Learn The Basics Of A Successful Low Cholesterol Diet

Learn The Basics Of A Successful Low Cholesterol Diet was written by Claire Bowes

Understanding What a Low Cholesterol Diet is

Basically, in order to lower your cholesterol, you will have to follow a diet that is

• low in saturated fat and
• low in cholesterol

Thisis absolutely essential in helping you to lower your cholesterol. Youmust understand that although cholesterol lowering medications can beprescribed by your doctor, you will still need to follow a controlleddiet specifically to help reduce your high blood cholesterol levels.

Cholesterolis found in eggs, dairy products, fish, meat and poultry. Be aware thatmany foods contain both high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such asdiary products (especially egg yolks) and red meats. Therefore, it isimportant to limit the amount of such high-fat foods. It is alsorecommended to opt for the ‘low fat’ versions of any type of food,especially dairy products (low fat yoghurts, cheeses, etc)

Basic Foods of a Low Cholesterol Diet

Foods to eat:

• lean meats
• skinless poultry
• fish
• low fat dairy products
• complex carbohydrates: pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, cereals, fruits,vegetables• low calorie fizzy drinks (limit to one a day)
• drink plenty of water

How to cook:

• grill or roast meats
• steam or boil vegetables
• steam fish
• microwave
• use low fat oils

Foods to avoid:

• crisps, biscuits, chocolate, sweets
• don’t add whole milk, butter, rich sauces or cream to pasta dishes or any other meal
• try avoiding white bread
• alcohol
• fizzy drinks

Tip:

Ifyou love pasta dishes with sauces, try low fat versions such as addinga tin of tomatoes with a dash of garlic and Worcester sauce as atomato-based sauce, low-fat crème fresh for a cream-based sauce or acheese sauce packet-mix made with skimmed milk for a cheese-based sauce.

Get used to experimenting with herbs and spices to add different and exotic flavours to your meals.

Exercise – Love it or hate it!

Doyou hate to exercise? Don’t be ashamed if you do, many people dislikedoing any form of exercise. The key here is to find something that youenjoy doing. It does not necessarily mean you must go to the gym threetimes a week, or run a mile four times a week. Count exercise as anytype of movement that gets you out of your chair! Some examples:

• walking (the dog…)
• walk up and down the stairs
• swimming
• cycling
• netball / volleyball / basketball etc
• gardening
• skipping with ropes
• dancing
• cleaning / dusting the house
• decorating
• look after a toddler for a day!

Tryand find something you enjoy doing and do some form of regular exerciseas it does play an important role in cholesterol-reduction.

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