High cholesterol levels can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks and strokes. Making changes to your diet and eating habits can significantly improve cholesterol levels in the body.
If you are managing your cholesterol but still have a craving for fast food, what types of food should you choose to satisfy your cravings while also reducing cholesterol levels?
According to Amy Goodson, a nutrition expert and author of the book “The Sports Nutrition Playbook,” “One of the main reasons for high cholesterol is a high intake of saturated fats. This substance is often found in fried foods and those high in oil.”
The website Eat This, Not That suggests fast food options that can help modify the menu for those who need to adjust their diet and monitor their cholesterol levels.
Choose Oatmeal or Whole Grain Bread
Oatmeal is a well-known superfood for lowering cholesterol. Experts suggest opting for breakfast items like butter cookies, croissants paired with oatmeal, or various nuts and fruits.
Oatmeal is a food that helps reduce cholesterol.
These foods are rich in soluble fiber, which provides phytosterols that have a similar structure to cholesterol and help reduce cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the intestinal walls. You can also choose other breakfast options like whole grain muffins with bacon, which contains healthy saturated fats.
Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are also nutrients found in nuts that can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Replace French Fries with Fruits
Another simple way to monitor cholesterol levels when ordering fast food is to prioritize fruits. According to nutrition experts, if you want to reduce bad saturated fats, replace fries with fruits since fruits are lower in calories. Additionally, fruits are high in fiber, which helps the body absorb less cholesterol.
Choose Grilled Over Fried
A significant way to control cholesterol levels is to switch from fried fast food to grilled options. For example, opt for a grilled chicken sandwich instead of a fried chicken sandwich, or choose a grilled chicken salad with vinaigrette instead of egg-based dressings or creamy sauces, as grilled meats have lower total saturated fat content.
Small Burgers with Vegetable Fillings
Choosing grilled over fried food helps limit cholesterol levels in the body. (Image: Getty Images).
If you crave a sandwich, you can enjoy a kids’ size or a quarter of a standard size, without egg-based sauces, creamy sauces, bacon, or side items like fries, and replace the filling with lettuce and tomatoes.
You can fully satisfy your cravings while still keeping saturated fat and sugar levels in check by altering the preparation methods.
