Maintaining or Losing Weight on a Cholesterol Lowering Diet
People who are overweight usually have higher blood
cholesterol levels than people at a healthy weight. When you reduce the fat in your diet, you cut down on the richest source of calories as well as on saturated fat and
cholesterol. A cholesterol lowering diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and a moderate amount of lean meat, skinless poultry, and fish is a good way to lose weight while you improve your blood cholesterol.
To maintain or lose weight while lowering your cholesterol, try eating five to six mini-meals a day. Skipping meals often leads to overeating of foods that are high in cholesterol. Consequently, eating smaller meals more frequently will allow your body to:
Final Thoughts on a Diet to Lower Cholesterol
Following a cholesterol lowering diet is just one aspect of a long-term plan for
reducing cholesterol levels. The goal of diet, physical activity, weight loss, and
cholesterol medicine is to keep your blood cholesterol under control. If you go off your treatment, your blood cholesterol will go up again -- and so will your risk for
heart disease. You need to continue your cholesterol lowering strategies for the rest of your life.
Many people find lifelong changes, such as choosing foods that can help
lower cholesterol, difficult to manage. It is important to remember that because you may not always stick with your new diet or exercise plan, you are not a failure -- just human. The most important part of your new healthy lifestyle is learning how to overcome such challenges and quickly returning to your goal.
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