Eating A Low Cholesterol Diet Can Improve Your Health

By: Julia Carmichael



A glazed donut and large cup of latte for breakfast; a double cheeseburger, mega-sized order of fries and a 20-ouce soda for lunch; and then a 12-ounce steak and a baked potato drowning in butter and sour cream for dinner. Oh, and don't forget the bag of potato chips and chocolate bar you had for a snack. Sound like a healthy diet to you? Of course not! But whether we want to admit it many of us do not eat a healthy diet. By changing just a few of your eating habits, however, we can both lower our cholesterol and improve our overall health.

Most people cringe when their doctor tells them they need to start eating a low cholesterol diet. While it is important to cut down on the cholesterol in your diet, you are not limited to eating just twigs and berries. A few minor changes in your diet can drastically cut the cholesterol you consume daily.

Instead of a donut and cup of coffee for breakfast, for instance, start your day with a glass of fruit juice and bowl of cereal. If you want to go more hard core than that, try eating oatmeal or shredded wheat. The high fiber content in these cereals is believed to help lower cholesterol. Other good breakfast choices are fruits or yogurt. These foods give your body the nutrients it needs to keep going throughout the day without all the fat and sugar of donuts and such.

Because of our modern job schedules, most of us are forced to grab something quick for lunch. This is why so many people wind up eating fast food for their noonday meal. Fast food is synonymous with unhealthy food. Since today's population has become more health conscious, however, even fast food restaurants are offering options that are healthier than the traditional fare. Instead of a greasy hamburger and fries, choose a cold cut sandwich or a salad. Even better would be to pack a lunch from home which could include fresh fruit, raw vegetables, baked potato chips and a low fat sandwich or entrée.

Supper is often a challenging meal also because many of us are too worn out from our daily jobs to cook a healthy dinner. Even if you choose to eat out for dinner there are some healthy choices you can make here also. Instead of having a steak, choose grilled chicken or fish. These meats have less cholesterol than steaks or red meats. Also choose low fat butter and sour cream for your potato. You might even skip the potato altogether in favor of a salad or steamed vegetables.

Small changes can make a big difference when you are trying to lower your cholesterol. Don't try to make changes too quickly, however, as eating habits are difficult to break. Giving up all high fat foods all at once can be a shock to your system. It will be easier if you make small changes over time, you will see results both in your cholesterol and your health in general.

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