The Best Snacks for People with High Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, you are undoubtedly aware that you must pay particularly close attention to the foods that you eat. This heightened awareness toward food causes many people to forego snacking altogether. However, this isn’t always necessary. Indeed, if you choose the rights foods, snacking doesn’t need to be the end of the world.
The Five Healthy Options
If you have high cholesterol, you can still indulge in a snack or two with these healthy options:
• A handful of nuts
Nuts have just about everything you need for a snack: They are quick to grab, need no preparation, and will certainly tempt your taste buds. They are rich in fiber as well – keeping you fuller for longer. Nuts can also help to lower your bad “LDL” cholesterol. What more could you ask for from a snack?
• Popcorn
Popcorn is high in fiber and low in calories: A perfect double whammy for cholesterol. However, when you reach for your bag of popcorn, ensure that they are not flavored or buttered. Of course, you should always try to keep your portion size in check too – try not to eat much more than a small bowlful.
• Colorful fruits
The next time you feel like having a candy bar, try some fruit instead. The natural sugars are much more healthy for you, and they taste just as good, if not better. Snacking on colorful fruits such as blueberries, oranges, and pomegranates provide a visual treat as well.
• Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat bread is considered by many health experts to be one of the best snacks for trying to control cholesterol. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it is packed full of fiber too. If you really want to take your snacking game to the next level, you can even add a bit of cheddar or gouda to your bread to make it pop.
• Oatmeal
No conversation regarding low cholesterol snacks can be complete without oatmeal. Quick to make and easy to digest, oatmeal is the perfect heart-healthy snack. You can even get a little creative by adding some dried fruits into the mix – if you feel so inclined.
Dealing with high cholesterol doesn’t mean that you need to avoid snacking altogether. By indulging in one of the snacks listed in this article, you can enjoy some delicious food and maintain your health at the same time.
