Question about fat

emjay196363
emjay196363 Posts: 37 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
My latest blood test showed high cholesterol and very high triglycerides, HDL and LDL okay but could be better. I understand that amount/type of carbs can affect triglycerides so I'm being more careful about carbs, but is there a connection between type of fat and cholesterol/triglycerides? Do I need to cut out saturated fat? And if so, how can I get enough protein without eating animal products?

Replies

  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    You might find this thread interesting:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10686121/does-saturated-fat-affect-cholesterol-levels/p1

    As far as I can tell, the American Heart Assoc and most national health agencies advise limiting saturated fat to @ 10% of your daily calories. I believe that is how MFP is set up as well.

    There does seem to be more recent research suggesting saturated fat does not affect serum cholesterol and this idea is starting to take hold, but hasn't changed the official recommendation yet.

    Protein without much or any saturated fat could come from beans & lentils, soy products, low fat dairy, leaner types of fish, and protein powder. Having said that, even the AHA doesn't say you need to cut it all out.

    Sorry that's not a cut and dry answer, but I'm not sure there is a cut & dry answer. You will probably get lots of differing opinions here as this seems to be a subject in flux right now!
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Are you overweight? Do you get much exercise? Losing weight and getting vigorous exercise have far more impact for lowering cholesterol and improving triglycerides than any dietary interventions.
  • emjay196363
    emjay196363 Posts: 37 Member
    I am overweight by about 30 lbs. When I got the test results a couple weeks ago was when I came back to MFP and started to get serious again about my diet and exercise. I've starting exercising, walking for 35 - 40 minutes a day most days. I'm slowly getting faster and walking longer and even did a little jogging yesterday. I lost 30 lbs. a few years ago without really exercising at all, just by changing diet, over the course of 2 years. My blood work was okay then. Then I got lazy with my eating habits and regained some of it over the next couple years.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    emjay196363 wrote: »
    I am overweight by about 30 lbs. When I got the test results a couple weeks ago was when I came back to MFP and started to get serious again about my diet and exercise. I've starting exercising, walking for 35 - 40 minutes a day most days. I'm slowly getting faster and walking longer and even did a little jogging yesterday. I lost 30 lbs. a few years ago without really exercising at all, just by changing diet, over the course of 2 years. My blood work was okay then. Then I got lazy with my eating habits and regained some of it over the next couple years.

    You are taking the right approach. As you drop some fat and get fitter, the numbers will improve. Just as an anecdote, 2 years ago I was 25 lbs heavier and my cholesterol numbers were similar to yours. I didn't lower fat or sat fat at all. Just dropped weight and increased exercise. My numbers today are all in ideal ranges. My only dietary intervention was to reduce overall calories.
  • emjay196363
    emjay196363 Posts: 37 Member
    It would be nice not to worry about sat fat too much.
  • orangegato
    orangegato Posts: 6,572 Member
    mmapags wrote: »
    emjay196363 wrote: »
    I am overweight by about 30 lbs. When I got the test results a couple weeks ago was when I came back to MFP and started to get serious again about my diet and exercise. I've starting exercising, walking for 35 - 40 minutes a day most days. I'm slowly getting faster and walking longer and even did a little jogging yesterday. I lost 30 lbs. a few years ago without really exercising at all, just by changing diet, over the course of 2 years. My blood work was okay then. Then I got lazy with my eating habits and regained some of it over the next couple years.

    You are taking the right approach. As you drop some fat and get fitter, the numbers will improve. Just as an anecdote, 2 years ago I was 25 lbs heavier and my cholesterol numbers were similar to yours. I didn't lower fat or sat fat at all. Just dropped weight and increased exercise. My numbers today are all in ideal ranges. My only dietary intervention was to reduce overall calories.

    Ditto for me, lost significant weight, improved overall health and lab test results.

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