Making Smart Cholesterol Choices
You know the drill: cut this, that and other really delicious things out of your diet—all in the name of cutting cholesterol.
Frustrating, isn't it? Especially if you work full time, or are on the go constantly with family or volunteer obligations.
If you pack your own lunch, you may find that you often pick the wrong types of foods for your meals on the go. Many times, whatever is at hand that can be thrown in a brown bag will do!
If you're serious about cutting the cholesterol levels in your diet, you will find many types of foods are on your side, and they also taste great!
To reduce cholesterol in your diet, try these simple tips:
- Begin by removing white breads and rolls. Whole wheat, rye and other whole grain breads are a key element in cutting cholesterol and lowering the cholesterol that is stored in your body.
- Substitute chicken for red meat and the other meats that are high in fat. Buy meats that have the fat trimmed, and the skin removed. And if you're using whole grain breads, your dinner leftovers will give you a great lunch or dinner in a hurry, any day of the week. Salads and sandwiches will be a snap!
- Long hours and lots of stress can leave you wanting a sugary treat, or just something more. Instead, train yourself to reach for foods that are low in fat, high in fiber and low in cholesterol.
- Try fruit bars, frozen yogurt bars, cereal bars, dry cereals, juice bars, and skim milk ice cream. Also, light popcorn, pretzels and rice cakes are treats you can take with you and eat anywhere!
- Fresh fruits and veggies are great cholesterol busters and many are portable. Stock up on oranges, strawberries, grapes, raisins, pineapples and apples. Why not try dried fruits or sliced fruits while sitting at your desk? You can also dip cauliflower or broccoli chunks in reduced-fat ranch dressing for a snack.
These choices aren't hard; it's all in your attitude. After a few weeks of healthy eating, you'll be amazed at how naturally you reach for fruit instead of chips! It's the little things that add up to big changes, and if you make up your mind to make smart choices, before long, your cholesterol numbers will be looking better!
