Holiday foods for the cholesterol conscience
The holidays are one of the worst times to worry about improving your cholesterol because of all the unhealthy, yet delicious, foods that come along with the holidays. If you have high cholesterol, dipping onto a cup of eggnog is not going to be a wise idea. So what foods can you eat during the holidays? Here is a simple guide to follow that will help you maintain control over your cholesterol.
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Consume the right fats
Not all fat is bad for the body; omega 3 fatty acids are great for the body. Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce your cholesterol levels. They are found in most fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Watch out for trans fat. This is where all the snacks and treats can ruin your cholesterol. Fried foods, cookies, and cakes are all filled with trans fat. Keep your cholesterol consumption under control. You should try not to consume more than 200 mg of cholesterol each day.
Consume more vegetables and fruits
Instead of grabbing for the pies, potatoes, and stuffing at your next holiday gathering, opt for the vegetables and fruits. Deep green vegetables are the best ones to consume as they are nutrient rich and one of the best foods to consume to control your cholesterol. Vegetables are best in their raw form versus being baked into a casserole or other dishes. Steaming your vegetables is a great way to still get a nice flavor with a bit of tenderness.
Count how much cholesterol is in holiday foods
When you sit down to enjoy all of the delicious holiday foods, be weary about what you are eating. Watch the saturated fat content along with the total fat content to find out if you are consuming too much fat that is detrimental to your health.
What foods can you eat?
Individuals with high cholesterol can have a heck of a time finding holiday foods that don't ruin the diet their doctor has recommended. A couple holiday foods you should avoid include eggnog, unless you are able to find a low-fat eggnog. Even if you do find a low-fat eggnog, be careful about drinking too much of it. Stick with less than 8 ounces in order to keep your cholesterol under control. While everyone else is drinking up the eggnog, you should grab for a glass of apple cider.
Steer clear of the little appetizers like cheese and crackers. Cheese is one of the absolute worst foods you can consume if you have high cholesterol. Hope for a party that serves sushi or look for a chicken kabob with some fresh vegetables. If all else fails, go for a small handful of nuts so you don't embarrass your host and so you can feel like you can fit in with the rest of the party guests.
Don't look for the beef; instead look for lean meats like turkey or chicken. Lean cuts are your best option if you would like to stay healthy and enjoy a delicious holiday meal. Look for the white breast meat when you are eating turkey at the holiday party. Do not pour over the gravy on your meat and don't eat the potatoes. The gravy is one of the worst culprits of saturated fats and it can absolutely destroy your cholesterol. Finally, when the time comes to eat your pie, opt for a slice of pie that doesn't have a crust. The crust is usually high in fat and that is where all of your cholesterol problems will come from. If anything, opt for a fat-free ice cream with a bit of peaches or raspberries to bring out the sweetness.
