A low cholesterol diet takes effort and organization to maintain, but is most essential when it comes to lowering a cholesterol that may take a dangerous toll on your health. A low cholesterol diet will consist of food that is very low in fat and sodium which are damaging to our health. The purpose of eating well is to control and decrease the blood pressure that is affecting the way that fluid is being retained and released.
Lowering fat is the single and the most important habit that you can kick if you are lowering your cholesterol. Less than 30% of your diet should consist of food that contains fat, and cutting saturated and trans fat out of your diet altogether is the best thing that you can do to decrease a bad cholesterol immediately. Eating fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meat and low fat dairy products will aid you in increasing the amount of high density lipoproteins that you have within your body. It’s the small things that really count as you are grocery shopping or cooking a meal- replace the oil that you’re using with butter, and avoid margarine altogether. You do not always have to use broth or vinegar to cook, you can substitute water and the meal will taste just as good.
Eating foods that are plants or foods that don’t have hydrogenated oils will help you to lower your cholesterol and unclog your arteries. If you are cooking meat then trim off the excess fat that you see before cooking it so that you don’t eat more fat than you need for the taste. Always remove the skin off of your meat and make sure to pick the meats that are most lean. Avoid the meats that are red or processed, such as sausages or deli meats. Y0u can then substitute margarine for canola or olive oil and try baking your meats instead of using a frying pan.
Lowering the sodium in your diet will help you to maintain the fluids within your body because too much sodium can damage the kidneys. Damaging the kidneys and the intestines will cause an individual to gain weight, which in turn, will not decrease the blood pressure. Eating foods with low sodium is as easy as avoiding canned foods and not adding salt as you are cooking. Spices and herbs will help you to intake less sodium and the taste will still satisfy you throughout your low cholesterol diet.
Modifying the way that you cook and grocery shop is one of the greatest contributions that you can make to yourself and your low cholesterol. A healthy and lean piece of meat can turn into one that is extremely high in fat, just by the way that you prepare it and add on to it. Breaded and fried meat is the worst way that you can cook your meal and will only add on fat to your diet, decreasing the nutrition within a meal. As you bake, steam and roast your food then you are ridding of trans and saturated fat.
Never shop on an empty stomach if you are shopping for foods that pertain to a low cholesterol diet! This is not a simple wives tale, not only are you apt to buying food that looks more appealing but you are more likely to spend more money. Before you go grocery shopping, have a meal so that you are strict on the types of food that you throw into that grocery cart. Carry a water bottle around with you if you didn’t have time to eat, it will make you feel fuller beforehand. Part of sticking to your low cholesterol diet is being aware of what types of food you should consume. Create a grocery list before you go so that you do not buy something that you “think” is low in saturated or trans fat. Junk food can actually be quite pricey if you stick to a junk food diet throughout the week. Buying food from the grocery store may seem expensive, but if you plan out your meals for the week before hand then you will find that organization is the key to eating better, saving money and improving your health.
A low cholesterol diet is difficult to abide by while on vacation or as you are dining out. If you aren’t familiar with the menu then take the time to study it and stick to the diet that you are used to. Drink two glasses of water before you eat so that you don’t overindulge on a plate that most often consist of portions enough for two people. Avoid foods that may contain too much butter, cream, cheese. Avoid foods that are fried. Foods should be steamed, grilled or roasted. Order first so that you are not tempted by other people who may order something that sounds much more appetizing than your choice!
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