Diet for Hypoglycemia With High Cholesterol
A healthy diet for those with hypoglycemia and high cholesterol is very specific.You need to eat foods that are low in sugar and also foods that have low cholesterol levels. Along with watching cholesterol and sugar, you will want a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. It is important to know your parameters, read labels carefully and plan ahead to achieve your perfect diet.
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Breakfast
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To start your day, you need a meal that is tasty as well as low in sugar and cholesterol. There are several avenues you can take, and you will want to have as much variety as possible. Try some scrambled egg whites with chopped spinach and low-fat Parmesan cheese. Another good choice is whole-grain cereal that has no added sugar, then add skim milk and berries. Whole-grain toast with natural peanut butter is low in cholesterol and helps regulate blood sugar. Try something different, such as a small piece of poached salmon with toast and strawberries.
Lunch
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Low-fat protein is good for hypoglycemia and high cholesterol. A salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers with added black olives and walnuts makes a great and healthy lunch. Add some olive oil and lemon juice for dressing. For another meal, open a can of water-packed tuna and add some non-fat mayonnaise and chopped celery; serve over a bed of romaine lettuce. Non-fat cottage cheese in half a cantaloupe is low in cholesterol and sugar and adds variety.
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Dinner
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Dinner can include fish, skinless chicken breast or a small portion of lean beef. Have vegetables take up the larger portion on the plate. Enjoy low-carb vegetables such as green beans, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms or asparagus. Sweet potatoes, brown rice and other whole grains are very nutritious and low in cholesterol but should be limited when you are hypoglycemic due to their high carb content.
Snacks
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There are a great many low-sugar and low-cholesterol snacks to indulge in. For the person who is hypoglycemic, eating several times a day helps to regulate the blood sugar. Baked tortilla chips with homemade salsa is healthy and tasty, as is low-fat cheese with whole-grain crackers or raw nuts. Low-sugar fruits such as apples, berries, cantaloupe and peaches can satisfy your sweet tooth. Always remember to read labels on food to check for sugar, cholesterol, calories and preservatives.
Dining Out
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Dining out can be a challenge when watching your sugar and cholesterol intake. Food in restaurant often contains lots of fat, sugar and salt added by anxious cooks trying to please customers. Salads are always good choices, especially when you ask for oil-and-vinegar dressing. You can always ask for your main course or the vegetables served unadorned, then add a little lemon juice, pepper and salt to taste. Resist the bread and butter, or just opt for a little taste.
Vegetarian Diets
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According to Dr. Maria Collazo Clavelle of the Mayo Clinic, eating a vegetarian diet will help regulate blood sugar, and it is cholesterol-free. Legumes such as lentils, peas, pinto beans and black beans are great selections for soups and stews. Soy products are rich in protein and have no cholesterol. Cook some vegetables such as bean sprouts, pea pods, spinach, mushrooms and broccoli with chopped tofu and season it with ginger, garlic and pepper.
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References
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