14-day meal plan for lowering cholesterol
Looking to improve your heart health? Our 14-day meal plan for lowering cholesterol is designed to help you make healthier food choices without compromising on flavor. Explore a variety of heart-friendly recipes that incorporate cholesterol-lowering ingredients to support your cardiovascular well-being.
Meal plan grocery list
Lentils
Chickpeas
Quinoa
Tofu
Spinach
Bell peppers
Tomatoes
Brown rice
Sweet potatoes
Broccoli
Avocado
Cauliflower
Greek yogurt (vegetarian)
Whole-grain bread
Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
Olive oil
Hummus
Eggs
Fruits (apples, berries, oranges)
Green leafy vegetables (kale, lettuce)
Meal plan overview
Embark on a heart-healthy journey with our 14-day meal plan for lowering cholesterol. Designed with a focus on nutrient-rich and cholesterol-friendly recipes, this plan offers a variety of delicious options to support your cardiovascular well-being. Explore a diverse menu that makes managing cholesterol delicious and sustainable.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, beef, eggs, and tofu for muscle maintenance.
- Non-Starchy Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, and kale for fiber and nutrients.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds for satiety and essential nutrients.
- Berries: Limited quantities of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for natural sweetness.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Greek yogurt, cheese, and cream for a source of healthy fats.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for additional nutrients.
- Lean Meats: Choose unprocessed meats like chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef.
- Herbs and Spices: Flavor meals with herbs and spices instead of high-carb sauces.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Carb Grains: Avoid grains like rice, wheat, and oats to keep carb intake low.
- Sugary Snacks: Limit or eliminate sugary snacks and desserts from your diet.
- Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed foods high in hidden sugars and carbs.
- Starchy Vegetables: Limit high-carb vegetables like potatoes and corn.
- Sugary Beverages: Choose water, herbal teas, or unsweetened drinks over sugary options.
- High-Sugar Fruits: Limit intake of high-sugar fruits to control carb levels.
- Grains and Legumes: Avoid grains and legumes to reduce carb intake.
- Sweetened Condiments: Opt for sugar-free condiments to avoid added carbs.
Main benefits
The 14-Day Meal Plan for Low Carb Diet introduces individuals to a low-carbohydrate eating pattern over a two-week period. This plan emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins while limiting carbohydrate intake.
By providing diverse and flavorful low-carb options, the plan aims to support individuals in adapting to and maintaining a low-carbohydrate diet over the course of 14 days.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
If you're looking to lower cholesterol, here are some healthy swaps to incorporate into your 14-day meal plan.
- Instead of oatmeal, try quinoa for a heart-healthy grain that's also high in protein.
- Replace broccoli with asparagus for a different green vegetable option.
- Opt for walnuts instead of almonds to get more omega-3 fatty acids.
- Use flaxseeds in smoothies or yogurt for added fiber and lignans.
- Snack on dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher for a heart-healthy treat.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Snacks that help in lowering cholesterol:
- Oatmeal with sliced almonds
- Apple slices with almond butter
- Carrots and hummus
- Mixed nuts
- Whole grain toast with avocado
- Fresh berries with Greek yogurt
- Edamame
What should I drink on this meal plan?
To aid in lowering cholesterol, drink green tea for its cholesterol-lowering properties, plant sterol-enriched drinks to block cholesterol absorption, soy milk as a heart-healthy alternative to dairy, and water to stay hydrated. Moderate consumption of red wine may also benefit heart health.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
14-Day Meal Plan for Lowering Cholesterol
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced bananas and almonds
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens and whole grain crackers
- Snack: Apple slices with almond butter
- Dinner: Grilled trout with steamed asparagus and quinoa
Calories: 1600 Fat: 56g Carbs: 184g Protein: 74g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and poached eggs
- Lunch: Chickpea salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive oil dressing
- Snack: Orange segments with a handful of walnuts
- Dinner: Baked chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa
Calories: 1600 Fat: 56g Carbs: 145g Protein: 70g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, almond milk, banana, and chia seeds
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with black beans, corn, and a lime vinaigrette
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted vegetables and brown rice
Calories: 1700 Fat: 63g Carbs: 184g Protein: 79g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey and mixed berries
- Lunch: Whole grain wrap with turkey, spinach, and hummus
- Snack: A handful of almonds
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with steamed broccoli and sweet potato
Calories: 1650 Fat: 58g Carbs: 182g Protein: 78g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with almond milk and fresh fruit
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable stew with a side of whole grain bread
- Snack: Greek yogurt with a handful of walnuts
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with a quinoa and vegetable salad
Calories: 1600 Fat: 56g Carbs: 172g Protein: 71g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Smoothie with kale, almond milk, pineapple, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Chickpea and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
- Snack: Sliced apple with almond butter
- Dinner: Baked cod with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato
Calories: 1700 Fat: 61g Carbs: 188g Protein: 75g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts
- Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and quinoa
Calories: 1600 Fat: 63g Carbs: 155g Protein: 77g
Day 8
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries
- Lunch: Whole grain wrap with tuna, lettuce, and tomato
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and brown rice
Calories: 1700 Fat: 61g Carbs: 167g Protein: 78g
Day 9
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, almond milk, banana, and chia seeds
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with black beans, corn, and a lime vinaigrette
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted vegetables and brown rice
Calories: 1700 Fat: 63g Carbs: 184g Protein: 79g
Day 10
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey and mixed berries
- Lunch: Whole grain wrap with turkey, spinach, and hummus
- Snack: A handful of almonds
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with steamed broccoli and sweet potato
Calories: 1650 Fat: 58g Carbs: 182g Protein: 78g
Day 11
- Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with almond milk and fresh fruit
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable stew with a side of whole grain bread
- Snack: Greek yogurt with a handful of walnuts
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with a quinoa and vegetable salad
Calories: 1600 Fat: 56g Carbs: 172g Protein: 71g
Day 12
- Breakfast: Smoothie with kale, almond milk, pineapple, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Chickpea and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
- Snack: Sliced apple with almond butter
- Dinner: Baked cod with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato
Calories: 1700 Fat: 61g Carbs: 188g Protein: 75g
Day 13
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts
- Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and quinoa
Calories: 1600 Fat: 63g Carbs: 155g Protein: 77g
Day 14
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries
- Lunch: Whole grain wrap with tuna, lettuce, and tomato
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and brown rice
Calories: 1700 Fat: 61g Carbs: 167g Protein: 78g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 3, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024