Training for heart patients?

[Grog]

Nothing against cardiologists, but they just aren't trained in nutrition matters.

Perhaps you could see a nutritionist, perhaps one who works with athletes?

I know a lot of people with weight to loose are tempted to cut the carbs on the bike, but you actually need those, at least in some quantity. There have been a few threads on this topic on the board, just don't have the time to dig them out right now but maybe a bit of searching around the nutrition section will help. If you don't nourish yourself properly on the bike on long rides, you will most likely be famished later, and you also risk to bonk.

Good luck! You're certainly on the right path!

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I would talk to your cardiologist about heart ranges. If you are on beta blockers, your heart range isn't the same as everyone elses. You can always have it tested in the lab. Push for cardiac rehab if you can because that is where you learn all about exercise limitations. It was really good for my ex husband. They also go over nutrition with you in that rehab setting so you will get the two for one. Pritikin is usually the diet that everyone tries to follow but everyone usually gives up because it is very low in fat (about 10% of your daily intake) and almost vegetarian. I tried to get him to follow it but it was pretty hard. He did switch from beef to salmon, so all wasn't lost there. There is a happy balance as he found. Everything in moderation...

The heart rate monitor is what helped him immensely. He was a little sketchy at first about exercise, but once he got his limits via an exercise lab, he felt more confident in it. Doesn't hurt to try it.