Dear Lesley: breakfast ideas for high cholesterol

There are several healthy breakfast options he can have. They just might not be what he is used to or considers traditional breakfast items. Here are some meals to consider trying and additional tips to help with the meal planning.

Breakfast meal ideas:

• Fish and poultry. Instead of having the processed meat such as sausage, try preparing a simple grilled or pan seared piece of fish or poultry and pair it with fresh vegetables such as leafy greens and tomatoes and some fruit.
• Multigrain French toast using only 1 egg and milk. Include spices such as cinnamon in the liquid mixture, top with almonds or walnuts, pair with fresh berries, and drizzle with maple syrup. He will still be able to have egg in this dish, just a lesser amount.
• Multigrain toast with hummus, mashed avocado, tomato, purple onion, sunflower seeds, and sprinkle of salt and pep.
• Purchase organic rolled oats and prepare from scratch with healthy ingredients.
• Organic, low sodium bacon and sausage. Alternate days and how often you prepare these items for breakfast.
• Smoothies with nut butter, chia seeds, and/or flax seeds.
• Whole grain bagel with leafy greens (spinach or arugula), avocado, tomato, mushrooms, and a white cheese.
• Yogurt with raw nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit.

Additional tips:

• Read nutrition labels. Purchase items with short ingredient lists and whole ingredients you recognize. The less additives, preservatives, and fillers the better. If you were to buy a nut butter, avoid a brand that has sugar, hydrogenated oil, mono and diglycerides along with other added ingredients. Instead, choose a brand that simply has organic nuts and salt in the ingredient list.
• Prepare more servings of fresh fruit and vegetables daily. The increase in fresh whole foods may help with lowering cholesterol levels.
• Choose lower sodium items when purchasing packaged items. Processed items, including turkey bacon, can be high in sodium.
• Check out talknutritionwithlesley on Instagram. There you can find some delicious and easy to prepare breakfast meals. Make sure to like and share as well. 😊

Way to go on being such a great source of support!