Foods to Eat With Congestive Heart Problems & Diabetes

Congestive heart problems and diabetes both require a healthy, balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables, whole-wheat products and lean meats. Saturated fat and trans fat should be eliminated from the diet as they can raise cholesterol, which leads plaque build-up in the arteries and can cause heart disease. Avoid consuming high levels of sodium, as it can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Diabetics are prone to heart disease, and should follow the same dietary guidelines as those with heart problems, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Red meat is a good source of protein, but the level of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium makes it an unhealthy choice for your daily meat requirement. Skinless chicken, turkey and fish are healthy alternatives that are also high in protein, but should be consumed in limited amounts due to cholesterol. Fish provides your body omega-3 fatty acids, which helps in reducing blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. When preparing your meat you should broil, bake or grill them rather than frying or sauteing, as the oils used to fry and saute can add saturated fat and trans fat.

Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates and high in vitamins and nutrients. To manage your blood glucose level you should limit your consumption of starchy vegetables including corn, potatoes, beans, lentils peas and squash. Your daily requirement of fruit should be between 2 to 4 servings and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables, according to the American Diabetes Association. Each meal should consist of mostly non-starchy vegetables, with small portions of meat and starchy foods such as grains, cereals, or pasta.

Whole-wheat grains are preferred over white-flour bread, as white-flour bread contains refined carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are broken down quickly and converted to energy, which raises your blood glucose levels and provides little nutrients or minerals. Complex carbohydrates are found in whole-wheat foods, and take longer for your stomach to digest. During this slow digestion period your body is provided with consistent energy and you feel satiated longer.

Dairy provides calcium and vitamin D, but can also increase your cholesterol due to high levels of saturated fat. Replace products that use whole milk with low-fat or non-fat foods to cut down on saturated fat. These includes ice cream, cottage cheese, yogurt and milk. According to the American Diabetes Association your daily milk requirement is between 2 to 3 servings.