Cholesterol Countdown!

greasy chicken

For three weeks now, I have been enjoying the benefits of an extremely modified diet. I did some serious rearranging of food choices, and feel proud to announce that I feel better already. Since I am really a pig at heart, this diet still allows me to scarf down abundant quantities, but only from the list that ensures healthier results! And the best part is....I have not had a single craving for the garbage I used to eat (chips, cookies, donuts, fries etc.)

greasy fries

greasy donut

I'm still angry at the fact that so much of what is at the store taste so yummy and satisfying is always so bad for us. It's just not fair. Comfort food was named just that for a very good reason. 

Thankfully, and I repeat thankfully, my taste buds are having just as much fun with some enticing alternatives to these damaging foods, and honestly, I am thoroughly disgusted at the thought of allowing so much junk to rule the inside of my body. It's been this way my entire life. I'm sure I have been on more diets than anyone else, and yet my body insists on going back to its original default time and time again. What triggered a more urgent and dramatic approach this time though, was when my sisters began to suspect that the high cholesterol levels in our family are a hereditary thing. Sure enough, mine got checked and is high too. 

Since leaving the clinic that day, I have been faithfully adhering to two rules; no animal fat and no refined sugars. It might sound like, wow, that's eliminating a lot of food! And guess what? It is! With a little planning and prioritizing, I am now consuming, in large quantity sometimes, some of the most nutritional food on the planet.

I have a list of the top foods that contain statins, the component in medications used to lower cholesterol levels. And here they are;

sugar cane

beans

almonds

oatmeal

apple cider vinegar

flaxseeds

garlic

fatty fish - salmon (or tilopia)

apples

avocado oil

lentils

soy proteins

These foods, as you may have noticed, are all plant based foods, and insanely delicious when prepared in combinations with other vegetables. For more easy referencing on this topic, google;

"Foods that contain natural statins" 

"Lower cholesterol naturally"

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to notice how much good food is available; the best supply coming from Whole Foods, when your budget can afford it. I get fresh basil, cilantro, artichokes, and unsalted roasted almonds there. 

And now...I am off to the kitchen to prepare my dinner to take to work, which will be caramelized onions and sweet potatoes. I literally can't wait to eat!