Meal plan grocery list
Oatmeal
Apples
Almonds
Olive oil
Salmon
Spinach
Avocado
Whole grain bread
Oranges
Blueberries
Brown rice
Broccoli
Walnuts
Quinoa
Beans
Green tea
Carrots
Kale
Flaxseeds
Sweet potatoes
Greek yogurt
Lean chicken breast
Tomatoes
Barley
Brussels sprouts
Red grapes
Edamame
Low-fat milk
Cottage cheese
Turkey breast
Asparagus
Peaches
Lentils
Meal plan overview
Take control of your heart health with our Free Meal Plan for Lowering Cholesterol. This plan includes heart-healthy foods rich in fiber and healthy fats. Enjoy meals like oatmeal with berries, grilled salmon with a side of steamed broccoli, and a hearty lentil soup.
Each meal is designed to help lower your cholesterol levels, providing delicious and nutritious options that support heart health.
Foods to eat
- Plant-Based Proteins: Hemp seeds, lentils, and edamame offer complete protein sources for muscle repair and growth.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish alternatives like algae oil provide sustained energy and support brain health.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, quinoa, and whole grain bread fuel intense training sessions and promote muscle glycogen replenishment.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with vitamins and minerals to support immune function and recovery.
- Hydration: Water, coconut water, and electrolyte-rich drinks keep you hydrated and prevent muscle cramps during training.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Sugar Snacks: Skip sugary snacks and desserts, as they can cause energy crashes and weight gain.
- Trans Fats: Avoid foods high in trans fats, such as fried foods and packaged snacks, as they can increase inflammation and impair recovery.
- Excessive Alcohol: Alcohol can impair recovery and negatively impact sleep quality, so it's best to limit intake, especially during training camps.
- Processed Meats: Deli meats and sausages are high in sodium and preservatives, which can increase inflammation and hinder recovery.
- High-Fat Dairy: While some dairy is fine in moderation, excessive consumption can lead to bloating and digestive issues, so choose dairy alternatives when possible.
Main benefits
An vegetarian meal plan for MMA fighters is loaded with antioxidants, which can speed up recovery and reduce muscle soreness after intense training sessions. The plant-based proteins are great for muscle repair and growth, providing a lean source of energy. This diet supports a healthy immune system, keeping fighters in top shape and ready to train. The high fiber content from vegetables and grains aids in maintaining optimal weight and muscle-to-fat ratio. It's also known to improve cardiovascular health, which is crucial for endurance in the ring. Additionally, this diet helps in reducing inflammation, ensuring better joint health and flexibility.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To lower cholesterol levels without spending too much, consider these heart-healthy alternatives:
- For a lean protein, canned mackerel can replace salmon in your meals.
- To increase fiber and antioxidants, frozen kale can replace fresh spinach in your dishes.
- For a budget-friendly grain, whole barley can replace quinoa in salads and sides.
- To boost heart health, flaxseeds can replace walnuts in snacks and meals.
- For added sweetness, dried apricots can replace fresh oranges in your snacks.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack options for lowering cholesterol:
- Oatmeal with sliced strawberries
- Avocado toast on whole grain bread
- Carrot sticks with hummus
- Edamame
- Blueberry smoothie with chia seeds
- Whole grain crackers with avocado slices
- Steamed broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
What should I drink on this meal plan?
When following a meal plan for lowering cholesterol, it's essential to choose drinks that support heart health. Water is always the best choice, ensuring you stay hydrated without adding any unwanted calories or sugars. Herbal teas, especially those made from ingredients like hibiscus, ginger, or green tea, can be beneficial due to their antioxidant properties. Skim or low-fat milk can be a good option if you consume dairy. Freshly made fruit and vegetable juices, without added sugars, can provide vitamins and minerals. Avoid sugary beverages, full-fat dairy, and excessive alcohol consumption.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Lowering Cholesterol
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Spinach salad with grilled salmon, avocado, and tomatoes
- Dinner: Lean chicken breast with brown rice, steamed broccoli, and a side of Brussels sprouts
- Snack: Apple slices with almond butter
Day 2
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with walnuts and sliced peaches
- Lunch: Whole grain bread sandwich with turkey breast, avocado, and tomatoes
- Dinner: Quinoa with roasted sweet potatoes, edamame, and a side of kale
- Snack: Orange slices and a handful of almonds
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with low-fat milk, blueberries, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Barley salad with edamame, spinach, and red grapes
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa, asparagus, and a side of carrots
- Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced apples
Day 4
- Breakfast: Whole grain bread with avocado and a side of Greek yogurt
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of spinach and tomato salad
- Dinner: Turkey breast with brown rice, steamed broccoli, and a side of Brussels sprouts
- Snack: Red grapes and a handful of walnuts
Day 5
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced peaches and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with black beans, corn, and avocado
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with sweet potatoes, kale, and a side of asparagus
- Snack: Blueberries and almonds
Day 6
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries and a side of whole grain bread with almond butter
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado salad with a side of quinoa
- Dinner: Salmon with barley, steamed broccoli, and a side of carrots
- Snack: Apple slices with a handful of walnuts
Day 7
- Breakfast: Smoothie with low-fat milk, spinach, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable soup with a side of whole grain bread
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa, steamed Brussels sprouts, and a side of edamame
- Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced peaches
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Jun 9, 2024
- Updated on Oct 1, 2024