Recently, I was reminded of how oatmeal is supposed to lower cholesterol, so I resolved to eat more since it is a pain-free way to attempt to lower my cholesterol. (And yes, apparently my cholesterol is high for a reason unknown to me since I think I eat pretty well overall. Genetics?)
In my new attempt to eat more oatmeal, I have been doing a maple/brown sugar approach (like a healthier version of the Quaker maple and brown sugar packaged oatmeal) and have (quickly) become a little tired of the idea. But then the other day, I made the oatmeal with water. Then looking at the container of almonds on my counter, I realized it might be nice to toast some almonds and walnuts to toss in. I got crazy and threw in flax seed and wheat germ, and then drizzled some coconut milk on top to sweeten it. Delicious!
I enjoyed it so much that the following day I did a remix of the same thing. Except instead of coconut milk, I just poured on a little maple syrup. I see this being a new breakfast trend for me. Ah....if this actually lowers my bad cholesterol, I will be a happy camper. Anyone know how long it is supposed to be before it might actually lower it? Six months? A year? That's a lot of oatmeal....I will probably need some more recipes to keep it interesting. Any suggestions?
This looks really yummy and I'm very hungry right now!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, high cholesterol is actually more of a genetic thing than about your diet. Martin has it too, from his dad, and they're both quite healthy eaters and certainly not overweight.
Eating oatmeal every day will help, and I would say within a month or so, but unfortunately probably only by a few points, maybe 10 or 15... (Disappointing, I know. I looked it up). The best thing to lower it remains exercise, which, if you're like my husband, won't seem as tempting... Bleh. Good luck anyway!
(And I'm going to send you the recipe, as well as the reference to my great-uncle's books soon.)
Have a nice day!
xxx
I have high cholesterol too :( Some of it is genetics - my mom's side of the family has crazy high cholesterol and heart disease. I think the other part of it is that I eat too much sugar.
ReplyDeleteAn MD wanted me on Lipator at 21 years old -I said 'Hell No!' and changed my diet instead. I had less sugar - and more whole grains and vegetables. I checked a year later and I was down 100 points with just that change. Yay for saying no to drugs! Hope the oatmeal thing works for you!
When I'm on an oatmeal kick I make a big batch of it so I can save the rest and just heat up a portion of it in the morning. I'm so not an early morning person and it just wouldn't happen otherwise.
Miam miam miam! We have oatmeal and maple syrup for breakfast at least once a week. Now that I know it's good for high cholesterol, that may just give me an excuse to have it more often... :)
ReplyDelete@Marie-Ève: yes, not that appealing, exercise. Well, now that it is getting warmer I hope to get outside more and walk... :)
ReplyDelete@Davanie: Glad I am not the only one dealing with this. Your experience is encouraging. My doctor brought up the idea of medicine too, if mine didn't drop soon, so want to lower it without medicine, if any way possible!
@Kim: glad you now have an excuse for eating more oatmeal! Bon appetit! :)
I think maple syrup can make just about anything taste better!
ReplyDeleteOh, Mrs. T, I LOVE maple. In fact, it was a maple cookie that brought S and I together. Thank goodness I was obsessed with all the maple products in Québec, including cookies.
ReplyDeleteI have been eating the remix oatmeal version almost every morning and am still enjoying. I find myself anticipating it, even, the night before. I guess that is a good sign? I will need to buy more walnuts soon though! :)