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Lower Cholesterol Levels With A Low Fat Diet
A healthy heart and body is just one of the many benefits from eating foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Unfortunately for many of us sticking to a healthy diet is not as simple as we would like.
After all we have to be disciplined to forgo that delicious treat.
It is particularly true when it comes to convenience as we are now living in a world where processed foods are just as accessible as nutritious foods.
Add to that the fact that most of us are juggling between our responsibilities both in our career and personal lives, leaving us with almost no time to prepare healthy meals at home.
However, these facts of life are not enough to justify our failure to refuse to unhealthy cravings. If you really are determined about sticking to a healthy cholesterol reducing diet, check out the following list:
List of Foods Low In Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
- Whole Grains For Heart Health
Studies have shown that eating more whole grain foods will help lower your risk of stroke, heart and cardiovascular diseases. It is not necessary that you always include whole grains as your main dish, but you can certainly add them as a side dish. Examples of whole grain foods would include wild rice, brown rice, kasha, and quinoa.
- Vegetables – Wide Choice So Never Boring
Vegetables are the healthiest alternative for a low fat and low cholesterol diet. Not to mention the fact that they are also inexpensive and you can even have them free straight from your own garden. Vegetables come in different varieties so you will not have to worry about the monotony of tastes by eating them everyday. Try eating sautéed leeks with green beans mixed in tangy tomatoes for your main dish. Another option would be to include veggies as your side dish such as butternut squash and carrot puree.
- Dairy – Stick To Low Fat Choices
When it comes to dairy, everything must be low-fat. Examples of these would include ricotta, cottage, and Swiss cheese. Avoid eating those kinds of cheese that contain high levels of saturated fats. Make sure to read the nutritional content label before finally making that purchase.
- Fruits – Natural Is Best – Forgo The Fruits In Sugar
Fruits are much like vegetables as they are also naturally low in fat and cholesterol, but they are absolutely loaded with nutrients. Fruits are best eaten when fresh although you can also have them from canned preparations. Fruits that are being packed in their own juices are better than those canned in syrup. Do avoid buying fruits that contain added sugars. Fruits can serve as great appetizers. You may have them as desserts, juices or side dishes. Go ahead and check out the internet for some easy to prepare fruit recipes.
- Lean Meats and Poultry
When buying meat always opt for the leanest cuts as they are not as fatty. Most of these would probably come from younger animals. Round steaks, chuck shoulder and top loin are some lean parts of beef that contain the lowest amount of saturated fat. Tofu, dry beans and peas can also be your healthy substitutes for meats. Poultry is best eaten with the delicious skin removed…sorry.
- Fish – Added Benefit of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Fish have been known to contain a lower amount of saturated fat and cholesterol compared to poultry meats, plus provide the essential Omega 3’s used for cardiovascular health. You can find low fat low cholesterol diet tips and recipes that include salmon and tuna, that are very healthy for you.
If you are the type of person with elevated blood cholesterol levels you would certainly benefit from following a low fat diet. However, healthy eating is not the only key to achieving optimal health. Take a look at your lifestyle and make the necessary changes for optimum heart health. You may have to incorporate regular exercise in to your day and…no…dare I say it…a life devoid of vices such as cigarette smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Another point to make is there are also foods that increase good cholesterol, so there are foods to reduce the bad and ones to raise the good…just as nature intended. There are also natural supplements that can help you along side your healthy diet…or if you slip occasionally. So as part of your heart health management you may like to try a natural cholesterol lowering supplement.
So eat healthy and I’ll let you have your occasional red wine with that low fat cholesterol diet.
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