Any diet that gives specific menus or suggests that it be followed for a set period of time isn't from the American Heart Association. The real American Heart Association diet has been carefully researched and is intended for a lifetime of use. Most important, the real American Heart Association eating plan accommodates the needs of people with diverse food preferences. Unlike an incomplete liquid protein diet or other fad diets, a good diet can be eaten for years to maintain desirable body weight and good health. Fad diets fail to provide ways to keep excess weight off.
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Because fad diets require drastic changes in eating patterns, dieters can't stay on them for long. Fad dieters don't learn anything about permanently changing their eating patterns. Diets high in protein, for example, are also usually higher in fat. Despite what fad diet books may say, the only sensible way to lose weight permanently is to eat less and maintain or increase physical activity. A healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables along with regular physical activity can help most people manage and maintain weight loss for both cardiovascular health and appearance.