Eat Well for Healthy Cholesterol

What we eat has an impact on our cholesterol levels and can help reduce our risk of disease. Different foods lower cholesterol in various ways. Some deliver fiber, which can reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Some give you polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. And some contain plant sterols and stanols, which block the body from absorbing cholesterol.

The Heart Foundation recommends following a heart-healthy eating pattern, which means eating a wide variety of fresh and unprocessed foods and limiting highly processed foods including fast foods, baked goods, chips and sugary drinks. Not only does this help to maintain a healthy diet, but it also provides essential nutrients to the body.

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. Smaller amounts of eggs and lean poultry can also be included in a heart-healthy eating pattern. If choosing red meat, make sure it is lean and limit to one to three times a week
  • unflavored milk, yogurt, and cheese. People with high cholesterol should choose reduced fat varieties.
  • healthy fats and oils. Choose nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and their oils for cooking.
  • herbs and spices to flavor foods, instead of adding salt

Changing which foods you eat can lower your cholesterol and improve the amount of fats floating through your bloodstream. Also, be mindful of how much you are eating. Portion sizes have increased over time and many of us are eating more than we need which can increase our cholesterol and risk of heart disease.

RECIPE HIGHLIGHT: Instant Pot Chicken Soup with Root Vegetables & Barley

Prep Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 6 | Yield:

1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 stalks celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup pearled barley, rinsed
1 (32 ounce) carton low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound bone-in chicken breast or thighs
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (2 cups)
2 large parsnips, cored, peeled, and cut into 1-inch chunks (2 cups)
¼ cup chopped fresh dill or 1 Tbsp. dried
3 tablespoons lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper


  1. Heat oil in a multicooker using the Sauté setting. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. (Adjust temperature as necessary by pressing the Sauté button for more or less heat.) Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add barley and stir to coat. Add broth, chicken, carrots, and parsnips.
  2. Lock the lid in place and twist the steam-release handle to the sealed position. Select Pressure Cook/High for 8 minutes (or follow manufacturer's directions to pressure-cook for 8 minutes).
  3. When pressure-cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Release the remaining pressure manually. Check for doneness: an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken should register at least 165F and the barley and vegetables should be tender. (If necessary, switch to the Sauté setting and cook until everything is done.
  4. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. When it is cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin and bones. Shred or cut the chicken into bite-size pieces; return to the soup and heat through using the Sauté setting, if necessary. Stir in dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips Equipment: 6-qt. or larger multicooker

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Questions? Email HIIwellness@quadmedical.com

 

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To receive one-on-one support, schedule a session with one of our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). There is never a cost for appointments and sessions can be done over the phone.

Call today to schedule a free session!

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Q: Which foods are high in fiber?

A: Split peas | Lentils | Avocado | Peas | Berries | Broccoli | Pears | Brussel sprouts | Oats | Popcorn | Beans | Chia seeds | Flaxseeds | Sweet potatoes | Sunflower seeds | Almonds | Walnuts | Cauliflower | Apricots | Carrots

For a more personalized approach to tailoring a nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle, preferences, cultural background, and time, schedule a visit with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist today! 

 

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myquadmed.com/hii/nutritionbytes

 
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