Diets For Reducing Cholesterol

I am 14 and in boarding school with high cholesterol. The food available here is really oily and my parents are not here to help me with a special diet. They both have high cholesterol as well. What should I do?

High cholesterol levels indicate an unhealthy amount of blood cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can result in serious problems as you age. You needn’t worry about the condition much as you are young and there is a lot you can do manage and control it. Cholesterol levels can be reduced with exercise, healthy eating and weight loss if over weight. At the same time you’re now old enough to survive independently of your parents and you do need to take steps to controlling those cholesterol levels. You can however ask your parents to request the school administration to look into the matter at the very least. Oily foods are high in saturated fats and are not healthy irrespective of age and cholesterol levels.
In the meantime there here are some measures you can take to reduce cholesterol levels. Switch to a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.  This would include a number of food products like meat, butter and cheese.  Instead switch to foods rich in complex carbohydrates like whole grains. Such a diet will still meet your protein and energy requirements for normal growth and activity.

Perfect Meal Plan For A Low Cholesterol Diet

Breakfast is probably the most important meal of the day, so it’s important that you make the right diet choices. Try to have foods high in fiber like whole grain cereals and whole meal bread and fruits. Fruits are an easy option as you don’t even need access to cooking devices to avail of them.

An easy option for lunch that again does not require too much effort is sandwiches and rolls.  Use whole grain bread varieties to make your sandwiches and rolls to increase fiber intake. You can also have whole grain crackers with stews and soups. Fresh fruit is again a must with your meal.

For your last meal of the day you can eat light. Have a vegetable salad and some fruits. Your choice of fruits and vegetables is entirely up to you and you do have a wide variety to choose from. Cholesterol is generally negligible in fresh fruits and vegetables.

You can also have a glass of low fat or skimmed milk and fresh fruit juices. You can also add in tinned fish or low fat luncheon meats occasionally, but in moderation. Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are in fact healthy occasionally as they contain healthy fatty acids, believed to help lower cholesterol levels.

• There are also some foods in particular that you should try and avoid.
• Fatty meats are best avoided as well as some processed meats.
• Pies and pastries are also high in fats.
• Avoid oily foods and junk foods.
• Dairy products like full milk, cheese, butter, cream, and ice cream must also be avoided.

In addition to your diet, physical activity is important so participate in sports or try to engage in light exercise or cycling, walking or swimming.