hi there, I had a stent put in just under a month ago and I have been eating really well. I am going out tonight for a vegan beyond burger and am freaking out that it’s not healthy enough.
Do you think I’ll be alright? Is one burger alright?
Many thanks
Karin
One burger is not going to hurt, but Vegan food is not always good for people with CHD, some of it is high in saturated fats, for example coconut oil.
Hiya, yes I know. I have been vegan for 23 years and have never really thought about it. For me, it’s the animals not the health. I’ve completely cut out all processed food now (apart from my burger tonight) and feel so much better for it.
As I said one burger will not make any long term difference so go enjoy. I have visited quite a few Vegan restaurants, and to be honest I am not comfortable with them generally as they tend to use quite a lot of substitute ingredients that may not be good for those with CHD, or anyone else for that matter, there are plenty of Vegan's who are overweight! There is nothing wrong with being a Vegan but personally I would only eat Vegan food I had cooked myself, on a general basis. Obviously any processed food is not good, including mass produced bread for example.
yes I agree. Ultra processed food whether it’s vegan or not vegan is bad. I cook everything from scratch now and I’m hoping that I will get better soon. Thanks for your comments.
I have been a vegetarian for 60 years. One burger is not going to hurt but I steer clear of Vegan food as there is often a lot of unpleasant stuff in it like oat milk and palm oil
The various processed "meats" are often very suspect. Quite why makers think Vegans or Vegetarians want to eat food that tastes like meat is beyond me. I also find Vegan food on the whole to be pretty dull but each to their own.
Anyone thinking of going vegan needs to look at the ingredients before buying if it is processed. If its your own concoction then it will likely be healthy but the ingredients used won't be saving the planet but if your concerns are about the animal then that is a worthy aim..
Thanks for the reply. I went vegan for the animals and I was quite lazy when it came to cooking. I hadn’t realised quite how damaging processed food could be. I think you always think, well it will never happen to me. I’m reasonably young, pretty healthy etc. So, I have done a 180 and am now cooking everything from scratch. Heart healthy food only. I didn’t enjoy my burger last night as I thought I would have another HA! The Mediterranean vegan diet is now my plan.
Good stuff. Cooking your own is a good plan as you know what goes in it. Out of curiosity I pick up vegan sausages and oat milk in the supermarket and am shocked by the ingredients but most people would just put it in their basket without thinking.
I never really look at the ingredients as for me, I’d be vegan if it was unhealthy or not. I do it for the animals. As long as the vegan diet is balanced, just like a veggie or meat diet, you should be fine. It’s like everything that is bad for us; moderation is key.
I am of a very similar frame of mind. Even if I went out and stuffed my face with a secret pork pie followed by a nice big bit of cheese I am sure I either would not enjoy it or feel guilty afterwards or probably both. I am probably in a similar position to you, and have the attitude that if anything should happen in the future, at least I have done my bit to try and prevent it? It's a great maxim there, if you didn't cook it, don't eat it, at least generally!
That’s a great way to look at it. If you haven’t cooked it, don’t eat it! I will live by that from now on. Might justify me having a glass of red wine every now and again 😂
please do not feel guilty over one burger and even 2. Enjoy and have a great night
Hello, I don't know what a vegan beyond burger is but it depends what the ingredients are as to whether it's healthy or not. Personally, I'd opt for the 100% beef steak as then it would be a whole food with only one ingredient- beef. But then I believe in a high fat, low carb diet which is pretty much the opposite of what is usually recommended. I hope this helps 🙏
Hi, thanks for the reply. I’m vegan so a beef burger won’t do for me. I can’t have high fat as I had a heart attack so also no good.
Red and processed meats (including beef, lamb, pork, bacon and ham, and dishes made from them) are one of the biggest sources of saturated fat in the average UK diet (direct quote from the BHF). Not too sure promoting a high fat diet is a great idea for people on a heart disease forum!
I'm not promoting anything, merely stating my thoughts. And my thoughts are that consuming saturated fats within my low carbs and low sugar diet is what keeps me slim and active at 78 years of age. Just my opinion and you are free to disagree, of course. Thanks for your reply 👍 🙂
One of anything will not hurt, to be honest. If that were the case, then a single giant bowl of oats would help. It's patterns. I do understand the guilt, though, of a "cheat meal."
That said, I am not vegan, but I avoid all processed foods and all meat except fish and the occasional chicken breast. Just watch out for the toppings as they can be high in saturated fats. I did have a beyond burger a few weeks ago that one of my son's friends left in the fridge -- it was good! Although expensive; i make my own bean or lentil burgers at home and freeze a bunch.
my view is I wouldn’t have “one” unless I knew it was homemade, cooked from scratch , no ultra processed ingredients, no saturates , no plan oils etc.
I’m not vegan. I eat all sorts of food and since having my Nstemi and quadruple CABG I’ve traded 41 years service in law enforcement to food police 🤦🏼🤣🤣🤣..
Thanks for the reply. That’s so funny. I am so judgmental of people’s food choices now! I was before being vegan - serious food police! But since my NSTEMI I’m even worse! It’s been an education that’s for sure. I hope you’re feeling better now.
I’m doing well Kazaroony , thank you. I thought I had a really good nutritional plan, was strung and fit but that didn’t account for the decades of laying down the route to a heart attack. Little changes and mindfulness make a big difference. We are both aware of it all now , I’m grateful for the rebirth and loving life on my small holding , living life to the full, celebrated 8 months post surgery on Monday. Big motorbike lessons, running 5k goals ✅, going to gigs , fun with mates , make my own bread , loaves , pitas, flat breads . Let’s keep on keeping on 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
Everything in moderation is fine. As long as you don't eat highly processed food everyday, once in a while you can enjoy it. That's what all my doctors always tell me.
I would just go for the real thing...making a vegan burger pretend to be a real one..will leave you unsatisfied...and is not as healthy...just my opinion of course.
a treat every so often isn’t going to hurt, we still need to have some fun, so go eat, enjoy the food and the company x
I eat most normal meals sort of mear and two veg type of person with a couple of biscuits. I have two stents and after 73 years of eating what I want can not see much logic in trying to turn back the clock and making what would to be a miserable existance indeed.
Don't think one burger going to hurt. But if u feel guilty have something else instead. Oops prob too late. Hope u enjoyed it
Is my heart range normal 2 months post MI and stents?
Driving after mitral valve replacement
Ptsd,severe depression, heart failure 
