Every February, Heart Health Month prompts important conversations about risk factors, screenings, and medical interventions. But a crucial piece of the puzzle often gets overlooked: the power of daily food choices. Cardiologists are increasingly emphasizing that consistent, small dietary changes can be more effective for long-term heart health than drastic overhauls, and that understanding how to make those changes is key.
The Food-First Approach to Heart Health
Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, MD, FACC, a preventive cardiologist, recognized this gap in guidance and founded Step One Foods. The brand is built on translating heart health research into achievable daily habits. Dr. Klodas’s motivation stemmed from witnessing patients repeatedly told to “watch their cholesterol” without receiving clear, actionable advice on how to do so.
Clinical research demonstrates that dietary interventions can impact cholesterol levels relatively quickly. The core principle behind a food-first approach, as championed by Dr. Klodas, is to focus on incorporating foods that actively work to lower cholesterol, rather than simply eliminating those considered “bad.”
How Food Impacts Cholesterol
Step One Foods are clinically formulated to block cholesterol absorption and reabsorption in the digestive system. This is achieved by delivering high levels of whole food fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant sterols – all from real food ingredients combined in precise amounts. The goal isn’t restriction, but rather strategic inclusion of nutrient-dense foods.
Small Changes, Measurable Results
The emphasis on small, consistent changes is deliberate. Many individuals find that attempting radical dietary shifts is unsustainable. Step One Foods aims to simplify the process, offering convenient options that can be easily integrated into existing routines. Several customers have shared positive experiences, noting the ease of incorporating the foods into their lifestyles and observing tangible results.
“I find Step One foods simplify and make consistency easy,” says Cindy E., a Step One Foods customer since 2021.
“It’s so easy to incorporate these foods into your lifestyle and the results are simply incredible,” adds Amy W., another long-time customer.
One customer, Lorna, experienced a 36-point drop in her overall cholesterol within just six weeks of incorporating Step One Foods into her diet. After years of struggling to lower her cholesterol through exercise and restrictive diets, she found success with this food-based approach. “Before I began eating Step One Foods, my overall cholesterol was 240 and had been rising every time I had it tested,” Lorna stated. “After about a month and a half of regular use, it dropped to 204, and I expect it to be lower the next time I go in.”
Beyond Medication: A Complementary Approach
It’s important to note that a food-first approach isn’t necessarily a replacement for medication. Many individuals benefit from a combination of both. However, for those who are unable or unwilling to take cholesterol medications, or who are seeking to reduce their reliance on them, dietary interventions can be a powerful tool.
Dr. Klodas emphasizes that heart health shouldn’t feel overwhelming. “Food is something that’s in your control. And even small, consistent steps can help support your heart over time,” she says.
Getting Started: A Realistic Entry Point
For individuals looking for a practical starting point, Step One Foods offers a 30-Day Starter Pack. This pack includes a variety of the brand’s clinically studied foods, designed to be consumed twice daily as part of a regular routine. Options include bars, smoothies, oatmeal, and even pancake mixes, all formulated with heart-healthy ingredients.
The key takeaways for Heart Health Month, according to cardiologists like Dr. Klodas, are that dietary changes don’t need to be drastic to be effective, consistency is paramount, and small swaps can lead to meaningful improvements over time. Focusing on incorporating heart-healthy foods, rather than solely restricting “bad” ones, can empower individuals to take control of their cardiovascular health.
The emphasis on early momentum is also crucial. Seeing even small improvements can build confidence and encourage continued adherence to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
