Heart Health and Nutrition: A Practical Approach to Preventing and Managing Heart Disease | Registered Dietitian in Greeley

By Heather Shasa, Registered Dietitian | Welding Wellness

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., yet many people struggle to manage their heart health due to confusing nutrition advice, busy schedules, and ingrained habits. Many of my clients come to me feeling frustrated and overwhelmed—they’ve tried multiple diets, received conflicting advice from doctors, and don’t know where to begin.

That’s where I step in. At Welding Wellness, as a Registered Dietitian in Greeley, I provide personalized, sustainable strategies to help individuals take control of their heart health through nutrition, education, and support.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Why heart disease is so prevalent and what causes it

• The most common struggles people face in managing heart health

• How personalized nutrition coaching and ongoing support can help

• A real-life client example of how small changes can lead to big results

The Problem: Why Heart Disease is So Common

Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the U.S., and its prevalence continues to rise. Many factors contribute to this, including:

• Poor dietary habits (high sodium, processed foods, and excessive unhealthy fats)

• Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyles

• Busy schedules that make meal planning and healthy choices difficult

• Conflicting advice from multiple healthcare providers, leading to confusion

• Fear and paralysis—many individuals feel so overwhelmed they don’t know where to start

Unfortunately, many people receive educational handouts from their doctors but aren’t given the practical tools to implement those changes in daily life. That’s where one-on-one coaching and structured support become invaluable.

The Solution: Personalized Nutrition and Support

At Welding Wellness, I bridge the gap by providing tailored, practical strategies that fit each client’s lifestyle. Rather than focusing on restrictive diets or one-size-fits-all plans, I work with clients to create sustainable changes they can maintain for life.

How I Help Clients Improve Their Heart Health

✅ Virtual Nutrition Coaching: I offer one-on-one coaching to help clients navigate heart-healthy eating with personalized meal plans, realistic lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing accountability.

✅ The Heart Health League: This online membership community provides ongoing education, training, and peer support for individuals managing heart disease. Many people lose motivation after a few months, so this community-based approach ensures they stay engaged and supported.

✅ Ongoing Support & Accountability:

Success isn’t about short-term diets—it’s about long-term consistency. I provide structured check-ins and adjust strategies as needed to help clients stay on track, improve their blood pressure, cholesterol, and energy levels, and feel more confident in their food choices.

Who Benefits Most from Heart Health Coaching?

While heart disease can affect anyone, my services are especially beneficial for:

• Men over 40 diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

• Spouses and family members concerned about their loved one’s heart health

• Individuals recovering from a heart attack who need nutrition and lifestyle guidance

• Healthcare providers (cardiologists, primary care physicians) looking for trusted nutrition support for their patients

How I Work with Clients

My approach is personalized, flexible, and results-driven. Every client starts with a one-on-one consultation where we identify their nutrition goals, lifestyle challenges, and personal preferences.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We discuss the client’s current eating habits, medical history, and personal goals. This can be done through my website or by referral.

Step 2: Customized Nutrition Plan

I create a realistic meal plan and provide guidance on portion sizes, healthier alternatives, and navigating dining out.

Step 3: Ongoing Coaching & Adjustments

Life happens, and plans need to adapt! Through weekly or biweekly check-ins, I help clients:

• Stay on track with accountability and encouragement

• Troubleshoot challenges like travel, social events, or emotional eating

• Adjust meal plans as their needs and progress change

The goal isn’t just short-term improvements but lasting heart health that sustains them for years to come.

Client Success Story: How Small Changes Led to Big Results

Let’s take a real-life example—Bob (a typical client).

Meet Bob:

• 45 years old, 5'9", 230 lbs

• Recently had a heart attack and has a family history of heart disease

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol

• Works in construction, eats 1-2 meals per day (mostly from delis)

• Doesn’t exercise, drinks beer on weekends

Bob’s Goals:✔ Prevent a second heart attack✔ Lower cholesterol and blood pressure✔ Reduce medications✔ Lose weight

How We Transformed His Heart Health

We started by identifying small, sustainable changes that worked within Bob’s busy lifestyle:

• Meal Planning: Strategies for easy, heart-healthy meals he could prepare

• Dining Out Guidance: Choosing lower-sodium, healthier options at restaurants

• Healthy Snacks: Stocking his work truck with nutritious alternatives

• Gradual Exercise Introduction: Incorporating low-impact movement into his routine

Bob’s Results After 8-14 Sessions

✔ Weight Loss: Significant improvement in overall health and energy✔ Lower Blood Pressure: Reduced need for medications✔ Improved Cholesterol: Achieved sustainable changes through diet and exercise✔ Less Joint & Back Pain: Improved mobility and confidence

Bob didn’t just "go on a diet"—he learned how to make heart-healthy choices that fit his life.

Why Mindset Matters in Heart Health

One of the most powerful lessons I teach my clients is that how you think and feel affects your health just as much as what you eat.

A key takeaway from my work is:✔ Positivity and encouragement impact long-term success✔ Mindset shifts from “I can’t” to “I can” create sustainable change✔ Empathy and belief in a client’s ability to improve is crucial

In my dietetic training, I learned a powerful activity that demonstrated this concept: When someone is surrounded by positive energy, they physically feel stronger. When surrounded by negative energy, they feel weaker. This applies to heart health too—approaching change with confidence and support leads to real results.

Final Thoughts from a Registered Dietitian in Greeley

Improving heart health isn’t about restrictive diets or short-term fixes. It’s about making sustainable, heart-healthy choices that fit your lifestyle. Whether you or a loved one are trying to prevent or manage heart disease, I’m here to help.

If you know someone who could benefit from personalized heart health nutrition support, I’d love an introduction. Let’s work together to create lasting change and a healthier future.