Maintaining body mass while lowering cholesterol?

Question
Dear Tanya, On 08/11/2008 my Doctor indicated my cholesterol level was pretty high, and while I am no longer a big fried food eater I do eat some types of meat usually everyday. I currently weigh in at about 190lbs, and I engage in weight lifting daily/weekly, as well as, some calisthenics exercises. Actually, about 5 years ago I only weighed about 145lbs, since I grew up naturally thin, so the weight gain was deliberate, because I began lifting weights. My Doctor said if I lose the weight I will lose the cholesterol increase; however, I do not want to lose weight, and even women seem to find a bulkier body more appealing as opposed to a "skinny many" frame for a man. I do not mind slowing up/halting with the beef, but I feel fish, chicken, and turkey should be ok (I do not eat the skins of fowl or beef, but may do so with fish). I was told I can decrease the meat, and increase the beans in my diet to maintain my current weight, but when I have done so in the past I noticed my weight begins to slip. Again, I do NOT want to lose weight. Question? Is there a way to maintain my current weight, and lower my cholesterol level? If I flood my system with beans, while removing certain meats, Would that work? Or do you know of another healthy low cholesterol food I can use instead of meats to retain my bulk? I will await your response. Thanks."

Answer
William,

It is possible to maintain body weight while improving your cholesterol profile. However, you might want to make sure you are trying to maintain muscle mass, not body fat, right?

Calculate your body fat percent using a tape:
http://bantadiet.com/banta/?page_id=21

On the other hand, even within the same body fat percentage, fat distribution alone can dramatically affect your metabolic picture: if you manage to decrease only one measurement: your waist circumference, your cholesterol ?and more importantly, good versus bad cholesterol numbers will improve (see suggested reading on the bottom). The best way known so far is cutting down on carbohydrates. Your bean story can be due to their high carb content though the carb in beans are mostly good carbs.

Now, about correct foods to eat in your circumstances. Currently, the trend is changing and instead of the low fat-lean protein advice, the good fat advice is up-and-coming and for a good reason. Read why:


The Diet to Improve Cholesterol Numbers
http://atkinszone.com/2008/05/diet-to-improve-cholesterol-numbers.html

Waistline, body type, and health
http://atkinszone.com/2008/05/waistline-and-body-type.html

Metabolic syndrome
http://atkinszone.com/2008/05/metabolic-syndrome.html

The food-insulin link
http://atkinszone.com/2008/05/food-insulin-link.html


Tanya Zilberter  

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