Cholesterol

Our diets affect our cholesterol levels and can help lower our risk of developing diseases. It’s important to point out that cholesterol is not always the bad guy though. We all need cholesterol to be healthy as it is the vital building block for our metabolism, cells and hormones. But of course it needs to be balanced. Balance is everything when you are talking about cholesterol!

The Heart Foundation advises following a heart-healthy eating pattern, which involves consuming a mix of fresh, minimally processed meals while reducing highly processed items like takeout meals, baked goods, chocolate, chips, and sugary drinks. Not only can you maintain an interesting and healthy diet, but following that advice will also give your body the nutrients it needs.

A heart-healthy eating pattern includes:

➡️ Plenty of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains

➡️ A variety of healthy protein-rich foods (especially fish and seafood), legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds 

➡️ Unsweetened milk, yoghurt, and cheese in the healthy amounts. 

➡️ Healthy fats and oils. Choose nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and their oils for cooking

➡️ Herbs and spices to flavour foods, rather than adding salt

Pay attention to how much you are eating as well! Portion sizes have grown over the last 50 years, and nowadays many of us eat more than we need – which raises cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease.

Talk to your local Metabolic Balance coach about how changing your lifestyle can balance your cholesterol.