cholesterol concerns and dietitans

hilarieMarie · July 2010

Hi,
I'm 5 ft 7in and currently 146lbs. I don't consider myself overweight, or a super unhealthy eater. I've always enjoyed sweets but in moderation, and don't use a lot of oils, butter, salt, if any, in my cooking. The thing is, my doctor told me my combined cholesterol is over 260, when it should be under 200. I think it is more genetic than diet based (my father had a quintuple bipass at 45), but the doctor is sending me to a dietitian to learn good eating habits - I definitely want to do all I can.
I'm wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation, and what you have changed and if that has helped. I also need to start exercising, which is my least favorite thing to do (with the exceptions of walking, hiking when I can get out of the city, and bicycling around town). Any suggestions on that front (motivations, ways to get started) would be great.

Also, if you've ever worked with a dietitian, what can I expect? Should I bring anything to the appointment? Will I likely need to meet with her/him more than once? Regularly? What were your experiences?
Thanks!

Jenks · July 2010

I worked with one when I was pregnant. I would suggest having a sample of what you typically eat, because when you're not expecting it, it's not always easy to come up with on the spot.

hamiltonba · July 2010

My cholesterol was high several years ago and was told to increase my cardio. I now do cardio 5 days a week and my numbers are in a very good range. Exercising will go a long way towards healthier numbers.

pennylbunch · July 2010

Hi Hilary!
My doctor told me a couple of weeks ago that my cholesterol was almost 700! I am 5"9' 221lbs. I knew I was overweight, but as far as the cholesterol goes, I thought I was doing good! I have cooked "healthy" since my kids were born (21 years ago). I only use canola oil, Pam or olive oil. Never eat dark meat anything, allergic to fish (thats a minus) and I don't pig out daily. I am guessing mine is herditary also, my father died from a stroke and my mother is on cholesterol meds (me too, now). If you can eat fish, thats the best thing for cholesterol, do a google search for foods to help lower your cholesterol, I am eating cherrios and oatmeal, lots of veggies and fruits now. Hope I can get mine down soon!

lilmissy2 · July 2010

Hi there,

I've never been to a dietitian, but I am one!! I'm glad you are looking forward to seeing the dietitian, it sounds like your mind is in a good space for change

We aren't nearly as scary as it sounds! and as far as people go, we are probably the least judgemental when it comes to what you eat... remember we see a lot of what people eat.

Basically when you go, it will be likely that they will ask a lot of questions about your medical history and then about what you eat before giving you some advice at the end. To get the most out of it, try to be as honest and thorough as possible... if you tell us you eat salad 3 times a day a) we know it's not likely true and b) it doesn't help you one bit because we can't find your strengths and weaknesses to make recommendations. Remember that the main benefit of seeing a dietitian is that they can tailor a plan to you - rather than just giving you the type of info you could/would find on the internet.

You shouldn't need to bring anything although if you have a list of any medications you are on that would be useful and also any blood test results.

Usually I would see a patient for weight loss/cholesterol/diabetes - lifestyle type changes - once a month for a few months then maybe once every 3 months until I felt they no longer needed support.

Good luck :flowerforyou:

stringcheeze · July 2010

If you have a cholesterol problem, especially with your triglycerides, look into going vegan with the occasional carnivore treat. Cholesterol is the by-product of your body breaking down animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, etc). So even if you're eating healthy, your body might be working against you despite your good intentions.

I just purchased a Wii and a Fit board. Most fun I've ever had exercising -- it can be as intense as you want, but at least you're making your body move. If you lack motivation to exercise, give that a shot.

July24Lioness · July 2010

I highly recommend reading this book (Fats Are Good for You: How Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Actually Benefit the Body by Jon J. Kabara) and also Good Calories, Bad Calories.................Both books explain a lot.

I went from having Cholesterol in the 280's down to 183.

pennylbunch · July 2010

Has anyone ever seen someone with cholesterol as high as mine? (Doc said it was almost 700). He didn't give me tryglicerides? or any of that, just put me on a cholesterol diet and a 1600 cal diet and some medication. I see people talking alot about theirs being 200 or or a little more, but haven't seen anyone post something as high as my number. I am beginning to worry that this will never come down! I had a "mini stroke" about a month ago, and this is what led to the testing for the cholesterol, and a wake up call for me. I am just getting very worried about it....

stormieweather · July 2010

Take fish oil capsules
Limit beef and dairy intake (extremely limit it)
Eat only egg whites (no yolk)
Drink green tea
Eat blueberries
Eat lots of veggies (no, onions on your hamburger don't count! My hubby was trying to do this..lol)
Eat oatmeal
Eat almonds
Use flaxseed
Garlic - either as a seasoning or in capsule form
Use soy (carefully)
Get LOTS of fiber (track it on MFP)
Exercise (treading water, walking, dancing, yoga, play frisbee with your children, anything!)

By doing the above, we were able to reduce my husband's cholesterol from being very high (don't know the exact number) to normal and get him off all cholesterol medications (in 1 year). In addition, we also got his blood sugar to normal by cutting out all artificially sweetened or added sugar foods. Diabetes is under control and he is doing very well.

pennylbunch · July 2010

Thanks I will do all but the fish... have a serious allergy to fish! And I live in LOUISIANA! No fish, no crawfish, no crabs, no frog legs, or gator balls for me.... nothing that lives in the water is allowed in or near me lol

July24Lioness · July 2010

I highly recommend reading this book (Fats Are Good for You: How Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Actually Benefit the Body by Jon J. Kabara) and also Good Calories, Bad Calories.................Both books explain a lot.

I went from having Cholesterol in the 280's down to 183.

You should really read these books........................

cholesterol concerns and dietitans

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