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DASH diet eating plan

The DASH Diet

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension is similar to a Mediterranean-type diet 1. DASH diet is an eating plan that is based on research studies sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 2. The DASH diet is a lifelong approach to healthy eating that’s designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure (hypertension). The DASH diet encourages you to reduce the sodium in your diet and eat a variety of foods rich in nutrients that help lower blood pressure, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium and eating foods that are low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods 3.

DASH Diet is a flexible and balanced eating plan that helps you create a heart-healthy eating style for life.

The DASH diet eating plan requires no special foods and has no hard-to-follow recipes. It simply calls for a certain number of daily servings from various food groups to provide your daily and weekly nutritional goals. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet recommends 4:

  • Grains and grain products: 7–8 servings per day, more than half of which are whole-grain foods
  • Fruits: 4–5 servings per day
  • Vegetables: 4–5 servings per day
  • Low-fat or non-fat dairy foods: 2–3 servings per day
  • Lean meats, fish, poultry: 6 or less servings or fewer per day
  • Nuts, seeds, and legumes: 4–5 servings per week
  • Added fats and oils: 2–3 servings per day
  • Sweets: 5 or less servings per week
  • Salt (sodium): 1,500 milligrams (mg) sodium lowers blood pressure even further than 2,300 mg sodium daily.
  • Limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel and palm oils
  • Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets.

The DASH diet eating plan includes vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, and has low amounts of fats, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages. It is also high in potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as protein and fiber. The number of servings depends on the number of calories you’re allowed each day. Your calorie level depends on your age, sex, the amount of lean body mass (muscular, athletic, average or overweight), height and, especially, how active you are. Think of this as an energy balance system—if you want to maintain your current weight, you should take in only as many calories as you burn by being physically active. If you need to lose weight, eat fewer calories than you burn or increase your activity level to burn more calories than you eat.

The DASH dietary approach has been shown to lower blood pressure, but little has been published regarding weight loss 1. In fact, a systematic review and meta-analysis on observational prospective studies on the effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style diet, showed that the DASH diet can significantly protect against cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure risk by 20%, 21%, 19% and 29%, respectively 5, 6.

Blood pressure is usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers—systolic pressure (as the heart beats) “over” diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats)—for example, 120/80 mmHg. Both numbers in a blood pressure test are important, but for people who are age 50 or older, systolic pressure gives the most accurate diagnosis of high blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It is high if it is 140 mmHg or above 7.

High blood pressure is blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg and prehypertension is blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 mmHg. Prehypertension means that you don’t have high blood pressure now, but are likely to develop it in the future unless you adopt the healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes your heart work too hard, hardens the walls of your arteries, and can cause the brain to hemorrhage or the kidneys to function poorly or not at all. If not controlled, high blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke and blindness.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. In fact, your blood pressure rises as your body weight increases. Losing even 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure and losing weight has the biggest effect on those who are overweight and already have hypertension. Overweight and obesity are also risk factors for heart disease. And being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing high blood cholesterol and diabetes—two
more risk factors for heart disease.

The original DASH trial 8 consisted of 459 subjects with systolic blood pressures <160 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressures between 80 and 95 mm Hg. For three weeks, all participants were fed a control diet low in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and with a fat content typical of an American diet (37% of daily caloric intake). During the following eight weeks, the participants were randomized to one of three diets: the control diet, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, or the DASH Diet.

The DASH Diet was not low in sodium (salt), but still reduced blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 56 randomized, controlled trials that included over 3,500 participants did not support universal sodium restriction, but instead only recommended dietary sodium restriction in the elderly 9.

The DASH Diet reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.5 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.3 mm Hg, as compared with controls. Subgroup analysis showed that African Americans and those with hypertension had the greatest reduction in blood pressure 8 . The DASH diet results might be applied to a larger group due to the heterogeneous population: half of the participants were women, 60% were African American, and 37% had household incomes of <$30,000 per year. One limitation of applying the DASH Diet to the general population is that the study was carried out in a very controlled setting, where all the meals were prepared for the subjects, and thus no comments may be made regarding attrition rates for the diet.

By following the DASH diet, you may be able to reduce your blood pressure by a few points in just two weeks. Over time, your systolic blood pressure could drop by eight to 14 points, which can make a significant difference in your health risks.

Salt or sodium is a mineral that’s essential for life. Table salt is a combination of two minerals — about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Salt or sodium is regulated by your kidneys, and it helps control your body’s fluid balance. It also helps send nerve impulses and affects muscle function. High levels of salt in your diet can increase blood pressure. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because its symptoms are not always obvious. It’s one of the major risk factors for heart disease, the No. 1 killer worldwide. Ninety percent of American adults are expected to develop high blood pressure over their lifetimes. Because high blood pressure is an important risk factor for stroke, and strokes are detrimental to cognitive health, excessive salt intake is harmful for your brain health. Most of the salt that you eat is added to processed foods. More than 70% of the sodium you consume comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods. The rest of the sodium in the diet occurs naturally in food (about 15 percent) or is added when we’re cooking food or sitting down to eat (about 11 percent). The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day and moving toward an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults. On average, Americans eat more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day — much more than the American Heart Association and other health organizations recommend. Because the average American eats so much excess sodium, even cutting back by 1,000 milligrams a day can significantly improve blood pressure and heart health. One estimate suggested that if the U.S. population dropped its sodium intake to 1,500 mg/day (1/2 teaspoon salt), overall blood pressure could decrease by 25.6%, with an estimated $26.2 billion in health care savings. Another estimate projected that achieving this goal would reduce cardiovascular disease deaths by anywhere from 500,000 to nearly 1.2 million over the next decade.

Here are the approximate amounts of sodium in a given amount of salt:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt = 575 mg sodium
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt = 1,150 mg sodium
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt = 1,725 mg sodium
  • 1 teaspoon salt = 2,300 mg sodium

The body needs only a small amount of sodium (less than 500 milligrams per day) to function properly. That’s a mere smidgen — the amount in less than ¼ teaspoon. Very few people come close to eating less than that amount. Plus, healthy kidneys are great at retaining the sodium that your body needs.

Table 1. Daily Nutrient Goals Used in the DASH Studies (for a 2,100 Calorie Eating Plan)

Total fat: 27% of caloriesSodium: 2,300 mg*
Saturated fat: 6% of caloriesPotassium: 4,700 mg
Protein: 18% of caloriesCalcium: 1,250 mg
Carbohydrate: 55% of caloriesMagnesium: 500 mg
Cholesterol: 150 mgFiber: 30 g

Footnote: 1,500 mg sodium* was a lower goal tested and found to be even better for lowering blood pressure. It was particularly effective for middle-aged and older individuals, African Americans, and those who already had high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day and moving toward an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults. On average, Americans eat more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day — much more than the American Heart Association and other health organizations recommend. Because the average American eats so much excess sodium, even cutting back by 1,000 milligrams a day can significantly improve blood pressure and heart health.

Abbreviations: g = grams; mg = milligrams

[Source 10 ].

Another DASH diet called DASH-Sodium — calls for cutting back sodium (salt) to 1,500 milligrams a day (about 2/3 teaspoon). Studies of people on the DASH-Sodium plan lowered their blood pressure as well.

To further investigate the effects of sodium restriction, the DASH-Sodium Trial 11 looked at the effect on blood pressure of a reduced dietary sodium intake as participants followed either the DASH eating plan or an eating plan typical of what many Americans consume. This second study involved 412 participants. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two eating plans and then followed for a month at each of the three sodium levels. The three sodium levels were a higher intake of about 3,300 milligrams per day (the level consumed by many Americans), an intermediate intake of about 2,300 milligrams per day, and a lower intake of about 1,200 milligrams per day. Results showed that reducing dietary sodium lowered blood pressure for both eating plans. At each sodium level, blood pressure was lower on the DASH eating plan than on the other eating plan. Additionally, there was no significant difference between high (3,300 milligrams per day) and intermediate sodium (2,300 milligrams per day) intake on diastolic blood pressure for those on the DASH Diet. The greatest blood pressure reductions were for the DASH eating plan at the sodium intake of 1,200 milligrams per day. Those with high blood pressure saw the greatest reductions, but those with prehypertension also had large decreases 11. The DASH Diet can reduce systolic blood pressure by 5.5 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.3 mm Hg. However, the effect of sodium reduction on hypertension remains controversial. Lowering sodium to the levels of 1.2 g/day, as achieved in the lowest sodium intake group of the DASH-Sodium Trial, would be nearly impossible without changes in the food industry, as 75% of sodium intake comes from additions made in processing 12.

Detailed analysis showed that the DASH diet and reduced sodium intake reduced blood pressure for all the population subgroups studied. The following list shows the average blood pressure reduction for key subgroups:

  • For those with hypertension: 12/6 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic); for those without hypertension, 7/4 mm Hg.
  • For those over age 45, 12/6 mm Hg; for those 45 or younger, 6/3 mm Hg.
  • For women, 11/5 mm Hg; for men, 7/4 mm Hg.
  • For African Americans, 10/5 mm Hg; for non-African Americans, 8/4 mm Hg.

Other results include:

  • Compared with the typical American diet, the DASH diet alone (at the higher sodium level) reduced blood pressure by about 6/3 mm Hg for African Americans, and 6/2 mm Hg for other races.
  • For those with hypertension, reductions from the DASH diet alone were 7/3 mm Hg; and for those without hypertension, the reductions were 5/3 mm Hg. The effects of sodium reduction appeared in all subgroups and were greater for those who ate the typical American diet, compared with those on the DASH diet.
  • The effects from sodium reduction were particularly great for those with hypertension, African Americans, women, and those over age 45. Sodium reduction in those eating the control diet resulted in lower systolic and diastolic pressures by 8.3 mm Hg and 4.4 mm Hg, respectively, in hypertensives, and 5.4 and 2.8 mm Hg, respectively, in non-hypertensives.

“The blood pressure reductions achieved from this combination came in only 4 weeks and persisted through the duration of the study”, said Dr. Denise Simons-Morton, Leader of the NHLBI Prevention Scientific Research Group and a DASH coauthor 13.

Both versions of the DASH diet include lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. The DASH diet also includes some fish, poultry and legumes, and encourages a small amount of nuts and seeds a few times a week.

The DASH diet generally includes about 2,000 calories a day. If you’re trying to lose weight, you may need to eat fewer calories. You may also need to adjust your serving goals based on your individual circumstances — something your health care team can help you decide.

Studies showed that DASH lowers high blood pressure and improves levels of cholesterol. This reduces your risk of getting heart disease.

Because the DASH diet is a healthy way of eating, it offers health benefits besides just lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet is also in line with dietary recommendations to prevent osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

While the DASH diet is not a weight-loss program, you may indeed lose unwanted pounds because it can help guide you toward healthier food choices. A recent study showed that people can lose weight while following the DASH eating plan and lowering their sodium intake. In a randomized trial of 810 participants called the PREMIER Study 14, 15, who were placed into three groups to lower blood pressure, lose weight, and improve health. The groups included:

  1. Advice-only group received a 30-minute individual session with a nutritionist, which did not include counseling on how to make behavior changes.
  2. Established treatment plan, including counseling for 6 months to keep track of their diet, including calorie and sodium consumption, and their physical activity.
  3. Established treatment plan, plus counseling and use of the DASH diet.

After 6 months, blood pressure levels declined in all three groups. The two groups that received counseling and followed a treatment plan had more weight loss than the advice-only group. However, participants in the established treatment plan who followed the DASH diet had the greatest improvement in their blood pressure 14, 15.

By paying close attention to food labels when you shop, you can consume less sodium. Sodium is found naturally in many foods. But processed foods account for most of the salt and sodium that Americans consume. Processed foods that are high in salt include regular canned vegetables and soups, frozen dinners, lunch meats, instant and ready-to-eat cereals, and salty chips and other snacks.

Food labels sodium content
Food labels sodium content: The frozen peas. The canned peas have three times more sodium than the frozen peas.

You can eat red meat, sweets and fats in small amounts. The DASH diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and total fat.

Because the DASH diet is a healthy way of eating, it offers health benefits besides just lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet is also in line with dietary recommendations to prevent osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Health Benefits of DASH Diet

  • Following the DASH diet will provide all the nutrients you need.
  • It is safe for both adults and children.
  • The diet is flexible enough to follow if you are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
  • It is low in fat and high in fiber, an eating style that is recommended for everyone.

The DASH diet sets the standard for a healthy diet. It has been widely studied and has many health benefits. Following this diet plan may help:

  • Lower high blood pressure 16
  • Reduce the risk for heart disease, heart failure, and stroke 5, 6
  • Help prevent or control type 2 diabetes 17
  • Improve cholesterol levels
  • Reduce the chance of kidney stones

Can the DASH diet promote Weight Loss ?

The DASH eating plan was not designed to promote weight loss. But it is rich in low-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the DASH diet eating plan can be used to help you lose weight. To lose weight, follow the DASH diet eating plan and try to reduce your total daily calories gradually. Find out your daily calorie needs or goals use these free and useful online tools and apps:

  • To find out about your body mass index (BMI), you can use a FREE online BMI calculators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – for Adults 18 and for Children 19

BMI Calculator Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_BMI/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html

BMI Calculator Children. https://nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx

  • To find out about how many calories you should eat to lose weight according to your weight, age, sex, height and physical activity, you can use a FREE online app Body Weight Planner 20

Body Weight Planner. https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/bwp/index.html

  • To find out about the 5 Food Groups you should have on your plate for a meal, you can use a FREE online app ChooseMyPlate 21

ChooseMyPlate. https://www.choosemyplate.gov/

  • To find out What and How Much To Eat, you can use a FREE, award-winning, state-of-the-art, online diet and activity tracking tool called SuperTracker 22 from the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion 22. This free application empowers you to build a healthier diet, manage weight, and reduce your risk of chronic diet-related diseases. You can use SuperTracker 22 to determine what and how much to eat; track foods, physical activities, and weight; and personalize with goal setting, virtual coaching, and journaling.

SuperTracker website: https://supertracker.usda.gov

You can make your meals lower in calories by replacing high-calorie foods with more fruits and vegetables and that also will make it easier for you to reach your DASH eating plan goals.

What Foods To Eat

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole-grains
  • Low-fat dairy products
  • Skinless poultry and fish
  • Nuts and legumes
  • Non-tropical vegetable oils

What Foods to Reduce or Avoid

  • Saturated and trans fats
  • Sodium (salt)
  • Red meat (if you do eat red meat, compare labels and select the leanest cuts available)
  • Sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Alcohol and caffeine
  • Processed foods, which are often high in fat, salt, and sugar

Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. It also can harm the liver, brain, and heart. Alcoholic drinks also contain calories, which matters if you are trying to lose weight. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that men limit alcohol to no more than two drinks a day and women to one or less.

The DASH diet doesn’t address caffeine consumption. The influence of caffeine on blood pressure remains unclear. But caffeine can cause your blood pressure to rise at least temporarily. If you already have high blood pressure or if you think caffeine is affecting your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about your caffeine consumption.

The DASH Diet

  • Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
  • Includes whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils.
  • Limits sodium, sweets, sugary beverages, and red meats. The American Heart Association recommends 1,500 mg a day of sodium as an upper limit for all adults.

One teaspoon of table salt has 2,325 mg of sodium. When you read food labels, you may be surprised at just how much sodium some processed foods contain. Even low-fat soups, canned vegetables, ready-to-eat cereals and sliced turkey from the local deli — foods you may have considered healthy — often have lots of sodium

Along with DASH, other lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure. They include staying at a healthy weight, exercising, and not smoking.

The Role of Exercise

DASH diet recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, most days of the week. Do exercises that get your heart pumping. To help prevent weight gain, exercise for 60 minutes a day. Exercise helps you lose weight and weight loss can help lower blood pressure 23.

dash diet guidelines

Dash Diet Guidelines

DASH Diet is a flexible and balanced eating plan that helps you create a heart-healthy eating style for life.

The DASH diet eating plan requires no special foods and has no hard-to-follow recipes. It simply calls for a certain number of daily servings from various food groups to provide your daily and weekly nutritional goals. This plan recommends:

  • Eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
  • Including fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils
  • Increase potassium intake
  • Limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel and palm oils
  • Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets.

The number of servings depends on the number of calories you’re allowed each day. Your calorie level depends on your age, sex, the amount of lean body mass (muscular, athletic, average or overweight), height and, especially, how active you are. Think of this as an energy balance system—if you want to maintain your current weight, you should take in only as many calories as you burn by being physically active. If you need to lose weight, eat fewer calories than you burn or increase your activity level to burn more calories than you eat.

What is your physical activity level ? Are you mostly:

  • Sedentary: You do only light physical activity that is part of your typical day-to-day routine.
  • Moderately active: You do physical activity equal to walking about 1 to 3 miles a day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, plus light physical activity.
  • Active: You do physical activity equal to walking more than 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, plus light physical activity.

Use the Tables 24 below to estimate your daily calorie needs.

Table 2. Estimated Calorie Needs per Day, by Age, Sex, and Physical Activity Level

Daily Calorie Needs for Women

Age (years)Calories Needed for Sedentary Activity LevelCalories Needed for Moderately Active Activity LevelCalories Needed for Active Activity Level
19–3020002,000–2,2002400
31–50180020002200
51160018002,000–2,200

Footnote: Estimates for females do not include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Within each age and sex category, the low end of the range is for sedentary individuals; the high end of the range is for active individuals. Due to reductions in basal metabolic rate (resting energy requirement) that occur with aging, calorie needs generally decrease for adults as they age.
These are only estimates, and approximations of individual calorie needs can be aided with online tools such as those available at www.supertracker.usda.gov 25. To find out What and How Much To Eat, you can use a FREE, award-winning, state-of-the-art, online diet and activity tracking tool called SuperTracker 22 from the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion 22. This free application empowers you to build a healthier diet, manage weight, and reduce your risk of chronic diet-related diseases. You can use SuperTracker 22 to determine what and how much to eat; track foods, physical activities, and weight; and personalize with goal setting, virtual coaching, and journaling.

After figuring out your daily calorie needs, go to the Table 3 below and find the closest calorie level to yours. The tables below estimates the number of servings from each food group that you should have. Serving quantities are per day, unless otherwise noted.

Daily Calorie Needs for Men

Age (years)Calories Needed for Sedentary Activity LevelCalories Needed for Moderately Active Activity LevelCalories Needed for Active Activity Level
19–3024002,600–2,8003000
31–5022002,400–2,6002,800–3,000
5120002,200–2,4002,400–2,800

Footnote: Within each age and sex category, the low end of the range is for sedentary individuals; the high end of the range is for active individuals. Due to reductions in basal metabolic rate (resting energy requirement) that occur with aging, calorie needs generally decrease for adults as they age.

These are only estimates, and approximations of individual calorie needs can be aided with online tools such as those available at www.supertracker.usda.gov 25. To find out What and How Much To Eat, you can use a FREE, award-winning, state-of-the-art, online diet and activity tracking tool called SuperTracker 22 from the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion 22. This free application empowers you to build a healthier diet, manage weight, and reduce your risk of chronic diet-related diseases. You can use SuperTracker 22 to determine what and how much to eat; track foods, physical activities, and weight; and personalize with goal setting, virtual coaching, and journaling.

After figuring out your daily calorie needs, go to the Table 3 below and find the closest calorie level to yours. The tables below estimates the number of servings from each food group that you should have. Serving quantities are per day, unless otherwise noted.

DASH Diet Eating Plan—Number of Food Servings by Calorie Level

Table 3. DASH Diet Eating Plan—Number of Food Servings by Calorie Level

Food Group1,200 Cal.1,400 Cal.1,600 Cal.1,800 Cal.2,000 Cal.2,600 Cal.3,100 Cal.
Grains a
4–55–6666–810–1112–13
Vegetables3–43–43–44–54–55–66
Fruits3–4444–54–55–66
Fat-free or low-fat dairy products b
2–32–32–32–32–333–4
Lean meats, poultry, and fish3 or less3–4 or less3–4 or less6 or less6 or less6 or less6–9
Nuts, seeds, and legumes3 per week3 per week3–4 per week4 per week4–5 per week11
Fats and oils c
1122–32–334
Sweets and added sugars3 or less per week3 or less per week3 or less per week5 or less per week5 or less per week≤2≤2
Maximum sodium limit d
2,300 mg/day2,300 mg/day2,300 mg/day2,300 mg/day2,300 mg/day2,300 mg/day2,300 mg/day

Footnotes:

a Whole grains are recommended for most grain servings as a good source of fiber and nutrients.

b For lactose intolerance, try either lactase enzyme pills with dairy products or lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk.

c Fat content changes the serving amount for fats and oils. For example, 1 Tbsp regular salad dressing = one serving; 1 Tbsp low-fat dressing = one-half serving; 1 Tbsp fat-free dressing = zero servings.

d The DASH diet eating plan has a salt (sodium) limit of either 2,300 mg or 1,500 mg per day. 1,500 milligrams (mg) sodium lowers blood pressure even further than 2,300 mg sodium daily.

Tips for Lowering Salt (Sodium) When Shopping, Cooking, and Eating Out

Table 4. Tips for Lowering Salt (Sodium) When Shopping, Cooking, and Eating Out

ShoppingCookingEating Out
Read food labels, and choose items that are lower in sodium and salt, particularly for convenience foods and condiments.*
Choose fresh poultry, fish, and lean meats instead of cured food such as bacon and ham.
Choose fresh or frozen versus canned fruits and vegetables.
Avoid food with added salt, such as pickles, pickled vegetables, olives, and sauerkraut.
Avoid instant or flavored rice and pasta.
Don’t add salt when cooking rice, pasta, and hot cereals.
Flavor your foods with salt-free seasoning blends, fresh or dried herbs and spices, or fresh lemon or lime juice.
Rinse canned foods or foods soaked in brine before using to remove the sodium.
Use less table salt to flavor food.
Ask that foods be prepared without added salt or MSG, commonly used in Asian foods.
Avoid choosing menu items that have salty ingredients such as bacon, pickles, olives, and cheese.
Avoid choosing menu items that include foods that are pickled, cured, smoked, or made with soy sauce or broth.
Choose fruit or vegetables as a side dish, instead of chips or fries.

Footnote: *Examples of convenience foods are frozen dinners, prepackaged foods, and soups; examples of condiments are mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings. Most of the salt (sodium) Americans eat comes from processed and prepared foods, such as breads, cold cuts, pizza, poultry, soups, sandwiches and burgers, cheese, pasta and meat dishes, and salty snacks. Therefore, healthier choices when shopping and eating out are particularly important.

Increasing Daily Potassium

The DASH diet eating plan is designed to be rich in potassium, with a target of 4,700 mg potassium daily, to enhance the effects of reducing sodium on blood pressure. The following are examples of potassium-rich foods.

Table 5. Sample Foods and Potassium Levels

Food GroupsPotassium (mg)
Vegetables
Potato, 1 medium926
Sweet Potato, 1 medium540
Spinach, cooked, 1/2 cup290
Zucchini, cooked, 1/2 cup280
Tomato, fresh, 1/2 cup210
Kale, cooked, 1/2 cup150
Romaine lettuce, 1 cup140
Mushrooms, 1/2 cup110
Cucumber, 1/2 cup80
Fruit
Banana, 1 medium420
Apricots, 1/4 cup380
Orange, 1 medium237
Cantaloupe chunks, 1/2 cup214
Apple, 1 medium150
Nuts, seeds, and legumes
Cooked soybeans, 1/2 cup440
Cooked lentils, 1/2 cup370
Cooked kidney beans, 1/2 cup360
Cooked split peas, 1/2 cup360
Almonds, roasted, 1/3 cup310
Walnuts, roasted, 1/3 cup190
Sunflower seeds, roasted, 2 Tbsp124
Peanuts, roasted, 1/3 cup120
Low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products
Milk, 1 cup380
Yogurt, 1 cup370
Lean meats, fish, and poultry
Fish (cod, halibut, rockfish, trout, tuna), 3 oz200-400
Pork tenderloin, 3 oz370
Beef tenderloin, chicken, turkey, 3 oz210

Footnote: Before you increase the potassium in your diet or use salt substitutes (which often contain potassium), check with your doctor. People who have kidney problems or who take certain medicines must be careful about how much potassium they consume.

[Source 26 ]

Daily and Weekly DASH Diet Eating Plan Goals for a 2,000-Calorie-a-Day Diet

Based on these recommendations, the following tables shows examples of daily and weekly servings that meet DASH diet eating plan targets for a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet.

When following the DASH diet eating plan, it is important to choose foods that are:

  • Low in saturated and trans fats
  • Rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein
  • Lower in sodium

Table 6. Daily and Weekly DASH Diet Eating Plan Goals for a 2,000-Calorie-a-Day Diet

Food GroupDaily ServingsServing SizesExamples and NotesSignificance of Each Food Group to the DASH Eating Pattern
Grains*06/08/211 slice bread
1 oz dry cereal**
1/2 cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal
Whole wheat bread and rolls, whole wheat pasta, English muffin, pita bread, bagel, cereals, grits, oatmeal, brown rice, unsalted pretzels and popcornMajor sources of energy and fiber
Vegetables04/05/211 cup raw leafy vegetable
1/2 cup cut-up raw or cooked vegetable
1/2 cup vegetable juice
Broccoli, carrots, collards, green beans, green peas, kale, lima beans, potatoes, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoesRich sources of potassium, magnesium, and fiber
Fruits04/05/211 medium fruit
1/4 cup dried fruit
1/2 cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit
1/2 cup fruit juice
Apples, apricots, bananas, dates, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, mangoes, melons, peaches, pineapples, raisins, strawberries, tangerinesImportant sources of potassium, magnesium, and fiber
Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products02/03/211 cup milk or yogurt
1 1/2 oz cheese
Fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk or buttermilk, fat-free, low-fat, or reduced-fat cheese, fat-free or low-fat regular or frozen yogurtMajor sources of calcium and protein
Lean meats, poultry, and fish6 or less1 oz cooked meats, poultry, or fish
1 egg***
Select only lean; trim away visible fats; broil, roast, or poach; remove skin from poultryRich sources of protein and magnesium
Nuts, seeds, and legumes4-5 per week1/3 cup or 1 1/2 oz nuts
2 Tbsp peanut butter
2 Tbsp or 1/2 oz seeds
1/2 cup cooked legumes (dry beans and peas)
Almonds, hazelnuts, mixed nuts, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, kidney beans, lentils, split peasRich sources of energy, magnesium, protein, and fiber
Fats and oils****02/03/211 tsp soft margarine
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp mayonnaise
2 Tbsp salad dressing
Soft margarine, vegetable oil (such as canola, corn, olive, or safflower), low-fat mayonnaise, light salad dressingThe DASH study had 27 percent of calories as fat, including fat in or added to foods
Sweets and added sugars5 or less per week1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp jelly or jam
1/2 cup sorbet, gelatin
1 cup lemonade
Fruit-flavored gelatin, fruit punch, hard candy, jelly, maple syrup, sorbet and ices, sugarSweets should be low in fat

Footnotes:

* Whole grains are recommended for most grain servings as a good source of fiber and nutrients.

** Serving sizes vary between 1/2 cup and 11/4 cups, depending on cereal type. Check the product’s Nutrition Facts label.

*** Since eggs are high in cholesterol, limit egg yolk intake to no more than four per week; two egg whites have the same protein content as 1 oz of meat.

**** Fat content changes serving amount for fats and oils. For example, 1 Tbsp of regular salad dressing equals one serving; 1 Tbsp of a low-fat dressing equals one-half serving; 1 Tbsp of a fat-free dressing equals zero servings.

[Source 27 ]

DASH Diet Eating Plan—Number of Daily Servings for Other Calorie Levels

When following the DASH diet eating plan, it is important to choose foods that are:

  • Low in saturated and trans fats
  • Rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein
  • Lower in sodium

Table 7. DASH Diet Eating Plan—Number of Daily Servings for Other Calorie Levels

Servings/Day
Food Groups1,600 calories/day2,600 calories/day3,100 calories/day
Grains*610/11/2101/12/13
Vegetables03/04/2105/06/216
Fruits405/06/216
Fat-free or lowfat milk and milk products02/03/21303/04/21
Lean meats, poultry, and fish03/06/21606/09/21
Nuts, seeds, and legumes3/week11
Fats and oils234
Sweets and added sugars0less than 2less than 2

Footnote: * Whole grains are recommended for most grain servings as a good source of fiber and nutrients.

[Source 27 ]

Dash Diet Eating Plan

To benefit from the DASH diet eating plan, it is important to consume the appropriate amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight.

The DASH diet eating plan can be used to help you lose weight. To lose weight, follow the DASH eating plan and try to reduce your total daily calories gradually. Find out your daily calorie needs or goals with the Body Weight Planner and calorie chart. Talk with your doctor before beginning any diet or eating plan.

General tips for reducing daily calories include:

  • Eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day.
  • Reduce the amount of meat that you eat while increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or dry beans.
  • Substitute low-calorie foods, such as when snacking (choose fruits or vegetables instead of sweets and desserts) or drinking (choose water instead of soda or juice), when possible.

Tips for Following DASH Diet

It’s easy to follow the DASH diet. But it might mean making some changes to how you currently eat. To get started:

  • DO NOT try to make changes all at once. It’s fine to change your eating habits gradually.
  • To add vegetables to your diet, try having a salad at lunch. Or, add cucumber, lettuce, shredded carrots, or tomatoes to your sandwiches.
  • There should always been something green on your plate. It’s fine to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Just make sure the package does not contain added salt or fat.
  • Add sliced fruit to your cereal or oatmeal for breakfast.
  • For dessert, choose fresh fruit or low-fat frozen yogurt instead of high-calorie sweets, such as cakes or pies.
  • Choose healthy snacks, such as unsalted rice cakes or popcorn, raw vegetables, or yogurt. Dried fruits, seeds, and nuts also make great snack choices. Just keep these portions small.
  • Choose whole grain foods for most grain servings to get added nutrients, such as minerals and fiber. For example, choose whole wheat bread or whole grain cereals.
  • Think of meat as part of your meal, instead of the main course. Limit your servings of lean meat to 6 ounces (170 grams) a day. You can have two 3-ounce (85 grams) servings during the day. If you now eat large portions of meats, cut them back gradually by a half or a third at each meal.
  • Try these snacks ideas: unsalted rice cakes; nuts mixed with raisins; graham crackers; fat-free and low-fat yogurt and frozen yogurt; popcorn with no salt or butter added; raw vegetables.
  • Try cooking without meat at least twice each week. Instead, eat beans, nuts, tofu, or eggs for your protein.
  • If you are allergic to nuts, use seeds or legumes (cooked dried beans or peas).
DASH diet guidelines

Here’s a look at the recommended servings from each food group for the 2,000-calorie-a-day DASH diet plan.

A) Grains: 6 to 8 servings a day (Note: A standard grain (cereal) serve is about 500kJ).

Grains include bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Examples of one serving of grains include 1 slice whole-wheat bread, 1 ounce dry cereal, or 1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta.

Grains are naturally low in fat. Keep them this way by avoiding butter, cream and cheese sauces.

rice and grains serving size

Focus on whole grains because they have more fiber and nutrients than do refined grains. For instance, use brown rice instead of white rice, whole-wheat pasta instead of regular pasta and whole-grain bread instead of white bread. Look for products labeled “100 percent whole grain” or “100 percent whole wheat.”

B) Vegetables: 4 to 5 servings a day (Note: A standard vegetable serve is about 75g (100–350kJ)).

Tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, greens and other vegetables are full of fiber, vitamins, and such minerals as potassium and magnesium. Examples of one serving include 1 cup raw leafy green vegetables or 1/2 cup cut-up raw or cooked vegetables.

Don’t think of vegetables only as side dishes — a hearty blend of vegetables served over brown rice or whole-wheat noodles can serve as the main dish for a meal.

vegetable serving size

Fresh and frozen vegetables are both good choices. When buying frozen and canned vegetables, choose those labeled as low sodium or without added salt.

To increase the number of servings you fit in daily, be creative. In a stir-fry, for instance, cut the amount of meat in half and double up on the vegetables.

C) Fruits: 4 to 5 servings a day (Note: A standard fruit serve is about 150g (350kJ)).

Many fruits need little preparation to become a healthy part of a meal or snack. Like vegetables, they’re packed with fiber, potassium and magnesium and are typically low in fat — coconuts are an exception. Examples of one serving include one medium fruit, 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit, or 4 ounces of juice.

Have a piece of fruit with meals and one as a snack, then round out your day with a dessert of fresh fruits topped with a dollop of low-fat yogurt. Leave on edible peels whenever possible. The peels of apples, pears and most fruits with pits add interesting texture to recipes and contain healthy nutrients and fiber.

fruit serving size

Many fruits need little preparation to become a healthy part of a meal or snack. Like vegetables, they’re packed with fiber, potassium and magnesium and are typically low in fat — coconuts are an exception. Examples of one serving include one medium fruit, 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit, or 4 ounces of juice.

If you choose canned fruit or juice, make sure no sugar is added.

Leave on edible peels whenever possible. The peels of apples, pears and most fruits with pits add interesting texture to recipes and contain healthy nutrients and fiber.

Remember that citrus fruits and juices, such as grapefruit, can interact with certain medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if they’re OK for you.

D) Dairy: 2 to 3 servings a day (Note: A standard dairy serve is about 500-600kJ).

Milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products are major sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein. But the key is to make sure that you choose dairy products that are low fat or fat-free because otherwise they can be a major source of fat and most of it is saturated. Examples of one serving include 1 cup skim or 1 percent milk, 1 cup low fat yogurt, or 1 1/2 ounces part-skim cheese.

serving size of dairy, yogurt and cheese

Low-fat or fat-free frozen yogurt can help you boost the amount of dairy products you eat while offering a sweet treat. Add fruit for a healthy twist. If you have trouble digesting dairy products, choose lactose-free products or consider taking an over-the-counter product that contains the enzyme lactase, which can reduce or prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Go easy on regular and even fat-free cheeses because they are typically high in sodium.

E) Lean meat, poultry and fish: 6 servings or fewer a day (Note: A standard lean meat, poultry and fish serve is about 500-600kJ).

Meat can be a rich source of protein, B vitamins, iron and zinc. Choose lean varieties and aim for no more than 6 ounces a day. Cutting back on your meat portion will allow room for more vegetables.

serving size of chicken

Trim away skin and fat from poultry and meat and then bake, broil, grill or roast instead of frying in fat.
Eat heart-healthy fish, such as salmon, herring and tuna. These types of fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower your total cholesterol.

F) Nuts, seeds and legumes: 4 to 5 servings a week

Almonds, sunflower seeds, kidney beans, peas, lentils and other foods in this family are good sources of magnesium, potassium and protein. They’re also full of fiber and phytochemicals, which are plant compounds that may protect against some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Serving sizes are small and are intended to be consumed only a few times a week because these foods are high in calories. Examples of one serving include 1/3 cup nuts, 2 tablespoons seeds, or 1/2 cup cooked beans or peas.

Nuts sometimes get a bad rap because of their fat content, but they contain healthy types of fat — monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re high in calories, however, so eat them in moderation. Try adding them to stir-fries, salads or cereals.
Soybean-based products, such as tofu and tempeh, can be a good alternative to meat because they contain all of the amino acids your body needs to make a complete protein, just like meat.

G) Fats and oils: 2 to 3 servings a day

Fat helps your body absorb essential vitamins and helps your body’s immune system. But too much fat increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. The DASH diet strives for a healthy balance by limiting total fat to less than 30 percent of daily calories from fat, with a focus on the healthier monounsaturated fats.

Examples of one serving include 1 teaspoon soft margarine, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or 2 tablespoons salad dressing.

Saturated fat and trans fat are the main dietary culprits in increasing your risk of coronary artery disease. DASH helps keep your daily saturated fat to less than 6 percent of your total calories by limiting use of meat, butter, cheese, whole milk, cream and eggs in your diet, along with foods made from lard, solid shortenings, and palm and coconut oils.

Avoid trans fat, commonly found in such processed foods as crackers, baked goods and fried items.
Read food labels on margarine and salad dressing so that you can choose those that are lowest in saturated fat and free of trans fat.

H) Sweets: 5 servings or fewer a week

You don’t have to banish sweets entirely while following the DASH diet — just go easy on them. Examples of one serving include 1 tablespoon sugar, jelly or jam, 1/2 cup sorbet, or 1 cup lemonade.

When you eat sweets, choose those that are fat-free or low-fat, such as sorbets, fruit ices, jelly beans, hard candy, graham crackers or low-fat cookies.

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) and sucralose (Splenda) may help satisfy your sweet tooth while sparing the sugar. But remember that you still must use them sensibly. It’s OK to swap a diet cola for a regular cola, but not in place of a more nutritious beverage such as low-fat milk or even plain water.
Cut back on added sugar, which has no nutritional value but can pack on calories.

DASH diet: Alcohol and caffeine

Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that men limit alcohol to no more than two drinks a day and women to one or less.

The DASH diet doesn’t address caffeine consumption. The influence of caffeine on blood pressure remains unclear. But caffeine can cause your blood pressure to rise at least temporarily. If you already have high blood pressure or if you think caffeine is affecting your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about your caffeine consumption.

Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure and Weight Loss With DASH Diet— A Week With the DASH Eating Plan

Here is a week of menus from the DASH eating plan. The menus allow you to have a daily sodium level of either 2,300 mg or, by making the noted changes, 1,500 mg. You’ll also find that the menus sometimes call for you to use lower sodium, low-fat, fat-free, or reduced fat versions of products.

The menus are based on 2,000 calories a day—serving sizes should be increased or decreased for other calorie levels. To ease the calculations, some of the serving sizes have been rounded off. Also, some items may be in too small a quantity to have a listed food group serving. Recipes for starred items are given on the later pages. Some of these recipes give changes that can be used to lower their sodium level. Use the changes if you want to follow the DASH eating plan at 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.

Abbreviations:
oz = ounce
tsp = teaspoon
Tbsp = tablespoon
g = gram
mg = milligram

Table 8. A Week With the DASH Eating Plan

Day One Breakfast
Number of Servings by DASH Food Group
2,300 mg Sodium MenuSodium (mg)Substitution To Reduce Sodium to 1,500 mgSodium (mg)GrainsVegetablesFruitsMilk ProductsMeats, fish, and poultryNuts, seeds, and legumesFats and oilsSweets and added sugars
3/4 cup bran flakes cereal:2203/4 cup shredded wheat cereal11
1 medium banana11
1 cup low-fat milk1071
1 slice whole wheat bread:1491
1 tsp soft (tub) margarine261 tsp unsalted soft (tub) margarine01
1 cup orange juice52
Lunch
3/4 cup chicken salad:179Remove salt from the recipe1203
2 slices whole wheat bread2992
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard3731 Tbsp regular mustard1751
salad:
1/2 cup fresh cucumber slices11
1/2 cup tomato wedges51
1 Tbsp sunflower seeds01/2
1 tsp Italian dressing, low calorie43
1/2 cup fruit cocktail, juice pack51
Dinner
3 oz beef, eye of the round:353
2 Tbsp beef gravy, fat-free165
1 cup green beans, sautéed with:122
1/2 tsp canola oil01/2
1 small baked potato:141
1 Tbsp sour cream, fat-free21
1 Tbsp grated natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat671 Tbsp natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat, low sodium1
1 Tbsp chopped scallions1
1 small whole wheat roll:1481
1 tsp soft (tub) margarine261 tsp unsalted soft (tub) margarine01
1 small apple11
1 cup low-fat milk1071
Snacks
1/3 cup almonds, unsalted01
1/4 cup raisins41
1/2 cup fruit yogurt, fat-free,
no sugar added
861/2
Totals
Totals2,1011,5075562 1/261 1/23 1/20
Sodium Level
Nutrients Per Day2,300 mg1,500 mg
Calories2,0622,037
Total fat63 g59 g
Calories from fat28%26 %
Saturated fat13 g12 g
Calories from saturated fat6 %5 %
Cholesterol155 mg155 mg
Sodium2,101 mg1,507 mg
Carbohydrate284 g284 g
Protein114 g115 g
Calcium1,220 mg1,218 mg
Magnesium594 mg580 mg
Potassium4,909 mg4,855 mg
Fiber37 g36 g
Day Two
Breakfast
Number of Servings by DASH Food Group
2,300 mg Sodium MenuSodium (mg)Substitution To Reduce Sodium to 1,500 mgSodium (mg)GrainsVegetablesFruitsMilk ProductsMeats, fish, and poultryNuts, seeds, and legumesFats and oilsSweets and added sugars
1/2 cup instant oatmeal541/2 cup regular oatmeal with
1 tsp cinnamon
51
1 mini whole wheat bagel:841
1 Tbsp peanut butter811/2
1 medium banana11
1 cup low-fat milk1071
Lunch
chicken breast sandwich:
3 oz chicken breast, skinless653
2 slices whole wheat bread2002
1 slice (3/4 oz) natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat2021 slice (3/4 oz) natural Swiss cheese, low sodium31/2
1 large leaf romaine lettuce11/4
2 slices tomato21/2
1 Tbsp mayonnaise, low-fat1011
1 cup cantaloupe chunks262
1 cup apple juice212
Dinner
1 cup spaghetti:12
3/4 cup vegetarian spaghetti sauce479Substitute low-sodium tomato paste (6 oz)2531 1/2
3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese2871/2
spinach salad:
1 cup fresh spinach leaves241
1/4 cup fresh carrots, grated191/2
1/4 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced11/2
1 Tbsp vinaigrette dressing11/2
1/2 cup corn, cooked from frozen11
1/2 cup canned pears, juice pack51
Snacks
1/3 cup almonds, unsalted01
1/4 cup dried apricots31
1 cup fruit yogurt, fat-free,
no sugar added
1731
Totals
Totals2,0351,56065 1/47331 1/21 1/20
Sodium Level
Nutrients Per Day2,300 mg1,500 mg
Calories2,0272,078
Total fat64 g68 g
Calories from fat28%30 %
Saturated fat13 g16 g
Calories from saturated fat6 %7 %
Cholesterol114 mg129 mg
Sodium2,035 mg1,560 mg
Carbohydrate288 g290 g
Protein99 g100 g
Calcium1,370 mg1,334 mg
Magnesium535 mg542 mg
Potassium4,715 mg4,721 mg
Fiber34 g34 g
Day Three
Breakfast
Number of Servings by DASH Food Group
2,300 mg Sodium MenuSodium (mg)Substitution To Reduce Sodium to 1,500 mgSodium (mg)GrainsVegetablesFruitsMilk ProductsMeats, fish, and poultryNuts, seeds, and legumesFats and oilsSweets and added sugars
3/4 cup bran flakes cereal:2202 cups puffed wheat cereal11
1 medium banana11
1 cup low-fat milk1071
1 slice whole wheat bread:1491
1 tsp soft (tub) margarine261 tsp unsalted soft (tub) margarine01
1 cup orange juice62
Lunch
beef barbeque sandwich:
2 oz beef, eye of round262
1 Tbsp barbeque sauce156
2 slices (11/2 oz) natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat40511/2 oz natural cheddar cheese,
reduced fat, low sodium
91
1 hamburger bun1832
1 large leaf romaine lettuce11/4
2 slices tomato21/2
1 cup new potato salad172
1 medium orange01
Dinner
3 oz cod:703
1 tsp lemon juice1
1/2 cup brown rice51
1 cup spinach, cooked from frozen, sautéed with:1842
1 tsp canola oil01
1 Tbsp almonds, slivered01/4
1 small cornbread muffin, made
with oil:
1191
1 tsp soft (tub) margarine261 tsp unsalted soft (tub) margarine01
Snacks
1 cup fruit yogurt, fat-free,
no added sugar:
1731
1 Tbsp sunflower seeds, unsalted01/2
2 large graham cracker rectangles:156
1 Tbsp peanut butter811/2
Totals
Totals2,1141,44774 3/44351 1/430
Sodium Level
Nutrients Per Day2,300 mg1,500 mg
Calories1,9971,995
Total fat56 g52 g
Calories from fat25 %24 %
Saturated fat12 g11 g
Calories from saturated fat6 %5 %
Cholesterol140 mg140 mg
Sodium2,114 mg1,447 mg
Carbohydrate289 g283 g
Protein103 g104 g
Calcium1,537 mg1,524 mg
Magnesium630 mg598 mg
Potassium4,676 mg4,580 mg
Fiber34 g31 g
Day Four
Breakfast
Number of Servings by DASH Food Group
2,300 mg Sodium MenuSodium (mg)Substitution To Reduce Sodium to 1,500 mgSodium (mg)GrainsVegetablesFruitsMilk ProductsMeats, fish, and poultryNuts, seeds, and legumesFats and oilsSweets and added sugars
1 slice whole wheat bread:1491
1 tsp soft (tub) margarine261 tsp unsalted soft (tub) margarine01
1 cup fruit yogurt, fat-free, no added sugar1731
1 medium peach01
1/2 cup grape juice41
Lunch
ham and cheese sandwich:
2 oz ham, low-fat, low sodium5492 oz roast beef tenderloin232
1 slice (3/4 oz) natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat2021 slice (3/4 oz) natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat, low sodium41/2
2 slices whole wheat bread2992
1 large leaf romaine lettuce11/4
2 slices tomato21/2
1 Tbsp mayonnaise, low-fat1011
1 cup carrot sticks842
Dinner
chicken and Spanish rice341substitute low-sodium tomato sauce (4 oz)21513
1 cup green peas, sautéed with:1152
1 tsp canola oil01
1 cup cantaloupe chunks262
1 cup low-fat milk1071
Snacks
1/3 cup almonds, unsalted01
1 cup apple juice212
1/4 cup apricots31
1 cup low-fat milk1071
Totals
Totals2,3121,43644 3/473 1/25130
Sodium Level
Nutrients Per Day2,300 mg1,500 mg
Calories2,0242,045
Total fat59 g59 g
Calories from fat26%26 %
Saturated fat12 g12 g
Calories from saturated fat5%5 %
Cholesterol148 mg150 mg
Sodium2,312 mg1,436 mg
Carbohydrate279 g278 g
Protein110 g116 g
Calcium1,417 mg1,415 mg
Magnesium538 mg541 mg
Potassium4,575 mg4,559 mg
Fiber35 g35 g
Day Five
Breakfast
Number of Servings by DASH Food Group
2,300 mg Sodium MenuSodium (mg)Substitution To Reduce Sodium to 1,500 mgSodium (mg)GrainsVegetablesFruitsMilk ProductsMeats, fish, and poultryNuts, seeds, and legumesFats and oilsSweets and added sugars
1 cup whole grain oat rings cereal:2731 cup frosted shredded wheat41
1 medium banana11
1 cup low-fat milk1071
1 medium raisin bagel:2722
1 Tbsp peanut butter811 Tbsp peanut butter, unsalted31/2
1 cup orange juice52
Lunch
tuna salad plate:
1/2 cup tuna salad1713
1 large leaf romaine lettuce11/4
1 slice whole wheat bread1496 whole wheat crackers, low sodium531
cucumber salad:
1 cup fresh cucumber slices22
1/2 cup tomato wedges51
1 Tbsp vinaigrette dressing1332 Tbsp yogurt dressing, fat-free661
1/2 cup cottage cheese, low-fat:4591/4
1/2 cup canned pineapple, juice pack11
1 Tbsp almonds, unsalted01/4
Dinner
3 oz turkey meatloaf205substitute low-sodium ketchup743
1 small baked potato:141
1 Tbsp sour cream, fat-free211
1 Tbsp natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat, grated671 Tbsp natural cheddar cheese, reduced fat, and low sodium1
1 scallion stalk, chopped1
1 cup collard greens, sautéed with:852
1 tsp canola oil0
1 small whole wheat roll1486 small melba toast crackers, unsalted11
1 medium peach01
Snacks
1 cup fruit yogurt, fat-free, no added sugar1731
2 Tbsp sunflower seeds, unsalted01
Totals
Totals2,3731,51956 1/452 1/461 3/420
Sodium Level
Nutrients Per Day2,300 mg1,500 mg
Calories1,9762,100
Total fat57 g52 g
Calories from fat26%22%
Saturated fat11 g11 g
Calories from saturated fat5%5%
Cholesterol158 mg158 mg
Sodium2,373 mg1,519 mg
Carbohydrate275 g314 g
Protein111 g114 g
Calcium1,470 mg1,412 mg
Magnesium495 mg491 mg
Potassium4,769 mg4,903 mg
Fiber30 g31 g
Day Six
Breakfast
Number of Servings by DASH Food Group
2,300 mg Sodium MenuSodium (mg)Substitution To Reduce Sodium to 1,500 mgSodium (mg)GrainsVegetablesFruitsMilk ProductsMeats, fish, and poultryNuts, seeds, and legumesFats and oilsSweets and added sugars
1 low-fat granola bar811
1 medium banana11
1/2 cup fruit yogurt, fat-free,
no sugar added
861/2
1 cup orange juice52
1 cup low-fat milk1071
Lunch
turkey breast sandwich:
3 oz turkey breast483
2 slices whole wheat bread2992
1 large leaf romaine lettuce11/4
2 slices tomato21/2
2 tsp mayonnaise, low-fat672/3
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard3731 Tbsp regular mustard175
1 cup steamed broccoli, cooked from frozen112
1 medium orange01
Dinner
3 oz spicy baked fish503
1 cup scallion rice182
spinach sauté:
1/2 cup spinach, cooked from frozen,
sautéed with:
921
2 tsp canola oil02
1 Tbsp almonds, slivered, unsalted01/4
1 cup carrots, cooked from frozen842
1 small whole wheat roll:1481
1 tsp soft (tub) margarine261
1 small cookie601
Snacks
2 Tbsp peanuts, unsalted1/2
1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup dried apricots
Totals
Totals1,6711,47265 3/452 1/263/43 2/31
Sodium Level
Nutrients Per Day2,300 mg1,500 mg
Calories1,9391,935
Total fat58 g57 g
Calories from fat27%27 %
Saturated fat12 g12 g
Calories from saturated fat6%6%
Cholesterol171 mg171 mg
Sodium1,671 mg1,472 mg
Carbohydrate268 g268 g
Protein105 g105 g
Calcium1,210 mg1,214 mg
Magnesium548 mg545 mg
Potassium4,710 mg4,710 mg
Fiber36 g36 g
Day Seven
Breakfast
Number of Servings by DASH Food Group
2,300 mg Sodium MenuSodium (mg)Substitution To Reduce Sodium to 1,500 mgSodium (mg)GrainsVegetablesFruitsMilk ProductsMeats, fish, and poultryNuts, seeds, and legumesFats and oilsSweets and added sugars
1 cup whole grain oat rings:2731 cup regular oatmeal5
1 medium banana1
1 cup low-fat milk107
1 cup fruit yogurt, fat-free, no sugar added173
Lunch
tuna salad sandwich:
1/2 cup tuna, drained, rinsed39
1 Tbsp mayonnaise, low-fat101
1 large leaf romaine lettuce1
2 slices tomato2
2 slices whole wheat bread299
1 medium apple1
1 cup low-fat milk107
Dinner
1/6 recipe zucchini lasagna:368substitute cottage cheese, low-fat, no salt added165
salad:
1 cup fresh spinach leaves24
1 cup tomato wedges9
2 Tbsp croutons, seasoned62
1 Tbsp vinaigrette dressing, reduced calorie1331 Tbsp low-sodium vinaigrette dressing1
1 Tbsp sunflower seeds0
1 small whole wheat roll:148
1 tsp soft (tub) margarine451 tsp unsalted soft (tub) margarine0
1 cup grape juice8
Snacks
1/3 cup almonds, unsalted0
1/4 cup dry apricots3
6 whole wheat crackers166
Totals
Totals2,0691,421
Sodium Level
Nutrients Per Day2,300 mg1,500 mg
Calories1,9931,988
Total fat64 g60 g
Calories from fat29 %27 %
Saturated fat13 g13 g
Calories from saturated fat6%6%
Cholesterol71 mg72 mg
Sodium2,069 mg1,421 mg
Carbohydrate283 g285 g
Protein93 g97 g
Calcium1,616 mg1,447 mg
Magnesium537 mg553 mg
Potassium4,693 mg4,695 mg
Fiber32 g33 g
[Source 28 ]

Summary

The DASH diet eating plan is just one key part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, and combining it with other lifestyle changes such as physical activity can help you control your blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol for life.

To help prevent and control high blood pressure:

  • Be physically active.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Manage and cope with stress.

Other lifestyle changes can improve your overall health, such as:

  • If you smoke, quit.
  • Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hours/day).

To help make lifelong lifestyle changes, try making one change at a time and add another when you feel that you have successfully adopted the earlier changes. When you practice several healthy lifestyle habits, you are more likely to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure, healthy body weight and cholesterol levels.

References
  1. Journal of the American College of Cardiology Volume 45, Issue 9, 3 May 2005, Pages 1379-1387. Diets and Cardiovascular Disease: An Evidence-Based Assessment. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109705003670
  2. National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute. Description of the DASH Eating Plan. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dash
  3. National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute. Your Guide To Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/dash_brief.pdf
  4. Sacks FM, Svetkey LP, Vollmer WM, Appel LJ, Bray GA, Harsha D, Obarzanek E, Conlin PR, Miller ER 3rd, Simons-Morton DG, Karanja N, Lin PH; DASH-Sodium Collaborative Research Group. Effects on blood pressure of reduced dietary sodium and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. DASH-Sodium Collaborative Research Group. N Engl J Med. 2001 Jan 4;344(1):3-10. doi: 10.1056/NEJM200101043440101
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