Living with ATTR-CM (transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy) means more than just managing a heart condition—it means making changes in how you move, rest, and most importantly, how you eat. But let’s be real: eating “healthy” doesn’t mean giving up soul. I’m still a man who grew up loving Sunday dinners with baked mac and cheese, greens, and cornbread. So when my doctor told me I needed to lower my sodium, ease up on the fried foods, and balance my fluids, I had one question:
“Can I still eat food that tastes good?”
The answer: Yes. You just have to know how to remix the plate. Here’s a look at what I eat in a day that supports my heart—and still honors the flavors I grew up with.
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Morning: Warm, Filling & Easy on the Heart
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Almond Milk, Bananas, and Cinnamon
I used to start my day with bacon, eggs, and toast slathered in butter. Now, I opt for something that doesn’t weigh me down by 10 a.m.
What I Eat:
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1/2 cup old-fashioned oats cooked in unsweetened almond milk
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Half a sliced banana
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A sprinkle of cinnamon
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1 tsp of flaxseed for fiber and heart health
Why It Works:
Oatmeal is a powerhouse for lowering cholesterol. The banana adds potassium, which helps regulate fluids—a must for folks with ATTR-CM. The cinnamon gives it flavor without needing sugar or salt. It feels like a warm hug and keeps me full till midday.
BDO Tip: Avoid the instant oatmeal packets with added sodium and sugar. Go plain and flavor it yourself.
RELATED: The ATTR-CM Meal Plan
Mid-Morning Snack: Quick Energy Boost
Snack: Apple Slices with Natural Peanut Butter
When my energy dips, especially if I’ve taken meds, I grab a quick snack that lifts me without spiking my blood sugar.
What I Eat:
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1 small apple
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1 tbsp of unsalted, natural peanut butter
Why It Works:
The fiber in the apple helps with digestion, and the healthy fat in peanut butter gives me a little staying power without the salt that can cause fluid retention.
BDO Tip: Always check peanut butter labels—“natural” doesn’t always mean low sodium. Look for 0–50mg per serving.
Lunch: Soul Food Made Heart Smart
Lunch: Baked Salmon, Collard Greens (No Pork), and Quinoa
Sunday dinner flavors? I just bring them into my lunch with a few tweaks.
What I Eat:
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4 oz baked salmon seasoned with herbs and lemon
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1 cup collard greens sautéed in olive oil with garlic and onion
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1/2 cup cooked quinoa
Why It Works:
Salmon is high in omega-3s, which fight inflammation and protect the heart. I swap out pork in my greens and use smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar for flavor. Quinoa gives me fiber and protein—no heavy carbs.
BDO Tip: Cooking greens at home lets you control the sodium. Most canned greens have over 700mg per serving!
Afternoon Snack: Fuel, Not Filler
Snack: Low-Sodium Hummus and Carrot Sticks
I don’t always feel like chewing a full meal, but I need something to hold me over and help with my energy.
What I Eat:
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2 tbsp hummus
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Baby carrots or sliced cucumbers
Why It Works:
Hummus gives protein and fiber with little to no saturated fat. Just make sure it’s labeled low sodium—some brands can sneak in 150mg+ per serving.
BDO Tip: Try making your own hummus with canned low-sodium chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
RELATED: 5 Treatment Options For ATTR-CM
Dinner: A Remixed Sunday Plate
Dinner: Oven-Roasted Turkey Wings, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Steamed Cabbage
Yes, I said turkey wings. This is how you keep the tradition and ditch the extra salt and grease.
What I Eat:
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1 oven-roasted turkey wing (skin removed after cooking)
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1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
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1 cup steamed cabbage with herbs
Why It Works:
Turkey is a lean protein when roasted and drained of fat. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and potassium. Cabbage is filling, fiber-rich, and low in sodium. No added table salt, but you’d never know.
BDO Tip: Roast your turkey with rosemary, garlic, thyme, and a little olive oil. The herbs bring the flavor home.
Evening Treat: Sweet Without the Sugar Bomb
Evening Treat: Fresh Berries or No-Sugar Fruit Cup
Sometimes you just want something. I keep it simple.
What I Eat:
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1/2 cup blueberries or strawberries
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Or a pre-packed fruit cup in 100% juice
Why It Works:
No added sugar, just fiber and antioxidants that support heart and brain health. And they satisfy that dessert craving.
BDO Tip: Avoid canned fruit in syrup. Always read the label—“lite” doesn’t mean low sugar.
I didn’t change how I eat overnight. It took time. But I realized this:
“Food is still joy. Food is still family. And food can still be healing—it just has to work with your heart, not against it.”
If you’re living with ATTR-CM, or any kind of heart failure, know this: You don’t have to give up flavor. You just need to cook smarter, season differently, and listen to what your body needs.
And if you’re still figuring it out—don’t stress. Start with one meal. Swap out one ingredient. Lean on your community. You’re not in this alone.
