7-day Meal Plan For Lowering Cholesterol
Listonic team
Updated on Nov 22, 2024
Ready to take control of your cholesterol levels? Explore our 7-day meal plan designed to lower cholesterol and boost heart health. Plus, we'll guide you in turning these heart-healthy meals into a straightforward shopping list. Let's start this journey to better health!
Meal plan grocery list
Dry goods
Baking goods
Snacks & sweets
Meats
Fish & seafood
Dairy & eggs
Fresh grocery
Plant based
Spices & sauces
Meal plan overview
Lowering cholesterol is key for heart health, and our 7-day meal plan is crafted for this purpose. It focuses on heart-healthy foods that are both delicious and beneficial.
This plan helps manage cholesterol levels and promotes overall well-being. It's a step towards a healthier heart and a healthier you.
Foods to eat
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, trout), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Soluble Fiber: Oats, barley, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts), and seeds for heart health.
Fruits: Berries, apples, citrus fruits, and other fruits rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens for vitamins and minerals.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat, and oats for fiber and nutrients.
Plant Sterols: Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols to help lower cholesterol.
Lean Proteins: Skinless poultry, fish, tofu, and legumes for protein without excessive saturated fat.
Green Tea: Antioxidant-rich green tea may contribute to heart health.
✅Tip
Foods not to eat
Saturated Fats: Limit red meat, full-fat dairy, and tropical oils (coconut oil, palm oil).
Trans Fats: Avoid partially hydrogenated oils found in many processed foods.
Highly Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed snacks, baked goods, and fried foods.
Excessive Sugar: Limit added sugars found in sugary beverages and desserts.
Refined Grains: Choose whole grains over refined options for better heart health.
Excessive Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels for heart health benefits.
Full-Fat Dairy: Opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy products to reduce saturated fat intake.
High-Sodium Foods: Reduce intake of high-sodium foods to support overall heart health.
Processed Meats: Limit processed meats like sausages and bacon due to their high sodium and saturated fat content.
Main benefits
The 7-Day Meal Plan For Lowering Cholesterol is designed to promote heart health by incorporating foods that help manage cholesterol levels. This meal plan focuses on heart-healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, which may contribute to lowering bad cholesterol. The inclusion of soluble fiber from oats, beans, and fruits helps lower cholesterol by reducing absorption in the bloodstream. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish offer additional heart benefits. By emphasizing whole grains, lean proteins, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, this meal plan supports overall cardiovascular well-being. Portion control and mindful eating further contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Recommended nutrient breakdown
Protein: 38%
Fat: 8%
Carbs: 42%
Fiber: 10%
Other: 2%
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Snacks that help in lowering cholesterol:
- Oatmeal with almond milk and banana
- Almonds and other nuts
- Whole grain crackers with avocado
- Apple with peanut butter
- Edamame
- Carrot sticks with hummus
- Blueberries or strawberries
For lowering cholesterol, beverages should support heart health. Water is a staple for overall health. Green tea has been linked to lower cholesterol levels. Pomegranate juice, in moderation, can improve heart health. Soy milk is a good alternative to dairy for those monitoring cholesterol. Lastly, herbal teas are beneficial as they are free from unhealthy fats and cholesterol.
Meal plan suggestion
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with almonds and berries (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fiber: 8g)
- Snack: Apple slices (calories: 100, carbs: 25g, fiber: 4g)
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with olive oil dressing (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fiber: 3g)
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus (calories: 150, protein: 5g, carbs: 20g, fiber: 5g)
- Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and quinoa (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 30g, fiber: 6g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado (calories: 250, protein: 6g, carbs: 30g, fiber: 7g)
- Snack: Orange (calories: 80, carbs: 20g, fiber: 3g)
- Lunch: Turkey wrap with lettuce and tomato (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fiber: 5g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with honey (calories: 150, protein: 12g, carbs: 20g)
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with mixed vegetables and brown rice (calories: 450, protein: 30g, carbs: 40g, fiber: 5g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, and flaxseeds (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 50g, fiber: 8g)
- Snack: Handful of walnuts (calories: 180, protein: 4g, carbs: 4g, fiber: 2g)
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side salad (calories: 400, protein: 20g, carbs: 50g, fiber: 15g)
- Snack: Sliced bell peppers (calories: 50, carbs: 10g, fiber: 3g)
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with sweet potato and green beans (calories: 450, protein: 35g, carbs: 40g, fiber: 7g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and spinach (calories: 250, protein: 20g, carbs: 8g, fiber: 3g)
- Snack: Pear (calories: 100, carbs: 25g, fiber: 5g)
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed vegetables (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 45g, fiber: 8g)
- Snack: Almonds (calories: 200, protein: 8g, carbs: 7g, fiber: 4g)
- Dinner: Grilled tofu with stir-fried vegetables (calories: 400, protein: 20g, carbs: 35g, fiber: 10g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with mixed berries and chia seeds (calories: 250, protein: 15g, carbs: 30g, fiber: 5g)
- Snack: Banana (calories: 100, carbs: 25g, fiber: 3g)
- Lunch: Grilled salmon salad with mixed greens (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 15g, fiber: 4g)
- Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple (calories: 150, protein: 12g, carbs: 20g)
- Dinner: Turkey chili with beans and vegetables (calories: 450, protein: 30g, carbs: 40g, fiber: 10g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Omelet with mushrooms and peppers (calories: 300, protein: 20g, carbs: 10g, fiber: 3g)
- Snack: Apple (calories: 100, carbs: 25g, fiber: 4g)
- Lunch: Whole grain sandwich with lean meat and veggies (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fiber: 5g)
- Snack: Mixed nuts (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 10g, fiber: 3g)
- Dinner: Baked cod with roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa (calories: 450, protein: 35g, carbs: 30g, fiber: 6g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole grain pancakes with fresh fruit (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 55g, fiber: 8g)
- Snack: Orange (calories: 80, carbs: 20g, fiber: 3g)
- Lunch: Vegetable stir-fry with tofu and brown rice (calories: 400, protein: 18g, carbs: 50g, fiber: 8g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt (calories: 150, protein: 12g, carbs: 20g)
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with asparagus and sweet potato (calories: 450, protein: 35g, carbs: 40g, fiber: 7g)
Want to learn more?
⚠️Keep in mind
Other meal plans
7-day Meal Plan For Mediterranean Diet
Embarking on a Mediterranean journey? You're in for a treat! Discover the secrets of a 7-day Mediterranean diet meal plan and how it can invigorate your health. This article will guide you through a flavorful world of nutritious foods and show you how to turn these meals into an efficient shopping list. Let's set sail!
7-day Meal Plan For Weight Loss
Ready to kickstart your weight loss journey? A 7-day meal plan tailored for weight loss could be your golden ticket. In this article, we'll explore how to craft a meal plan that's both delicious and effective for shedding pounds, plus tips on transforming it into a smart shopping list. Time to get excited about your health goals!
7-day Meal Plan For Diabetics
Managing diabetes with diet doesn't have to be daunting. Learn how a 7-day meal plan can help control your blood sugar and improve overall health. We'll guide you through creating diabetic-friendly meals and turning them into a simple shopping list. Let's make healthy eating a breeze!
Listonic team
Fact-checked