One day meal plan for cholesterol
This one-day meal plan for cholesterol was planned with one very important feature in mind: foods to help lower cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables, with their high amount of fiber, will team up with whole grains and healthy fats in this diet to balance or reduce bad cholesterol while increasing the good cholesterol. It is about the indulging in delicious and full-of-flavor food and making heart-healthy eating a real pleasure.
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Meal plan grocery list
- Whole grain bread
- Avocado
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Lentils
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Olive oil
- Apples
- Almond butter
- Turkey breast
- Quinoa
- Asparagus
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Jan. 26, 2024.
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Unlock the One Day Meal Plan for Cholesterol to learn all about how to eat your way toward a much healthier heart. This is one meal plan specifically tailored to the managing and lowering of cholesterol through very particular meals.
We have a balance in each and every meal, ensuring that you take only that food which will be beneficial for your cholesterol. Be it a nutrient-rich breakfast or a whole-food dinner, every meal acts as an opportunity to support your heart health.
Foods to eat
- Oats and Whole Grains: Choose oatmeal, whole wheat, barley, and quinoa for soluble fiber.
- Fruits: Include apples, berries, citrus fruits, and pears for fiber and antioxidants.
- Fatty Fish: Incorporate salmon, mackerel, and trout for omega-3 fatty acids.
- Nuts and Seeds: Opt for almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds for heart-healthy fats.
- Vegetables: Enjoy a variety of colorful vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Beans and Legumes: Include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and peas for plant-based protein and fiber.
- Plant Sterols: Choose foods fortified with plant sterols, like certain margarines, for cholesterol management.
- Olive Oil: Use olive oil as a primary cooking oil for monounsaturated fats.
- Green Tea: Consider incorporating green tea for antioxidants that may benefit heart health.
- Avocado: Enjoy avocados for monounsaturated fats and other heart-healthy nutrients.
✅ Tip
Include a serving of red grapes, as they contain resveratrol, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol.
Foods not to eat
- Saturated and Trans Fats: Limit intake of red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods high in unhealthy fats.
- High-Cholesterol Foods: Reduce consumption of organ meats, shellfish, and egg yolks.
- Processed Meats: Minimize intake of bacon, sausages, and other processed meats high in saturated fat.
- Excessive Added Sugars: Reduce intake of sugary beverages, candies, and desserts.
- Refined Grains: Choose whole grains over refined options for better cholesterol control.
- Fast Food: Minimize consumption of fast food, which is often high in unhealthy fats and cholesterol.
- Hydrogenated Oils: Avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats.
- Excessive Alcohol: Consume alcohol in moderation, or as recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Excessive Caffeine: Limit caffeine intake, as excessive amounts may affect cholesterol levels.
- Highly Processed Snacks: Opt for whole, unprocessed snacks over highly processed alternatives.
Main benefits
The One Day Meal Plan For Cholesterol is personalized, keeping in consideration the aim of the management and reduction of cholesterol through dietary intake. In this meal plan, heart-healthy fats include those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Soluble fiber helps to move the cholesterol down the digestive tract and out of the body while reducing its absorption from oats, legumes, and fruits.
Omega-3 fatty acids present in these sources of fatty fish go a long way to help the health of the heart. It harps on whole grains, lean proteins, antioxidant-rich foods that maintain overall cardiovascular health and keep cholesterol under control.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To manage cholesterol levels, focus on heart-healthy foods that are high in fiber and healthy fats. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Choosing steel-cut oats instead of whole grain bread for breakfast provides a higher fiber content.
- Relying on chia seeds rather than strawberries for a nutrient-dense, cholesterol-lowering option in your meals.
- Adding kale to your salad mix, replacing lettuce, increases your intake of vitamins and minerals.
- Swapping turkey breast with tofu offers a plant-based protein source rich in heart-healthy fats.
- Using barley instead of quinoa offers a different grain that’s high in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol.
How to budget on this meal plan
Buying whole grain bread in bulk on sale and freezing is a great cost-saving tactic. Avocados and berries are often on sale when in season. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber and can be much cheaper if bought in bulk. You can make your nut butter yourself at home; this is healthier and cheaper than store-bought versions.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Cholesterol-lowering snacks emphasize soluble fiber and healthy fats:
- Oatmeal with sliced almonds
- Apple with peanut butter
- Whole grain crackers with avocado
- Chia pudding with berries
- Walnuts or almonds
- Edamame beans
- Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus
What should I drink on this meal plan?
Among the drinks that particularly help with cholesterol management, green tea helps lower levels of bad cholesterol, while red wine in moderation contains resveratrol, a heart-healthy component. Soy milk is one of the plant-based alternatives that offers low levels of cholesterol in lieu of dairy. Pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants, while water can help with metabolic health and hydration across the board.
How to get even more nutrients?
What is most important in terms of maintaining levels of cholesterol? Predictably, the type of fat is. The fat found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts raises your HDL or good cholesterol that keeps your LDL, or bad cholesterol, down. Foods with soluble fiber, like oats, apples, and beans, block the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Lean proteins are essential. Trans fats in processed foods should be avoided along with foods containing excessive saturated fat.
Meal plan suggestions
One Day Meal Plan for Cholesterol
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and a side of mixed berries
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens salad, olive oil dressing
- Snack: Apple slices with almond butter
- Dinner: Grilled turkey with a side of quinoa and steamed asparagus
Calories: 1400 Fat: 60g Carbs: 165g Protein: 76g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.