Asian meal plan for lowering cholesterol
The Asian meal plan for lowering cholesterol focuses on heart-healthy ingredients. It includes fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Traditional Asian cooking methods, such as steaming and boiling, are used to prepare dishes that are low in unhealthy fats and cholesterol.
Meal plan grocery list
Oatmeal
Almond milk
Sliced almonds
Honey
Salmon
Bok choy
Brown rice
Walnuts
Tofu
Mixed vegetables
Olive oil
Quinoa
Whole wheat bread
Avocado
Sesame seeds
Soba noodles
Edamame
Cucumber
Carrots
Soy-sesame dressing
Fresh fruits
Thai-style vegetable curry ingredients
Spinach
Banana
Meal plan overview
Target cholesterol levels with the Asian meal plan for lowering cholesterol. This plan focuses on heart-healthy Asian foods, incorporating a variety of fiber-rich vegetables and lean proteins.
Featuring dishes with minimal saturated fats and an abundance of cholesterol-lowering ingredients, it's a flavorful route to better heart health.
Foods to eat
- Diverse Legumes: Lentils (dal), chickpeas (chole), and kidney beans (rajma) for protein.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat chapatis, and millets.
- Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and paneer for calcium and protein.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds for healthy fats.
- Vegetables: A mix of starchy and non-starchy vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, and potatoes.
- Fruits: Seasonal fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papaya for vitamins and fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Ghee and olive oil for cooking.
- Spices: Turmeric, cumin, and coriander for flavor and health benefits.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Processed Vegetarian Foods: Often high in sodium and preservatives.
- Fried Snacks: Like pakoras and puris, which are high in unhealthy fats.
- Refined Carbs: White bread and white rice which lack nutritional value.
- High-Sugar Sweets: Like gulab jamun and rasgulla, high in sugar.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Cream and high-fat cheeses in excess.
- Sugary Beverages: Sweetened drinks and lassis.
- Excessive Use of Oils: Even healthy oils should be used in moderation.
- Alcohol: Provides empty calories and has little nutritional value.
Main benefits
The Indian meal plan for vegetarians is naturally aligned with traditional Indian cuisine, which offers a plethora of vegetarian options. It includes a variety of legumes, dairy products, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, providing a balanced and nutritious diet that's rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
An Asian meal plan for lowering cholesterol can benefit from these heart-healthy alternatives:
- Swap out white rice for quinoa to increase fiber and protein intake.
- Replace regular noodles with soba noodles made from buckwheat for better heart health.
- Use olive oil instead of butter in cooking to reduce saturated fats.
- Enhance salads with walnuts instead of croutons for healthy fats.
- Incorporate avocado as a spread instead of mayonnaise for a heart-healthy option.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
These Asian snacks are excellent for lowering cholesterol:
- Oatmeal with chopped apples and cinnamon
- Steamed edamame
- Grilled fish with a squeeze of lemon
- Stir-fried mixed vegetables in olive oil
- Almonds and walnuts
- Whole grain crackers with hummus
- Fruit salad with a variety of berries
What should I drink on this meal plan?
In an Asian diet for lowering cholesterol, water is a staple. Green tea can contribute to heart health, and oolong tea is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. Herbal teas, especially those with hibiscus, are beneficial, and soy milk offers a heart-healthy alternative to dairy.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Asian Meal Plan for Lowering Cholesterol
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk, topped with sliced almonds and a small amount of honey.
- Lunch: Grilled salmon with a side of steamed bok choy and brown rice. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Snack: A handful of walnuts, known for their heart-healthy fats.
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots) in olive oil and a side of quinoa.
Day 2
- Breakfast: Whole wheat toast with avocado and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Lunch: Soba noodle salad with edamame, cucumber, carrots, and a light soy-sesame dressing.
- Snack: Fresh fruit salad.
- Dinner: Thai-style vegetable curry with chickpeas, served with brown rice. Use coconut milk moderately.
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder.
- Lunch: Vietnamese spring rolls with tofu, lettuce, mint, and vermicelli, served with a peanut dipping sauce.
- Snack: Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a few berries.
- Dinner: Baked trout with lemon and dill, served with a side of stir-fried greens and a small portion of brown rice.
Day 4
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk, topped with fresh mango.
- Lunch: Japanese-style salad with mixed greens, avocado, nori strips, and a miso dressing.
- Snack: Sliced cucumber and carrots with hummus.
- Dinner: Grilled chicken or tofu kebabs with bell peppers and onions, served with a side of mixed greens.
Day 5
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with diced tomatoes and spinach, served with a slice of whole wheat bread.
- Lunch: Korean bibimbap with assorted sautéed vegetables, brown rice, and a fried egg on top. Use gochujang sauce sparingly.
- Snack: A small pear or apple.
- Dinner: Indian-style lentil soup (dal) with spinach, served with a side of whole wheat chapati.
Day 6
- Breakfast: Vegetable upma (Indian semolina dish) with peas and carrots.
- Lunch: Chinese chicken salad with cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and a light soy-sesame dressing.
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews).
- Dinner: Grilled mackerel with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts and a small portion of jasmine rice.
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole grain pancakes topped with a small amount of maple syrup and fresh berries.
- Lunch: Miso soup with seaweed and tofu, accompanied by a seaweed salad.
- Snack: Edamame beans.
- Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry with tempeh and a side of cauliflower rice.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024