6 Easy Ways to Lower Cholesterol

My cholesterol has always been really high. This problem runs in my family on both my mother and father’s side. I asked my nutritionist, Keri Gans, if there are certain foods and cooking preparations I should avoid because of my high cholesterol. Here are her recommendations:

•Limit fried foods and anything prepared with lots of butter and cream
•Increase consumption of whole grains (i.e. oats, barley, quinoa, 100 percent whole wheat bread, whole wheat couscous, whole wheat pasta)
•Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; fiber helps decrease cholesterol
•Avoid beef that is not lean cut (sirloin is okay)
•Try not to eat the skin on poultry
•Exercise several times a week

Keri also says it’s a myth that you should avoid shrimp and eggs if you have high cholesterol. In her words, “as long as it’s not fried or dipped in butter, it’s fine!”

Keri also says instead of focusing on what I can’t or shouldn’t eat, I should focus on what I should be eating because it’s all about positive thinking!

Our 2012 Weight Loss Diary writer, Yasmin, is a 32-year-old web content producer who is looking to get healthy and love her body! Follow along on her year-long weight loss journey!

Who’s helping Yasmin? Tiara Coaching Life coach Alison Miller, Ph.D, nutritionist Keri Gans, R.D, and Equinox personal trainer http://www.equinox.com/ " target="_blank"> Stephanie Pipia.