples – The consumption of an apple helps digestion, and keeps you full for long. Apples are high in vitamin C and potassium, and an apple contains only 50 kcal. Plums are also rich in nutrients and help you lose weight.

Pineapple – Pineapples split fats and aid the metabolism of protein, due to the B Bromelain they contain. Bromelain is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory.

Cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli –These vegetables are rich in nutrients which interact with iodine and make sure you consume them twice a week.

Eggplant – You can eat as much baked or grilled eggplant, as a portion of eggplant free of oil contains only 24 kcal.

Seaweed and Algae – Both are high in iodine which helps normalize the function of the thyroid preventing weight gain.

Strawberry, cranberry – These fruits are rich in vitamin C, and eliminate the accumulated fluids from the body. Strawberries also boost digestion and promote heart health.

Popcorn – Prepare popcorn without any butter or sugar, and you can have as much as you want. A cup of popcorn free of sugar and butter contains only 31 kcal.

Zucchini – Zucchini help the function of the intestines and are low in calories, so they are great for losing extra pounds. A portion of zucchini contains only 42 kcal.

Beets and Beet Roots – Low calorie and a rich source of nutrients, like manganese, which burns calorie and regulates blood sugar levels.

We hope these tips are helpful and you are able to incorporate some of them in your daily eating habits.

If you are in the Tampa Florida area and in need of a Cardiologist or Vein Specialist we hope you think of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Give our office a call at (813) 975-2800 to schedule an appointment or visit www.tampacardio.com to learn more.