Oatmeal for Heart Health

I like oatmeal and lately I've been eating more of it. Why? So that I can get the benefits of reducing cholesterol. I recently found out that my LDL (LOUSY) is high even though my HDL (HAPPY) is also high. My total cholesterol is slightly high and I want to focus on bringing the numbers down within six months.

According to WebMD, many variables that increase ones cholesterol such as weight gain, diet, genetics, or smoking. As for me, I unscientifically think the increase is due to weight gain. I didn't workout for about three months due to major lower back pain. Weight gain may increase triglycerides as well. 

I eat very little meat but since cholesterol are in foods that come from animals, I'm thinking of becoming a vegetarian. There is no cholesterol in plant foods but foods that come from animals such as egg yolk (guilty), butter, cheese, or meats have cholesterol. 

Seeing the numbers from my yearly physical reminded me to really be careful and be mindful of what I consume. Thankfully, I'm able to workout again and I know I can drop the weight and the lousy cholesterol numbers will drop. I'm back to exercising at least five days a week.

Oatmeal to the rescue! Oatmeal has soluble fibers and healthy carbohydrates and reduces cholesterol. I'm also eating less foods such as cookies. I developed a habit of eating about two/three cookies a week from Panera. There's nothing wrong with their baked goods but too much of everything isn't good for you. Baked goods, packaged items and fried foods have trans fat which isn't good for the body as well. 

No matter how healthy your lifestyle, there's always room to improve. Here's to your health!