High Blood Pressure Diet Meal Plan (PDF & Menu)

High Blood Pressure Diet Foods to Eat

Generally, you’ll find you’ll want to eat lots of foods considered to be heart-healthy. These include foods such as:

Fruits and Vegetables

The link between eating more fruit and vegetables and the benefits on health is well documented.

Many studies show that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease (1, 2, 3).

One study found that 3 daily servings of fruit and vegetables lowered the risk of heart disease by 70% (4).

There are also many positive effects on weight when more fruits and vegetables are eaten. These foods are high in fiber and have high satiety, meaning they keep you full for longer.

A comprehensive study of 133,000 people found people eating more fruits and vegetables generally weighed less than those who didn’t (5).

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain more fiber, nutrients and minerals than their refined counterparts.

One study of 200 people found eating 3 portions of whole grains a day reduced their risk of high blood pressure considerably by 15-25% (6).

A review looking at multiple studies found that 28 grams of whole grains could lower heart disease risk by 22% (7).

Whole grains you can eat include:

• Oatmeal
• Whole grain bread
• Barley
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Bulgur

Legumes

Legumes contain lots of magnesium, potassium and fiber, which are important nutrients that can improve blood pressure (8). Eating more potassium helps you lose more sodium through urine. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure.

Another study found people who ate roughly 1 cup of legumes a day for 10 weeks drastically reduced both their systolic and mean arterial blood pressure (9).

One other study found a variety of health factors, including blood pressure, triglycerides, weight, and waist circumference, were reduced when 2 servings of legumes were eaten over an 18-month period (10).

Popular legumes to eat include:

• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Soybeans
• Peanuts

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in various body functions and promoting heart and brain health. They aren’t produced by the body and must be consumed in food. They are most abundant in fatty fish.

Many studies find an association between people who eat fish regularly and a lower risk of various health conditions such as heart attacks and strokes (11, 12, 13).

In one study of more than 40,000 men in the United States, those who regularly ate one or more servings of fish per week had a 15% lower risk of heart disease (14).

Generally, a good rule of thumb is to eat fatty fish 1-2 times a week.

All types of fish are high in various vitamins and minerals as well as protein. However, not all types of fish contain these omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish include:

• Tuna
• Herring
• Trout
• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Sardines

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain high amounts of plant protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

You may think because they are calorie-dense that you shouldn’t eat them when losing weight. However, many studies find eating a moderate amount of nuts can actually help you lose weight (15, 16).

Various studies have found that nuts can help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because they can help reduce LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and inflammation. (17, 18, 19, 20).

One study, in particular, found that eating a daily serving of nuts was linked to a 28% lower risk of both fatal and nonfatal heart disease (21).

Great nut and seed additions to your diet include:

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Chia seeds
• Flax seeds

Chia seeds and flax seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids which many people don’t get enough of.

Lean Protein

White meat poultry and white meat fish are some of the best lean sources of protein to consume.

These foods are high in various vitamins and minerals whilst being low in saturated fats. Red meats such as beef, lamb and pork also contain lots of protein, vitamins and minerals, but are also high in saturated fats.

Saturated fat is used in the body to make cholesterol. Eating too much saturated fat can therefore raise it. Excessive cholesterol can increase your risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Therefore, it’s best to choose lean meats the majority of the time.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, the kind that may help raise “good” HDL and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.

One study gave older adults at risk of heart disease 60 ml a day of extra virgin olive oil alongside a Mediterranean diet. This group had a 30% lower risk of stroke and heart attack, compared to people who followed a low-fat diet (21).

View 7 Day Hypertension Diet Plan PDF

High Blood Pressure Diet Foods to Avoid

• Added sugar: Sweets, table sugar, sugary drinks and many others
• Refined grains: White bread, pasta made with refined wheat, etc.
• Trans fats: Found in margarine and various processed foods.
• Refined Oils: Soybean oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil and others.
• Highly processed foods & meats: fried chicken, potato chips and more

General Tips to Reduce Blood Pressure

Avoid Salt (Sodium)

Eating more sodium increases your blood pressure and risk of hypertension (22)

A few simple suggestions to reduce the amount of sodium you eat include:

• Check the salt/sodium quantities on food labels
• Avoid canned and processed foods
• Use spices and herbs instead of salt.

Choosing a Diet for High Blood Pressure

If you’re looking for an eating plan that closely follows the principles above, the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the best.

It is high in foods that help reduce blood pressure such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.

Many credible organizations suggest following a Mediterranean diet to fight inflammation. These include:

• Harvard Medical School
• Arthritis Foundation
• Mayo Clinic
• Osteoarthritis Foundation Internal

It was ranked the number 1 diet according to the U.S. News & World Report.

In particular, it comes out on top when it comes to its healthiness and how easy it is to follow. This makes it a perfect diet to follow if you want to reduce inflammation long-term and find a sustainable way of eating.

Various studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can help with a range of health-related diseases, such as:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular events, and coronary heart disease,  (25, 26)
• Reduced risk of coronary heart disease (27, 28)
• Reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes (29)
• Risk of breast cancer (30)
• Reduced obesity (31)
• Better cognitive function (32)

Hypertension Diet Meal Plan

Sample Menu

In the meal plan are recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Snacks are recommended between meal times. Some good snacks include:

• A handful of nuts or seeds
• A piece of fruit
• Carrots or baby carrots
• Berries or grapes

View 7 Day Hypertension Diet Plan PDF

Day 1: Monday

Breakfast: Breakfast Blues Porridge

Nutrition

• Calories – 347
• Protein – 15g
• Carbs – 42g
• Fat – 15g

Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• ½ cup (50g) porridge oats
• ⅚ cup (200ml) milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• ⅛ cup (25g) chia seeds
• ¾ cup (150g) blueberries
• ⅓ cup (25g) flaked almonds

Instructions

1. Mix the porridge oats, milk, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt and chia seeds in a bowl and soak for one minute. Once the oats have softened, add some of the blueberries.
2. Place the mixture into two bowls and add any remaining berries and almonds.

Lunch: Greek Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 273
• Protein – 6g
• Carbs – 14g
• Fat – 24g

Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• ⅘ cup (120g) cherry tomatoes,
• 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded and roughly chopped
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ (60g) or about 16 Kalamata olives
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ⅓ cup (50g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and lightly season. Serve with wholemeal bread.

Dinner: Haddock Risotto

Nutrition

• Calories – 508
• Protein – 40g
• Carbs – 46g
• Fat – 15g

Prep time + cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large leek, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup (150g) risotto rice, such as arborio or carnaroli
• 1 ½ cups (350ml) vegetable stock
• ½ cup (125ml) milk
• 9-10 oz (280g) smoked haddock,
• skinned and cut into large chunks
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 ⅔ cups (50g) baby spinach

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F (200C). Heat the oil in an oven-proof dish over a medium heat. Cook the leek for 4-5 minutes, until just tender. Add the rice and stir for 2 extra minutes.
2. Add the stock and milk, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the haddock on top. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
3. Add the Greek yogurt and spinach and season. Cover the pan again and leave to rest out of the oven for 3 minutes before serving.

View 7 Day Hypertension Diet Plan PDF

Day 2: Tuesday

Breakfast: Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 177
• Protein – 5g
• Carbs – 13g
• Fat – 13g

Prep time + cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ¼ tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp chopped mint
• ⅘ cup (120g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1 ⅔ cups (250g) watermelon, cut into chunks
• ⅔ cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. For the dressing, Mix the oil, vinegar, chilli flakes and mint and then season.
2. Put the tomatoes and watermelon into a bowl. Pour over the dressing, add the feta, then serve.

Lunch: Falafel Wraps

Nutrition

• Calories – 424
• Protein – 21g
• Carbs – 44g
• Fat – 21g

Prep time + cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 2 wholemeal wraps
• 4 falafels (about 3.5 oz / 100g)
• ½ avocado
• Small bunch of parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tbsp harissa

For the tahini sauce:

• ¼ cup (60g) Greek yogurt
• ½ tbsp tahini
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• ¼ tsp ground cumin

Instructions

1. To make the tahini sauce, add the ingredients plus some seasoning to a bowl and mix together.
2. Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat and warm the flatbread for 1 minute, flipping halfway through. Spoon some tahini sauce on the flatbread along with the falafel and tahini. Scatter the parsley, squeeze the lime juice and add the harissa. Roll and serve.

Dinner: Eggplant Lentil Bake

Nutrition

• Calories – 444
• Protein – 17g
• Carbs – 52g
• Fat – 20g

Prep time + cook time: 60 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 eggplant / aubergine, sliced lengthways
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ⅓ cup (70g) lentils
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¾ cup (150g) cooked butternut squash
• 7 oz can (200g) chopped tomatoes
• ½ small pack basil leaves
• ⅓ cup (60g) feta

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425F (220C). Add oil to each eggplant side. Lay on baking sheets, season and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once. Cook lentils following pack instructions.
2. Heat oil in frying pan. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add squash & tomatoes, plus ½ can of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in lentils, basil & seasoning.
3. Spoon layer of lentils into baking dish, then eggplant slices and repeat. Scatter feta and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is golden.

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Day 3: Wednesday

Breakfast: Basil & Spinach Scramble

Nutrition

• Calories – 294
• Protein – 16g
• Carbs – 8g
• Fat – 24g

Prep time + cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ⅔ cup (100g) cherry tomatoes
• 4 eggs
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk
• handful basil, chopped
• 6 cups (180g) baby spinach
• black pepper

Instructions

1.  Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and add the tomatoes. While they are cooking, beat the eggs in a jug and add the milk, black pepper and basil.
2. Remove the tomatoes from the pan and place on the plates. Add the oil, spinach and egg mixture to the pan, stirring occasionally until the eggs scramble. Once set, add to the plates and serve.

Lunch: Carrot, Orange and Avocado Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 177
• Protein – 5g
• Carbs – 13g
• Fat – 13g

Prep time + cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 orange, plus zest and juice of 1
• 2 carrots, halved lengthways and sliced with a peeler
• 35g / 1 ½ cups rocket / arugula
• 1 avocado, stoned, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Cut the segments from 1 of the oranges and put in a bowl with the carrots, rocket/arugula and avocado. Whisk together the orange juice, zest and oil. Toss through the salad, and season.

Dinner: Med Chicken, Quinoa and Greek Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 424
• Protein – 33g
• Carbs – 50g
• Fat – 21g

Prep time + cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• ⅗ cup (100g) quinoa
• ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
• handful pitted black kalamata olives
• ½ red onion, finely sliced
• ⅓ cup (50g) feta cheese, crumbled
• small bunch mint leaves, chopped
• juice and zest ½ lemon

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa following the pack instructions, then rinse in cold water and drain thoroughly.
2. Meanwhile, toss the chicken fillets in the olive oil with some seasoning, chilli and garlic. Lay in a hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside
3. Next, tip the tomatoes, olives, onion, feta and mint into a bowl. Toss in the cooked quinoa. Stir through the remaining olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and season well. Serve with the chicken on top.

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Day 4: Thursday

Breakfast: Breakfast Blues Porridge

Lunch: Mixed Bean Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 240
• Protein – 11g
• Carbs – 22g
• Fat – 12g

Prep time + cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• ⅘ cups (145g) artichoke heart in oil
• ½ tbsp sundried tomato paste
• ½ tsp red wine vinegar
• 7 oz can (200g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• ⅘ cup (120g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
• handful Kalamata black olives
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• ⅔ cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Drain the jar of artichokes, reserving 1-2 tbsp of oil. Add the oil, sun-dried tomato paste and vinegar and stir until smooth. Season to taste.
2. Chop the artichokes and tip into a bowl. Add the cannellini beans, tomatoes, olives, spring onions and half of the feta cheese. Stir in the artichoke oil mixture and tip into a serving bowl. Crumble over the remaining feta cheese, then serve.

Dinner: Grilled Vegetables with Bean Mash

Nutrition

• Calories – 314
• Protein – 19g
• Carbs – 33g
• Fat – 16g

Prep time + cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 pepper, deseeded & quartered
• 1 eggplant (aubergine), sliced lengthways
• 2 zucchini (courgettes), sliced lengthways
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the mash

• 14 oz (400g) can haricot beans, rinsed
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• ⅖ cup (100ml) vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (coriander

Instructions

1. Heat the grill. Arrange the vegetables over a grill pan &brush lightly with oil. Grill until lightly browned, turn them over, brush again with oil, then grill until tender.
2. Meanwhile, put the beans in a pan with garlic and stock. Bring to the boil, then simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Mash roughly with a potato masher. Divide the vegetables and mash between 2 plates, drizzle over oil and sprinkle with black pepper and coriander.

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Day 5: Friday

Breakfast: Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Lunch: Panzanella Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 452
• Protein – 6g
• Carbs – 37g
• Fat – 25g

Prep time + cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, stoned, peeled and chopped
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 slices of brown bread
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• small handful basil leaves

Instructions

1. Chop the tomatoes and put them in a bowl. Season well and add the garlic, capers, avocado and onion. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, tear the bread into chunks and place in a bowl. Drizzle over half of the olive oil and half of the vinegar. When ready to serve, scatter tomatoes and basil leaves and drizzle with remaining oil and vinegar. Stir before serving.

Dinner: Salmon & Chickpea Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 351
• Protein – 25g
• Carbs – 34g
• Fat – 14g

Prep time + cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 large red pepper, quartered and deseeded
• ½ lemon, zest and juice
• pinch smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 ⅓ cup (100g) baby spinach
• 2 salmon fillets
• 14 oz (400g) can chickpeas

Instructions

1. Heat the grill and grill the pepper quarters for 5 minutes. Leave the grill on. Transfer the peppers to a bowl & leave to cool slightly. Peel off the skins & cut the flesh into strips.
2. Whisk the lemon zest, juice, smoked paprika, olive oil & seasoning. Toss half the dressing with the spinach leaves and divide between 2 bowls.
3. Season the salmon and grill for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the chickpeas in their canning liquid for 3-4 minutes, drain well, then mix with the remaining dressing & strips of pepper. Spoon over spinach and top with salmon to serve.

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Day 6: Saturday

Breakfast: Basil & Spinach Scramble

Lunch: Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

Nutrition

• Calories – 238
• Protein – 11g
• Carbs – 34g
• Fat – 7g

Prep time + cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• pinch chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups (300g) carrots, washed and coarsely grated
• ⅓ cup (70g) split red lentils
• 2 ¼ cups (500ml) hot vegetable stock
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk
• Greek yogurt, to serve

Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan and dryfry the cumin seeds and chilli flakes for 1 minute. Scoop out about half of the seeds with a spoon and set aside. Add the oil, carrot, lentils, stock and milk to the pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils have swollen and softened.
2. Whizz the soup with a stick blender or in a food processor until smooth. Season to taste and finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of the reserved toasted spices.

Dinner: Chicken Gyros

Nutrition

• Calories – 296
• Protein – 26g
• Carbs – 29g
• Fat – 8g

Prep time + cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 8-10cm (about half) piece cucumber,
• 2 tbsp mint, chopped
• 2 wholemeal pita bread
• ⅓ cup (50g) cherry tomatoes
• 1 roasted red pepper from jar, sliced

Instructions

1. Heat a frying pan with some olive oil over a medium heat. Cover the chicken chunks with oregano, then add to the pan with the garlic and some pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or so until cooked through.
2. Meanwhile, grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water. Add the yogurt, grated cucumber and mint to make the tzatziki.
3. Cut the tops of the pittas on their longest side. Layer in the chicken, tomatoes and red pepper. If eating immediately, add the tzatziki. If taking away, keep the tzatziki in a separate container and add before eating to stop the pitta going soggy.

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Day 7: Sunday

Breakfast: Breakfast Blues Porridge

Lunch: Moroccan Chickpea Soup

Nutrition

• Calories – 408
• Protein – 15g
• Carbs – 63g
• Fat – 11g

Prep time + cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 1 celery sticks, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) hot vegetable stock
• 7 oz can (200g) chopped tomatoes
• 7 oz can (200g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ¼ cup (50g) frozen broad beans
• zest and juice ½ lemon
• cilantro (coriander) & bread to serve

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan, then fry the onion and celery for 10 minutes until softened. Add the cumin and fry for another minute.
2. Turn up the heat, then add the stock, tomatoes, chickpeas and black pepper. Simmer for 8 minutes. Add broad beans and lemon juice and cook for a further 2 minutes. Top with lemon zest and coriander.

Dinner: Spicy Mediterranean Beet Salad

Nutrition

• Calories – 548
• Protein – 23g
• Carbs – 58g
• Fat – 20g

Prep time + cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 8 raw baby beetroots, or 4 medium, scrubbed
• ½ tbsp sumac
• ½ tbsp ground cumin
• 14 oz can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Zest and juice, ½ lemon
• ⅚ cup (200g) Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• 1 tsp crushed red chilli flakes
• mint leaves, chopped, to serve

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425F (220C). Halve or quarter beetroots depending on size. Mix spices together. On a large baking tray, mix chickpeas and beetroot with the oil. Season with salt & sprinkle over the spices. Mix again. Roast for 30 minutes.
2. While the vegetables are cooking, mix the lemon zest and juice with the yogurt. Swirl the harissa through and spread into a bowl. Top with the beetroot & chickpeas, and sprinkle with the chilli flakes & mint

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High Blood Pressure Diet Shopping List

This shopping list corresponds to the 7 day plan, serving 2 people. No snacks are included.

View 7 Day Hypertension Diet Plan PDF

28 Day Mediterranean Plan for High Blood Pressure

We’ve created a 4-week Mediterranean-style diet meal plan for high blood pressure that follows the same format as this 7-day meal plan pdf. It contains FOUR weeks of meal plans, recipes, shopping lists and prep guides – all available in digital format.

Click here to grab your copy of the 28 day Mediterranean diet plan for high blood pressure!

Disclosure

We would like to take a moment to note that this post is for information purposes only. It does not claim to provide medical advice or to be able to treat any medical condition. It makes no claims with respect to weight loss, either in terms of the amount or rate at which weight loss could be achieved. If you have any concerns regarding your health please contact your medical practitioner before making changes.