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Lactose Intolerant? Low Cholesterol Diet Plan for You

The right diet can work magic for those who are lactose-intolerant or have high cholesterol. Low-cholesterol, lactose-free food can bring on a healthy balance into one's life without compromising on the taste. This diet is all about savoring a range of foods that feel good and taste great.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Skinless chicken breast
  • Salmon
  • Tofu
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Lentils
  • Black beans
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Olive oil
  • Avocado

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Bananas
  • Almond milk

  • Oat milk
  • Soy yogurt
  • Vegan cheese
  • Flaxseed
  • Chia seeds
  • Whole grain bread
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Beets
  • Cucumbers
  • Brussels sprouts

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on May 13, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

Lactose intolerance is no bar to managing cholesterol; the Low Cholesterol diet plan for lactose intolerance does just that. It contains, instead, lactose-free dairy or plant-based alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, which are enriched with calcium and vitamin D. It would also include a great diversity of foods that lower cholesterol, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

This plan helps to maintain cardiovascular health without discomfort because of lactose in the digestive tract and advises users to shun lactose while maintaining a balanced diet. It is also very practical because it emphasizes reading the labels of packaged foods in order to avoid hidden lactose, making the plan useful for people who are sensitive to lactose.

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Foods to eat

  • Lactose-Free Dairy: Lactose-free milk, yogurt, and cheese provide calcium without the discomfort.
  • Fortified Plant-Based Milks: Almond, soy, or oat milk with added calcium and vitamin D.
  • Firm Tofu: A good source of protein and calcium for lactose-free diets.
  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and bok choy are rich in calcium.
  • Fish: Sardines and salmon (with bones) provide high levels of calcium.
quote icon

(...) people who consume omega-3-rich foods on a regular basis remain mentally clearer and have a lower likelihood of developing cognitive deterioration than those who consume less of there healthy fats.

Lisa Mosconi, PhD

Foods not to eat

  • Milk and Cream: Whole, skim, and cream often contain lactose.
  • Soft Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese can be high in lactose.
  • Ice Cream: Traditional ice cream contains significant lactose.
  • Butter and Margarine: Can still contain small amounts of lactose.
  • Whey Protein: Some protein powders use whey, which contains lactose.

Main benefits

In its place, the low cholesterol diet plan for lactose intolerance uses fortified plant-based milks for their calcium content, minus the cholesterol. Another major focus is on omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and walnuts to keep the heart healthy. Plant-based proteins found in chickpeas and lentils fill you up without skyrocketing your cholesterol levels. You'll find richness in almond butter and tofu to help you enjoy a full, satisfying diet that's kind to your digestion.

Low Cholesterol diet plan for lactose intolerance graph

📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Look for naturally lactose-free foods like eggs, avocados, and lean poultry, which can help reduce your cost for lactose-free products. Unsweetened almond milk and soy milk almost always come in larger, more cost-effective containers. Keep an eye out for non-dairy yogurt and cheese alternatives when they go on sale at your store. Homemade hummus and nut butters can offer rich, affordable sources of plant-based protein and healthy fats.

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7-Day Meal Plan for Low Cholesterol Diet Plan for Crohn's Disease

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries, almonds, and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, quinoa, and steamed spinach
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts
  • Snack: Apple slices with cottage cheese

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with strawberries and walnuts
  • Lunch: Turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat bread with avocado and green beans
  • Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with broccoli, carrots, and brown rice
  • Snack: Orange slices and low-fat cheese

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, blueberries, spinach, and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots and peas
  • Dinner: Grilled lean beef, quinoa, and steamed cauliflower
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with apple slices

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Barley porridge with strawberries and walnuts
  • Lunch: Tilapia with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
  • Dinner: Turkey breast with brown rice, steamed green beans, and olive oil
  • Snack: Orange slices with almonds

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with quinoa, blueberries, and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa, spinach, and avocado
  • Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with broccoli, carrots, and brown rice
  • Snack: Apple slices with low-fat cheese

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with strawberries and walnuts
  • Lunch: Lentil salad with spinach, quinoa, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with apple slices

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries, almonds, and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat bread with avocado and green beans
  • Dinner: Grilled lean beef, barley, and steamed cauliflower
  • Snack: Orange slices and low-fat cheese

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.