Cholesterol watch without the misery

There are many ways to lose weight and at the same time improve your cholesterol levels— without suffering too much.

Weight-watching is often equated with lack of fun and the end of eating flavorful food. Thanks to Realage. com, we have some tips on how to trim your waistline and take care of your cholesterol patrol (aside from getting regular exercise).

Eat foods you love. Well, this is not to say stuff your body with bad food, but choose low-fat over saturated fat. If you adopt a very lowcal diet of grapefruit and dry toast, your body will think it’s starving and store fat, not shed it. Instead, start by lightening foods you already love. Swap whole-fat diary for low-fat and fat-free versions, and choose lean cuts of meat for burgers and steaks.

Have breakfast. This is the most important meal if you want to lose weight. Place on your plate a lot of lean protein and fiber. They are filling and regulate your appetite, so you’re less prone to cravings later in the day. Fiber-rich whole grains like oatmeal, wheat cereal and proteinrich nuts are good choices, which help lower your cholesterol.

Manage stress. Being under stress can trigger food binges. Next time you eat a pint of your favorite ice cream, think about what’s motivating you. Is it hunger? Or stress? If it’s the latter, watch out. Stress makes your body release the hormone cortisol, which triggers cravings for fatty, sugary foods. Not good for

your belly or your cholesterol.

Restock your kitchen. The culprits most likely to sabotage your weight-loss plans: the bag of chips, chocolate-chip cookies, rich spreads and frozen pizza lurking in your kitchen. So rethink your refrigerator and cupboard, and restock with healthier fare that will quell your hunger and help improve your cholesterol.

Sleep well. Sleep to lose weight? Sounds like a late-night TV commercial pitch. But poor sleep could be derailing your weight-loss efforts. That’s because less than six to eight hours of sleep each night can lower your metabolism, crank up your appetite, and make you too weary to exercise. So make it a priority to get plenty of rest.

Keep a journal. Want more motivation to lose weight? Track your progress. Writing down every bite you eat in a food journal can help double your weight loss.