Low Cholesterol Meal Plan for Type 2 Diabetes: Heart-Healthy Options

Manage diabetes and cholesterol together with the Low Cholesterol Meal Plan for Type 2 Diabetes. Enjoy diabetic-friendly meals that are also low in cholesterol, such as grilled lean meats with vegetables, whole grain dishes, and fruit-based desserts, ensuring a harmonious approach to managing both conditions.

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Eggs
Spinach
Whole grain bread
Chicken breasts
Mixed greens
Cherry tomatoes
Vinaigrette dressing
Carrots
Hummus
Salmon
Quinoa
Broccoli
Greek yogurt
Sliced almonds
Berries
Cottage cheese
Apple slices
Tofu
Stir-fry vegetables
Brown rice

Banana
Walnuts
Black beans
Lime for dressing
Chicken breast
Sweet potatoes
Green beans
Lentil soup
Fish
Cabbage slaw ingredients
Celery sticks
Almond butter
Chickpeas
Cucumber
Lemon-tahini dressing
Shrimp skewers
Mixed nuts
Turkey slices
Brussels sprouts

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Article reviewed

Written by our editorial team.
Published on Feb. 29, 2024.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.

Meal plan overview

The Low Cholesterol Meal Plan for Type 2 Diabetes is tailored for individuals managing both diabetes and cholesterol levels. It includes low-glycemic, low-cholesterol foods like whole grains, lean proteins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, all designed to help stabilize blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol.

This plan offers a balanced approach to diet, providing meals that are nutritious and suitable for diabetic and cholesterol management.

Foods to eat

Low-Glycemic Vegetables: Such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, and plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu.
Whole Grains: Quinoa, barley, and oats in moderation.
Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
Low-Sugar Fruits: Apples, berries, and oranges in moderation.

✅ Tip

Focus on fiber-rich foods like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol levels.

Foods not to eat

High-Sugar Foods: Candies, cakes, and sweetened beverages.
Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, white rice, and pastries.
High-Saturated Fat Foods: Fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products.
Fried Foods: High in unhealthy fats and calories.

Main benefits

The Low Cholesterol Meal Plan for Type 2 Diabetes is tailored for individuals managing both diabetes and cholesterol levels. It includes low-glycemic, cholesterol-lowering foods such as lean proteins, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, aiding in blood sugar and lipid management.

🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To manage type 2 diabetes with a low cholesterol diet, try these substitutions:

For a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles can replace whole grain pasta in meals.
To boost fiber, chia seeds can replace sliced almonds in smoothies or yogurt bowls.
For a lower-glycemic option, berries can replace bananas in breakfast or snacks.
To increase omega-3 intake, flaxseeds can replace walnuts in salads and snacks.
For a plant-based protein, lentils can replace black beans in soups and salads.

How to budget on this meal plan

Opt for whole grains like whole grain bread and brown rice, which are more affordable in bulk. Seasonal fruits and vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, and berries are usually cheaper. Homemade hummus and vinaigrettes are budget-friendly and healthier than store-bought versions. Buying nuts like almonds and walnuts in bulk can also save money.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Manage your blood sugar with these diabetic-friendly, low cholesterol snacks:

Veggie sticks with hummus
Whole grain toast with avocado
Cottage cheese with a few raspberries
Almonds
Boiled egg
Rye crackers with cheese
Apple slices with almond butter

What should I drink on this meal plan?

When managing type 2 diabetes with a low cholesterol diet, water is key for blood sugar regulation, unsweetened almond milk as a low cholesterol, diabetic-friendly choice, green tea for blood sugar control, moderate black coffee, and vegetable juices without added sugars to prevent blood sugar spikes.

How to get even more nutrients?

Managing type 2 diabetes on a low cholesterol diet means focusing on low glycemic index foods that also help manage cholesterol. Include beans, whole grains, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables, which help control blood sugar levels. Lean protein sources like skinless poultry and fish are excellent choices that won’t contribute to cholesterol issues.

Meal plan suggestions

Low Cholesterol Meal Plan for Type 2 Diabetes

Day 1

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole grain toast (Calories: 300, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g)
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing (Calories: 350, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 18g)
Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus (Calories: 100, Protein: 3g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 6g)
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli (Calories: 400, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g)

Day 2

Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced almonds and berries (Calories: 250, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g)
Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with lettuce on whole wheat tortilla (Calories: 300, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g)
Snack: Cottage cheese with apple slices (Calories: 150, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 5g)
Dinner: Grilled tofu with stir-fried vegetables and brown rice (Calories: 350, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g)

Day 3

Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced banana and walnuts (Calories: 300, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 10g)
Lunch: Quinoa and black bean salad with avocado and lime dressing (Calories: 350, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g)
Snack: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon (Calories: 150, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 5g)
Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables (Calories: 400, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g)

Day 4

Breakfast: Scrambled tofu with sautéed spinach and whole grain toast (Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g)
Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed green salad (Calories: 350, Protein: 18g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g)
Snack: Raw veggies with hummus dip (Calories: 100, Protein: 4g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 6g)
Dinner: Baked chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green beans (Calories: 400, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g)

Day 5

Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with granola and berries (Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g)
Lunch: Grilled fish tacos with cabbage slaw and avocado (Calories: 350, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g)
Snack: Almond butter on celery sticks (Calories: 150, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 12g)
Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice (Calories: 400, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g)

Day 6

Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and poached eggs (Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 15g)
Lunch: Chickpea salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon-tahini dressing (Calories: 350, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g)
Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks (Calories: 150, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 5g)
Dinner: Grilled shrimp skewers with quinoa and steamed broccoli (Calories: 400, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g)

Day 7

Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, berries, Greek yogurt, and almond milk (Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g)
Lunch: Turkey and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice (Calories: 350, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g)
Snack: Mixed nuts (Calories: 200, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 15g)
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts (Calories: 400, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g)

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