Low-carb meal plan for lowering cholesterol
The Low-Carb meal plan for lowering cholesterol focuses on foods that help in reducing cholesterol levels, such as fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats, while maintaining a low carbohydrate intake. This diet supports heart health by combining the benefits of a low-carb approach with cholesterol-lowering food choices.
Meal plan grocery list
Eggs
Spinach
Tomatoes
Mushrooms
Salmon
Mixed greens
Avocado
Olive oil
Walnuts
Greek yogurt
Flaxseeds
Berries
Tuna
Cucumber
Hummus
Tofu
Almond milk
Chia seeds
Quinoa
Cherry tomatoes
Feta cheese
Apples
Almond butter
Shrimp
Asparagus
Smoked salmon
Chicken breast
Meal plan overview
Target cholesterol levels effectively with the Low-carb meal plan for lowering cholesterol. This plan combines low carb eating with foods known to improve heart health.
Emphasizing healthy fats, lean proteins, and high-fiber foods, it’s a heart-friendly approach to dieting.
Foods to eat
- Vegetable Proteins: Lentils, chickpeas, and tofu for protein sources.
- Whole Grains: Quinoa, barley, and brown rice for fiber and energy.
- Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, and olive oil for essential fatty acids.
- Dairy or Plant-Based Alternatives: Greek yogurt, almond milk, or soy milk for calcium.
- Fruits and Vegetables: A wide variety for nutrients and fiber.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds for snacking and added nutrients.
- Hydration: Plenty of water, herbal teas, and natural juices.
- Eggs: If lacto-ovo vegetarian, for a good source of protein and nutrients.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Processed Vegetarian Foods: Often high in sodium and preservatives.
- Refined Grains: White bread and pasta offer less nutrition.
- High-Sugar Snacks: Candies and sugary desserts.
- Fried Vegetarian Foods: High in unhealthy fats.
- Excessive Dairy: Especially high-fat cheeses and creams.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Found in many low-calorie processed foods.
- Alcohol: Can disrupt metabolic health and fasting benefits.
- High-Sodium Processed Foods: Such as canned soups and veggie burgers.
Main benefits
The balanced vegetarian meal plan with intermittent fasting incorporates a variety of plant-based foods during eating periods. It includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet that aligns with vegetarian dietary preferences while incorporating the principles of an intermittent fasting schedule.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A low-carb meal plan for lowering cholesterol can include these effective alternatives:
- Opt for steel-cut oats instead of regular oatmeal for a higher fiber content.
- Try using walnut oil instead of olive oil for a unique taste and healthy fats.
- Add blackberries instead of blueberries for a different antioxidant-rich fruit.
- For protein, include chickpea pasta instead of traditional pasta.
- Enhance your dishes with arugula instead of spinach for a peppery flavor.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Lower cholesterol with these healthy low-carb snacks:
- Sliced avocados with lime juice
- Walnuts or almonds
- Salmon salad on cucumber slices
- Black bean dip with vegetable sticks
- Oat bran muffins (low sugar)
- Chia pudding with almond milk
- Flaxseed crackers with cheese
What should I drink on this meal plan?
In a low-carb diet for lowering cholesterol, water is the best drink for overall health. Green tea can help with metabolism and has heart-healthy benefits. Herbal teas, especially those with cholesterol-lowering properties like hibiscus, are good choices. Black coffee, enjoyed in moderation, can fit into this diet, and vegetable juices, high in fiber and low in sugar, are also excellent options.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Low-Carb Meal Plan for Lowering Cholesterol
Day 1
- Breakfast: Omelette with spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms (calories: 250, protein: 20g, carbs: 5g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Grilled salmon salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil dressing (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: A handful of walnuts (calories: 180, protein: 4g, carbs: 4g, fat: 18g)
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with steamed broccoli and cauliflower (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of flaxseeds and berries (calories: 200, protein: 15g, carbs: 10g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Tuna and avocado salad with a lemon-olive oil dressing (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 15g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Sliced cucumber with hummus (calories: 100, protein: 3g, carbs: 8g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables (calories: 300, protein: 18g, carbs: 15g, fat: 15g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk (calories: 250, protein: 6g, carbs: 15g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese (calories: 320, protein: 10g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: A medium apple with a tablespoon of almond butter (calories: 150, protein: 2g, carbs: 20g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with asparagus and a side of mixed greens (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 10g, fat: 20g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon (calories: 300, protein: 25g, carbs: 2g, fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad with avocado (no croutons) (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 6g, fat: 18g)
- Dinner: Baked cod with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Protein shake with unsweetened almond milk and a handful of spinach (calories: 200, protein: 20g, carbs: 6g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Mixed bean salad with olive oil and herbs (calories: 300, protein: 15g, carbs: 20g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced tomatoes (calories: 150, protein: 14g, carbs: 5g, fat: 7g)
- Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry with tempeh (calories: 300, protein: 18g, carbs: 15g, fat: 15g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Avocado toast on low-carb bread (calories: 250, protein: 10g, carbs: 15g, fat: 18g)
- Lunch: Roast beef slices with a side of kale salad (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Bell pepper strips with a small serving of guacamole (calories: 100, protein: 2g, carbs: 8g, fat: 7g)
- Dinner: Grilled lamb chops with steamed green beans (calories: 400, protein: 35g, carbs: 10g, fat: 25g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Coconut yogurt with a handful of raspberries (calories: 200, protein: 3g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Spinach and goat cheese salad with a balsamic dressing (calories: 300, protein: 12g, carbs: 10g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: A few slices of cheese and pear (calories: 150, protein: 8g, carbs: 12g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Herb-roasted chicken with a side of roasted eggplant (calories: 400, protein: 40g, carbs: 15g, fat: 20g)
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024