Meal plan grocery list
Oatmeal
Almonds
Mixed berries
Apples
Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Carrots
Hummus
Salmon fillets
Broccoli
Quinoa
Whole grain bread
Avocado
Oranges
Turkey breast
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Greek yogurt
Honey
Shrimp
Brown rice
Spinach
Bananas
Flaxseeds
Walnuts
Lentils
Bell peppers
Sweet potatoes
Green beans
Eggs
Pears
Tofu
Chia seeds
Cottage cheese
Pineapple
Ground turkey
Beans
Chili seasonings
Onions
Mushrooms
Mixed nuts
Cod
Brussels sprouts
Whole grain pancake mix
Asparagus
Meal plan overview
Looking to manage cholesterol through diet? Our 7-day meal plan for cholesterol focuses on heart-healthy foods. It's designed to help lower cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health.
Enjoy a variety of tasty, cholesterol-friendly meals that benefit your heart. It's a proactive approach to eating for a healthier heart.
Foods to eat
- Oats and Whole Grains: Choose oatmeal, whole wheat, barley, and quinoa for soluble fiber.
- Fruits: Include apples, berries, citrus fruits, and pears for fiber and antioxidants.
- Fatty Fish: Incorporate salmon, mackerel, and trout for omega-3 fatty acids.
- Nuts and Seeds: Opt for almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds for heart-healthy fats.
- Vegetables: Enjoy a variety of colorful vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Beans and Legumes: Include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and peas for plant-based protein and fiber.
- Plant Sterols: Choose foods fortified with plant sterols, like certain margarines, for cholesterol management.
- Olive Oil: Use olive oil as a primary cooking oil for monounsaturated fats.
- Green Tea: Consider incorporating green tea for antioxidants that may benefit heart health.
- Avocado: Enjoy avocados for monounsaturated fats and other heart-healthy nutrients.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Saturated and Trans Fats: Limit intake of red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods high in unhealthy fats.
- High-Cholesterol Foods: Reduce consumption of organ meats, shellfish, and egg yolks.
- Processed Meats: Minimize intake of bacon, sausages, and other processed meats high in saturated fat.
- Excessive Added Sugars: Reduce intake of sugary beverages, candies, and desserts.
- Refined Grains: Choose whole grains over refined options for better cholesterol control.
- Fast Food: Minimize consumption of fast food, which is often high in unhealthy fats and cholesterol.
- Hydrogenated Oils: Avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats.
- Excessive Alcohol: Consume alcohol in moderation, or as recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Excessive Caffeine: Limit caffeine intake, as excessive amounts may affect cholesterol levels.
- Highly Processed Snacks: Opt for whole, unprocessed snacks over highly processed alternatives.
Main benefits
The 7-Day Meal Plan For Cholesterol is tailored to manage and lower cholesterol levels through dietary choices. This plan emphasizes heart-healthy fats, including those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Incorporating soluble fiber from oats, legumes, and fruits helps reduce cholesterol absorption. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish further contribute to heart health. With an emphasis on whole grains, lean proteins, and antioxidant-rich foods, this meal plan supports overall cardiovascular well-being and helps individuals manage their cholesterol levels effectively.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
Lowering cholesterol requires foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Here are some effective alternatives:
- Switch almonds with walnuts, which are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Replace chicken breasts with tofu for a plant-based protein that’s heart-friendly.
- Instead of Greek yogurt, try cottage cheese for a lower-fat, high-protein alternative.
- Use flaxseeds instead of chia seeds for their high omega-3 content and cholesterol-lowering benefits.
- Substitute quinoa with barley, which is rich in soluble fiber and helps reduce cholesterol levels.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Cholesterol-lowering snacks focus on heart-healthy ingredients:
- Oats with almond milk and berries
- Nuts like almonds or walnuts
- Apple slices with natural peanut butter
- Whole grain crackers with hummus
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Vegetable sticks with guacamole
- Baked sweet potato fries
What should I drink on this meal plan?
In a diet aimed at managing cholesterol, water is key for hydration and flushing toxins. Green tea has been shown to help lower cholesterol. Almond milk is a heart-healthy, non-dairy alternative. Soy milk can also help reduce bad cholesterol. Fresh orange juice, in moderation, provides antioxidants without added sugars.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Lowering Cholesterol
Note: This meal plan is designed to help lower cholesterol levels. It focuses on incorporating foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants while limiting saturated fats and trans fats. Always consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 180g Protein: 110g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, and chia seeds
- Lunch: Whole grain wrap with hummus, cucumber, and grated carrots
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 200g Protein: 100g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and a poached egg
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens salad
- Dinner: Grilled turkey breast with sweet potato and green beans
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 190g Protein: 105g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with mixed nuts and honey
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with chickpeas, bell peppers, and a lemon vinaigrette
- Dinner: Baked cod with roasted asparagus and wild rice
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 185g Protein: 100g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado sandwich on whole grain bread
- Dinner: Beef stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and brown rice
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 200g Protein: 105g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Berry and banana oat bran muffin
- Lunch: Baked chicken with quinoa and steamed carrots
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with vegetable stir-fry and quinoa
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 190g Protein: 103g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with skim milk and fresh strawberries
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Roast turkey with sweet potatoes and steamed Brussels sprouts
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 185g Protein: 100g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day and to adjust portion sizes according to your individual needs.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024