30-Day High-Fiber Meal Plan for High Blood Pressure, Created by a Dietitian

Looking to lower your high blood pressure? Eating more fiber can help.

a collage featuring some of the recipes in the 30-Day High-Fiber Meal Plan for High Blood Pressure, Created by a Dietitian
Credit:

From left to right: Jen Causey, Robby Lozano, and Ali Redmond. EatingWell design.

If you have high blood pressure, you’ve probably been told to limit your sodium intake and maybe increase your physical activity, too. While cutting back on sodium is a helpful strategy, there’s an underrated nutrient you should be eating more of for healthy blood pressure: fiber. In this 30-day high-fiber meal plan for high blood pressure, we map out an entire month of fiber-rich meals and snacks tailored to support a healthy heart. Whether you currently have high blood pressure or are looking to reduce your risk, this heart-healthy meal plan is here to help. Let’s get started, your heart will thank you. 

A chart of the blood pressure ranges recognized by the American Heart Association. The text reads “Measuring your blood pressure and understanding the readings is critical to prevent and diagnose blood pressure conditions like hypotension and hypertension. These are the ranges recognized by the American Heart Association.” The categories are the following: Low blood pressure with a systolic reading of 90 mmHg and a diastolic reading of less than 60 mmHg. Normal blood pressure with a systolic reading of less than 120 mmHg and less than 80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure with a systolic reading of 120-129 mmHg and less than 80 mmHg. Hypertension stage 1 blood pressure with a systolic reading of 130-139 mmHg or a diastolic reading of 80-89 mmHg. Hypertension stage 2 blood pressure with a systolic reading of 140 or higher or a diastolic reading of 90 or higher mmHg. Hypertensive Crisis blood pressure with a systolic reading higher than 180 or a diastolic reading of higher than 120.

EatingWell

Why This Meal Plan Is Great for You

To support healthy blood pressure, we capped the sodium at 1,500 milligrams per day, as recommended by the American Heart Association. Because sodium pulls water into the blood vessels, it increases the total blood volume. This increase in volume causes the heart to work harder and can damage blood vessels over time, which increases the risk of heart disease. To help reduce blood pressure, we also incorporated many potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, white beans, salmon, yogurt and dark leafy greens. Potassium helps pull sodium out of the body and eases tension in the blood vessels. We also limited saturated fat to 14 grams per day, with an upper limit of up to 20 grams on days we include fatty fish, like salmon. A high intake of saturated fat may lead to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. 

To help protect the heart, we include plenty of fiber, with each day providing an average of 39 grams. Fiber has many health benefits, including improving cholesterol and blood pressure. It’s also linked to weight loss, improved satiety and better digestion. While fiber is the focus of this healthy blood pressure meal plan, we didn’t forget about protein. While total protein intake doesn’t have a clear connection to blood pressure, we know that it’s a nutrient many people prioritize. Each day provides an average of 96 grams of protein. 

We set this meal plan at 1,800 calories per day and included modifications for 1,500 and 2,000 calories per day to support this with different calorie needs. While we previously included meal plans and modifications for 1,200 calories, we no longer do. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting your calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

Week 1

Image of Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing in portable glass container

Ali Redmond

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make Shredded Wheat with Raisins & Walnuts to have for breakfast throughout the week.
  2. Prepare Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing to have for lunch on days 2 through 5. 
  3. Make Carrot Cake Energy Bites to have as a snack throughout the week.

Day 1

Breakfast (376 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

Lunch (414 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (447 calories)

Evening Snack (301 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds
  • 1 medium apple

Daily Totals: 1,812 calories, 72g fat, 11g saturated fat, 95g protein, 211g carbohydrate, 44g fiber, 1,403mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Cottage Cheese-Berry Bowl to P.M. snack.

Day 2

Breakfast (584 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (210 calories)

  • 1 medium banana
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (456 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,787 calories, 78g fat, 11g saturated fat, 90g protein, 199g carbohydrate, 32g fiber, 1,315mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to ¼ cup blueberries and change P.M. snack to 1 clementine.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium apple to lunch and increase to 2 Tbsp. peanut butter at P.M. snack.

Day 3

Breakfast (584 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (503 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,804 calories, 74g fat, 10g saturated fat, 86g protein, 220g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,346mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to ¼ cup blueberries and change P.M. snack to ½ cup sliced cucumbers. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 4

Breakfast (376 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (504 calories)

Evening Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Daily Totals: 1,803 calories, 83g fat, 12g saturated fat, 90g protein, 182g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,468mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 clementine and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Increase to 4 Tbsp. almonds at P.M. snack and add 1 medium apple to the evening snack.

Day 5

Breakfast (584 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (558 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,810 calories, 75g fat, 10g saturated fat, 83g protein, 220g carbohydrate, 35g fiber, 1,310mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change breakfast to 1 serving Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 6

Breakfast (584 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

Lunch (414 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (455 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,777 calories, 78g fat, 14g saturated fat, 94g protein, 194g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,308mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change breakfast to 1 serving Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 7

Breakfast (376 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

Lunch (422 calories)

P.M. Snack (247 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 3 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (505 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Daily Totals: 1,825 calories, 83g fat, 14g saturated fat, 76g protein, 220g carbohydrate, 49g fiber, 1,352mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. snack to 1 medium orange and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to the evening snack.

Week 2

a recipe photo of the Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Salmon with Green Beans

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make a double batch of Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds to have for breakfast on days 9 through 12. 
  2. Prepare Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad to have for lunch on days 9 through 12.
  3. Make Blueberry-Pecan Energy Balls to have throughout the week. 

Day 8

Breakfast (421 calories)

A.M. Snack (202 calories)

Lunch (422 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (441 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Daily Totals: 1,801 calories, 69g fat, 11g saturated fat, 79g protein, 238g carbohydrate, 43g fiber, 1,068mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 clementine and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to the evening snack.

Day 9

Breakfast (480 calories)

A.M. Snack (202 calories)

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (440 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,811 calories, 86g fat, 14g saturated fat, 87g protein, 188g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,438mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 clementine and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to the evening snack.

Day 10

Breakfast (480 calories)

A.M. Snack (202 calories)

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (440 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Daily Totals: 1,811 calories, 86g fat, 14g saturated fat, 87g protein, 188g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,438mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 clementine and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to the apple at breakfast.

Day 11

Breakfast (385 calories)

A.M. Snack (202 calories)

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (247 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 3 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (489 calories)

Evening Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Daily Totals: 1,796 calories, 100g fat, 14g saturated fat, 72g protein, 169g carbohydrate, 35g fiber, 1,212mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to ¼ cup blueberries and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to the evening snack.

Day 12

Breakfast (385 calories)

A.M. Snack (202 calories)

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (436 calories)

Evening Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds


Daily Totals: 1,788 calories, 103g fat, 14g saturated fat, 97g protein, 132g carbohydrate, 32g fiber, 1,438mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Reduce to 1 serving Blueberry-Pecan Energy Balls at A.M. snack and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Increase to 4 Tbsp. sliced almonds at P.M. snack and add 1 medium apple to the evening snack.

Day 13

Breakfast (421 calories)

A.M. Snack (202 calories)

Lunch (417 calories)

P.M. Snack (200 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (428 calories)

Evening Snack (121 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup raspberries 

Daily Totals: 1,792 calories, 72g fat, 13g saturated fat, 66g protein, 237g carbohydrate, 41g fiber, 1,359mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. snack to ½ cup blueberries and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Increase to 2 Tbsp. peanut butter at P.M. snack and add 3 Tbsp. sliced almonds to the evening snack.

Day 14

Breakfast (421 calories)

A.M. Snack (202 calories)

Lunch (417 calories)

P.M. Snack (180 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds

Dinner (454 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Daily Totals: 1,809 calories, 67g fat, 11g saturated fat, 83g protein, 238g carbohydrate, 38g fiber, 1,297mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to ¼ cup blueberries and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to the evening snack.

Week 3

a recipe photo of the Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Addelyn Evans

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette to have for lunch on days 16 through 19.
  2. Prepare Anti-Inflammatory Energy Balls to have as a snack throughout the week.

Day 15

Breakfast (405 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Lunch (422 calories)

P.M. Snack (305 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (450 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,788 calories, 95g fat, 16g saturated fat, 89g protein, 158g carbohydrate, 42g fiber, 1,494mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. snack to 1 clementine.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 clementine to A.M. snack and add 1 serving Cottage Cheese-Berry Bowl to the evening snack.

Day 16

Breakfast (311 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blackberries (or other fruit of your choosing)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 serving No-Added-Sugar Chia Jam

A.M. Snack (305 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Lunch (389 calories)

P.M. Snack (170 calories)

Dinner (624 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Baghali Pollow with Quinoa (Persian-Style Quinoa and Beans with Chicken) to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,800 calories, 77g fat, 13g saturated fat, 130g protein, 148g carbohydrate, 33g fiber, 1,334mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Reduce to 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds at breakfast and omit peanut butter at A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 17

Breakfast (384 calories)

A.M. Snack (203 calories)

Lunch (389 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Dinner (508 calories)

Evening Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Daily Totals: 1,785 calories, 80g fat, 13g saturated fat, 120g protein, 156g carbohydrate, 36g fiber, 1,432mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit yogurt at breakfast, change P.M. snack to 1 medium banana and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to evening snack.

Day 18

Breakfast (311 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blackberries (or other fruit of your choosing)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 serving No-Added-Sugar Chia Jam

A.M. Snack (203 calories)

Lunch (389 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Dinner (623 calories)

Evening Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Daily Totals: 1,794 calories, 94g fat, 14g saturated fat, 106g protein, 145g carbohydrate, 39g fiber, 1,464mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit sliced almonds at breakfast and change P.M. snack to ½ cup blueberries. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 slice whole-wheat toast with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to breakfast and add ¼ cup blueberries to the P.M. snack.

Day 19

Breakfast (384 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Lunch (389 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (452 calories)

Evening Snack (216 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat unsalted cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries

Daily Totals: 1,778 calories, 77g fat, 14g saturated fat, 122g protein, 161g carbohydrate, 42g fiber, 1,494mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium apple and omit cottage cheese at the evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium orange to lunch and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to lunch.

Day 20

Breakfast (311 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blackberries (or other fruit of your choosing)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 serving No-Added-Sugar Chia Jam

A.M. Snack (203 calories)

Lunch (472 calories)

P.M. Snack (305 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (493 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,783 calories, 61g fat, 8g saturated fat, 99g protein, 220g carbohydrate, 49g fiber, 1,424mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Reduce to 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds at breakfast and omit peanut butter at P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 21

Breakfast (311 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blackberries (or other fruit of your choosing)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 serving No-Added-Sugar Chia Jam

A.M. Snack (203 calories)

Lunch (472 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Dinner (535 calories)

Evening Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Daily Totals: 1,788 calories, 82g fat, 14g saturated fat, 100g protein, 180g carbohydrate, 51g fiber, 1,233mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit almonds at breakfast and change P.M. snack to ½ cup blueberries.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 slice whole-wheat bread with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to breakfast and add ½ cup blueberries to P.M. snack.

Week 4

a recipe photo of the High-Protein Lemon-Blueberry Energy Balls

Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make a double batch of High-Protein Raspberry & Peanut Butter Overnight Oats to have for breakfast on days 24 through 26. 
  2. Prepare Cream of Turkey & Wild Rice Soup to have for lunch on days 23 through 25. 
  3. Make High-Protein Lemon-Blueberry Energy Balls to have as a snack throughout the week. 

Day 22

Breakfast (376 calories)

A.M. Snack (251 calories)

Lunch (456 calories)

P.M. Snack (170 calories)

Dinner (433 calories)

Evening Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Daily Totals: 1,781 calories, 58g fat, 10g saturated fat, 105g protein, 227g carbohydrate, 39g fiber, 1,317mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium orange and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to evening snack.

Day 23

Breakfast (448 calories)

A.M. Snack (251 calories)

Lunch (483 calories)

P.M. Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Dinner (528 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,811 calories, 67g fat, 12g saturated fat, 106g protein, 204g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,418mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to ½ cup blueberries and omit the banana at lunch.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to the P.M. snack.

Day 24

Breakfast (448 calories)

A.M. Snack (251 calories)

Lunch (483 calories)

P.M. Snack (170 calories)

Dinner (395 calories)

Evening Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Daily Totals: 1,808 calories, 63g fat, 13g saturated fat, 111g protein, 209g carbohydrate, 32g fiber, 1,398mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to ½ cup blueberries and omit the banana at lunch.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to the evening snack.

Day 25

Breakfast (448 calories)

A.M. Snack (251 calories)

Lunch (483 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (495 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,804 calories, 67g fat, 14g saturated fat, 102g protein, 210g carbohydrate, 39g fiber, 1,174mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to ½ cup blueberries and omit the banana at lunch.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 26

Breakfast (448 calories)

A.M. Snack (251 calories)

Lunch (521 calories)

P.M. Snack (42 calories)

  • ½ cup blueberries

Dinner (545 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,806 calories, 87g fat, 10g saturated fat, 93g protein, 179g carbohydrate, 37g fiber, 1,313mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium orange and omit quinoa at dinner. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 27

Breakfast (311 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blackberries (or other fruit of your choosing)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 serving No-Added-Sugar Chia Jam

A.M. Snack (251 calories)

Lunch (521 calories)

P.M. Snack (170 calories)

Dinner (515 calories)

Evening Snack (42 calories)

  • ½ cup blueberries

Daily Totals: 1,809 calories, 78g fat, 9g saturated fat, 109g protein, 187g carbohydrate, 43g fiber, 1,288mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Reduce to 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds at breakfast and change A.M. snack to 1 clementine.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to the evening snack.

Day 28

Breakfast (311 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blackberries (or other fruit of your choosing)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 serving No-Added-Sugar Chia Jam

A.M. Snack (251 calories)

Lunch (521 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (580 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,792 calories, 68g fat, 8g saturated fat, 112g protein, 199g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,287mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Reduce to 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds at breakfast and change P.M. snack to 1 clementine.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium apple with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Week 5

a recipe photo of the Chicken Fajita Soup

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Day 29

Breakfast (376 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Lunch (394 calories)

P.M. Snack (170 calories)

Dinner (401 calories)

Evening Snack (252 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Daily Totals: 1,800 calories, 91g fat, 15g saturated fat, 81g protein, 178g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,327mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 large pear and change P.M. snack 1 clementine.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Simple Cabbage Salad to dinner and increase to 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter at the evening snack.

Day 30

Breakfast (421 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Lunch (427 calories)

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Dinner (461 calories)

Evening Snack (216 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat unsalted cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries

Daily Totals: 1,793 calories, 79g fat, 12g saturated fat, 94g protein, 198g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,455mg sodium.

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 large pear and omit evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 clementine to the A.M. snack and add ½ an avocado, sliced, to the salad at dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ​​Is it OK to mix and match meals if there is one I do not like?

    If there’s a meal you don’t like, feel free to repeat a different meal in this plan or browse some of our other healthy-blood-pressure and heart-healthy recipes for additional ideas. If you’re following this plan for high blood pressure, you’ll want to keep an eye on the saturated fat and sodium content of the replacement recipe.

  • Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day?

    Definitely, if it’s easier for your routine to eat the same breakfast or lunch every day then go for it! While all of these options were chosen with heart health and healthy blood pressure in mind, you’ll still want to be conscientious of the total sodium and saturated fat when making a swap.

  • Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories?

    We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

  • What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

    For most people, high blood pressure has very few, if any symptoms. But, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously. If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Getting your blood pressure checked regularly by a medical provider is the best way to know your stats.

Healthy Blood Pressure Foods to Focus On:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Low-fat and nonfat dairy
  • Whole grains
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Nuts, including natural nut butters 
  • Seeds
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Poultry
  • Lean meats
  • Herbs and spices
  • Olive oil and other unsaturated oils
  • Herbs and spices

Does Fiber Help Improve Blood Pressure?

Fiber has many health benefits. It’s often linked to improved digestion, gut health, weight loss, lower cholesterol and better blood sugar management. Its role in improving high blood pressure, however, is not often talked about as often, but perhaps it’s time to change that. A systematic review links a high dietary fiber intake with improved blood pressure. This result was consistent across different regions and among diverse populations and health conditions. And yet, most of us aren’t reaching our daily fiber goal, with just 7% of adults in the U.S. hitting their daily target of 25 grams a day for women and 38 grams for men. To get your fill, focus on eating more fiber-rich foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.

How We Create Meal Plans

Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell’s meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analyzed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.

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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Tejani VN, Dhillon SS, Damarlapally N, et al. The Relationship Between Dietary Fiber Intake and Blood Pressure Worldwide: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2023;15(9):e46116. doi:10.7759/cureus.46116

  2. American Heart Association. Get the Scoop on Sodium and Salt.

  3. American Heart Association. How Potassium Can Help Control High Blood Pressure.

  4. American Heart Association. Saturated Fats.

  5. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

  6. American Heart Association. What are the Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

  7. American Society for Nutrition. Most Americans are not getting enough fiber in our diets.

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