Indulgence no longer has to feel guilty. Go ahead, treat yourself!
Any advice? New doctor just diagnosed me with diabetes(blood sugar was only 124 - not bad for a 60 yr. old) but said my cholesterol was "a little over 300". I screamed EEK! I'm familiar with diets for diabetes because my daddy's family had it, and my younger sister does, too. But what can, or can't, I eat to watch the cholesterol? The only thing others have told me is to start eating oats - well, I'm sorry, but oatmeal, even cookies, makes me GAG.
Most of the cholesterol that you get from food (your body makes it's own cholesterol too) comes from animal products. Try eliminating red meat. Eat chicken, white meat only. For more protein, eat beans. Fish is very good and fish oil capsules will lower triglycerides. Dairy should be Fat Free, milk, cheese etc. Eggs are high in Protein and good for you but since you shouldn't have more than 2 per week, why not use egg beaters? They give you the protein without the chol.
Fat Free Mayonaise and salad dressings. No butter or solid shortning. There are margarine spreads made to specifially lower chol.
Use olive and canola oil. Stay away from baked foods which are high in sat. fat. Cereals are good. If you don't like oatmeal, try cheerios or other cereal that is high in fiber. Take Ciracel or metamucel every day. It's not just for intestinal health. It will lower your chol. 15 pts.
One of the most important things you can do to lower cholesterol is exercise. Walking is very good.
I'm sure you get the idea. Watch what you eat and get moving.
I'm right there with you trying to keep mine down.
Good luck.
Thanks for the info - I've converted to fish, beans, & chicken, in that order (cause these are what I like to eat anyway). I'm going to buy a fiber supplement this weekend and pray that I remember to take it! As for exercise, I'm looking for a place that offers water aerobics, since I'm not supposed to walk too much(heel spurs and an eroded hip joint). I'm really disappointed in what they told me at the local Y. I'm only 60 yrs. young, but they want $40/mo dues until I'm 65 to use their facility. Since I'm only working part-time these days, I can't afford it! Oh, well......
Thanks again, Deb
Hi Deb!
Welcome to the world of high cholesterol. I’ve also been battling this for many, many years. I’m on Lipitor & Zetia for it. It runs in my families genes & it’s no fun. I keep waiting for the diabetes to show up too. Also in the family.
I am not a lover of oatmeal but have learned how to eat the instant flavored stuff. I know it’s not as good for you as the regular but I just can’t force myself to eat it. A left over from a childhood experience with oatmeal! ICK!
Barb is right on all she said. I like the Smart Balance margarine spread. Most of the Fat free salad dressings are pretty good too. Go to the library & look at their cookbook section for help with recipes. I’m pretty picky & don’t do weird foods, goat cheese comes to mind. I’ve been going to Weight Watchers too & their diet has helped lower my cholesterol & triglicerides too. I have a problem with my heels too so don’t walk as much as I’d like. DH has cleaned & fixed up my old bike so I may give that a try this summer. Don’t know how your hip would do with something like that though.
Come back & let us know how you’re doing with it. I go every 3 - 4 months for blood tests on how it’s doing.
I hear you on the local Y. They are so expensive for those of us that could use it but can’t afford it either.
Till later! Pat A