Need advice on some low cholesterol foods.

[madmaxx]

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've last visited this website because I've been very busy with school, work, and fitness. Let me first say that I now weigh 165 lbs, initially starting at 265 lbs. A couple more months and it will be 2 years since I've change life. So I myself know how to eat properly now and am really glad that I've stumbled upon this website back in the day.

But main reason for posting this is for mother. She's got some bad news regarding heart problems and high cholesterol from her doctor, and she is 62 years old.

She didn't really understand what the doctor was telling her (she doesn't speak as good english), and so I've been reading this food recommendation sheet that she gave me, and some cholesterol - lowering foods that are mentioned are: almonds, apples, bananas, carrots, cold water, fish, dried beans, garlic, grapefruit, oats, olive oil, salmon, strawberries, and walnuts.

It also says she can consume nonfat milk, low-fat cottage cheese, and skinless white poultry, but only in moderation. So what do they mean moderation? Once a day? 2 - 3 times a week?

Also, it says to avoid animal products (especially pork), so she can't eat any meat? Where can she get her protein from then? Is she gonna be stuck with canned beans, low fat dairy, whole grain products, fruits, and vegetables?

I'm just trying to look out for mother, and I would really appreciate any help that I receive because I myself don't have cholesterol problems so I consume protein from meat like it's candy, and I need to know what she is allowed and not allowed in her diet so I can prepare the right food for her.

I at least managed to force her to drink a lot of water. Every time she is in the house and I don't see her with a glass of water, I start raising voice (not at her, but just to remind her how important it is to drink water ) lol.

One more thing. The doctor told her that she can't really do any strenuous work or exercise. I thought exercise was healthy for the heart and lungs and body overall. Does that mean she can't do any exercise? I was thinking of going on walks with her around the park, and neighborhood.

Thanks for all the advices I get!

[Seminole]

You amaze me with all your knowledge and thank you for sharing

1) High cholesterol is linked very strongly with 2 things: Saturated fat and Trans fat. Both of these should be limited. Trans fat is artificial and found in processed foods, though the new "thing" is 0 trans fat foods, so this shouldn't be too hard to avoid. Just be wary. Saturated fat is found in animal products, hence the low meat advisory. She should be consuming lean meats with minimal fat content.

2) Strenuous exercise means that this is probably not the best time to start training for a 5k. A nice walk every evening is probably a good idea. Start slow, a few minutes, and work up to it. It doesn't have be in the evening either, I just like to walk after dinner (: Any time of day would be fine.

3) Soluble ("sticky") fibers bind with bile and remove it from your body. To produce more bile, your body will pull cholesterol from your bloodstream. High (soluble) fiber foods include things like oatmeal, nuts, beans, peas, fruits, veggies (carrots!), flax and barley.

4) Congratulations on your own success (: That is awesome! Happy 2nd birthday!

[Boss Man]

Also, anything with plant Sterols will help as would supplements like Fish Oil, Krill Oil, Beta-glucan, Co-Q10 and Evening Primrose Oil.

Check them out first though to be on the safe side, as if she's only any meds, supplements sometimes interact with meds, but realistically I doubt any of those would.

Healthy Fats will lower Cholesterol too, as mentioned Nuts, Flax, also Avocado, Soy products like Soybeans, Tofu, Tempeh, Edemame, Nattokinase, plus Fish, Omega Eggs, (Chickens fed Flax), Peanuts and Oils and Seeds.