I want to first state that I am not the diet expert nor do I have a PH.D. or M.D.
or any certified license to give you the proper diet and/or exercise regimen to follow for yourself. However, I’m sharing my experience of what is helping me to accomplish my 10-week weight loss challenge. As I have now just completed the first 2 weeks, I recently had an appointment for a physical with my family practioner and I found out some really interesting things that I must adhere to while dieting and exercising. After receiving results from a series of blood tests, my doctor gave me a handout on "Tips to reduce cholesterol and fat in your diet!". I asked the doctor, "Why do I need this?". He stated, "Because your cholesterol was a slight bit high." I couldn’t believe it because I’m always on the hype of eating healthy and exercising.
However, when I looked at this handout I noticed the different food groups and how each indicated "what to choose", "what to go easy on", and "what to avoid". What an eye-opener for me!
As I move into Week 3 (of my 10-week diet/weight challenge), I encourage you to get a physical and/or consult with a certified physician about "heart healthy eating". There are literally millions of different diet regimens recommended and to follow but, it’s best to be following a diet plan that best fits your lifestyle based on justification from having a physical exam and consultation with a physician.
I’m so glad to have received from my doctor, the handout of "Tips to Reduce Cholesterol and Fat in Your Diet", that offers very good and educational info on:
- Buying foods
- Preparing foods
- Serving foods
- Food lables and nutrition facts
- Eating away from home
The biggest fact noted that I read was: "Limiting fat, sugar and alcohol in your diet can help lower triglycerides as can losing weight if you are overweight."
Triglycerides is known as a "bad fat":
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– a type of fat in the blood that increases your risk for heart disease or pancreatitis
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– raised by high intake of sugar, alcohol or calories, excess fat and saturated fat
Source: "Heart Healthy Eating" – UC Davis Medical Center, Food & Nutrition Services, Clinical Dietitians, (7/04)
