Hubby was recently diagnosed as having very high bad cholesterol and very low good cholesterol. So we've had a drastic change in the foods we've been eating and the way we live our lives. The doctor has suggested that we try to change our diets and exercise for the next 3 months. If the results are good, then she will wait to see another 3 months' progress before she decides to put Mr. Julep on statins (like Lipitor).
Cholesterol could effect anyone, no matter how old or how healthy you are. A friend of mine in college was 18 years old with dangerously high cholesterol due to heredity. I thought I'd share a few dietary changes our doctor suggested for how to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
1. Fish is great for both causes because it's low in bad fat and high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. I know everyone is freaking out about Mercury poisoning these days, so if it's a concern please note that some fish are higher in Mercury content than others. According to Wikipedia, Tilapia, Salmon, Pollock and Catfish contain lower levels of Mercury than most other fish.
2. Reduce consumption of red meat.
3. Eat only lean cuts of meat and trim the fat off whenever possible. Drain meats after cooking stove top.
4. Nuts are a great source of good cholesterol.
5. Flax seed oil is a great source of good cholesterol among many other things!
6. Cut out pizza, which is super high in cholesterol.
7. Replace dairy products as much as possible and where not possible, use low-fat or skim instead. I've been using soy milk wherever possible, in coffee, tea, cereal and Mr. Julep can't tell the difference. Cut out cheese and butter which are the worst! Also, chocolate is a deal breaker!
8. Eat oatmeal! Oats are proven to reduce cholesterol levels! Whole grains are good too!
9. Reduce salt, sodium and fat where possible.
10. Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil! Rich in Omega 3's, olive oil is great for the increase of good cholesterol!!!
It's never too early to start looking after our health. I'm sure my cholesterol is probably fine, but hubby's scare motivated me to make some changes as well. Sounds cheesy, but we only have one body and we should take care with what we put into it! Would you wear a $5,000 Valentino gown with the wrong cheap old undergarments? I hope not! I've recently come to understand that I'll get out of my body what I put into it and even if I can't pull 3 hour workouts 7 days a week, I can still stop poluting myself with bad foods!
If anyone knows of any other good tips for cholesterol control, please share in the comments or send me an e-mail! I'd love to hear from you!
xoxo,
Pink Julep!
**** DISCLAIMER -I am no expert and am only sharing what our doctor suggested. This post is in no way a substitute for medical treatment if you have issues with your cholesterol.
