Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to heart disease and stroke, but there are ways to take charge of your cholesterol level through diet. By focusing on eating low-saturated-fat and trans fat-free foods, you can begin a healthier lifestyle. Losing excess weight, exercising and understanding cholesterol’s role in your body can also help you on the path to better health.
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D., a registered dietitian who works in Radiation Oncology at the Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center in San Mateo, says making a commitment to lower your cholesterol means adopting new healthy habits, such as cooking at home and monitoring your portions.
“If you change the way you eat, it’s going to change your lifestyle,” Kurzrock says. “Your schedule will need to incorporate time for food preparation, eating at planned mealtimes and exercising.”
To help you get started, Kurzrock outlines the foods you should and shouldn’t put on your plate: