What Is Old Is New Again- Heart Health and Cholesterol

What’s old is new again- Nutrition for Cholesterol and Heart Health
 
I have been a Registered Dietitian for quite a while. In 1983 I was working  with the American Heart Association on the Nutrition Committee. In 1987 I began teaching Heart Healthy Cooking with the Culinary Hearts Kitchen Program. I have been teaching clients about Heart Healthy Nutrition for over 30 years.

Sometimes the numbers change, the medications, the lab values- certainly the medical procedures are far advanced since I was a CCU Dietitian at Hackensack Medical Center- but one thing that does not change is good knowledge of food facts, science and understanding the physiology and nutrition of the human body.

In the last few years it seems there are “new “ diet approaches to weight and heart healthy management. Eat this, drink that. Drink shakes not food. Take fiber pills not veggies- eat more protein, less carbs. Eat more coconut and lose weight. Are these facts? Not necessarily- especially if you are genetically pre-disposed to hypercholesterolemia, diabetes or other medical conditions.  Ask your parents about your family medical history.

I could dispute each of the recommendations above- but do not want to debate Nutrition Theories here- only educate you about Healthy Nutrition.

Now for the story part- I have these super great friends here who were telling me about Jim’s(not his real name) medical checkup. He is a young man ( in his early 40’s), exercises all the time, and his cholesterol was way over 220. His medical professional suggested a low carb no wheat diet. That is fine but it was too difficult to follow. It isnt my first line of approach for heart healthy eating.

I listened to my friends and told them that I might know a different way.

 I recommended a low fat, low saturated fat diet with adequate calories for healthy weight maintenance. No big weight loss necessary- no extreme dieting.  I educated my friend on the saturated fat content of his favorite foods including premium ice cream, cheese, coconut products, fried foods and more. I calculated the  numbers and told them what to do.. I am a professional- I am not a program you down load. I tailored this for him. 

My encouragement was to try the old fashioned way. Diet and Nutrition with precision.

 If this story sounds like you- contact me, a skilled professional.
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Why not give it a try? It could prevent the early use of cholesterol lowering meds.

After a month following my food plan I got this urgent phone call to check in with Jim-  when we spoke he told me his cholesterol went down 60 points!  This is not the norm, nor is it out of the question. It could happen for you too.

Good nutrition and putting down the fat in your diet and watching your calories is IMPORTANT!

At Feeding The Body Feeding The Soul we offer Nutrition Counseling for Healthy Weight Management for children, teens and adults. We also counsel you for Medical Health too. Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Irritable Bowel Issues and more.

When it comes to your health, please work with a trained Nutrition Professional. Do not sell yourself short. Do not look it up on the internet. Ask a Licensed Nutrition Professional  to educate you to see your best results.

Here's to  your good health.


Nancy Cohen RDN LDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
904-687-0720
 
Nancy is offering an online Weigh No More Program starting in just a few weeks. Check the website for details.