Triglyceride and Cholesterol Talk with Nutritionist Magie Tamraz

My Dearest Beauties,

As we grow older, some of us have to start worrying about the levels of some factors in our blood. This week Magie and I talked about triglyceride and cholesterol levels in our blood. We discussed some misconceptions and how we can stay away from having these two sky rocketing. 

Triglycerides are fats, and the big misconception is that they come from over consuming fats. Actually, triglyceride levels go up with the consumption of large amounts of carbohydrates. Some examples are: bread, potatoes, rice, noodles, sandwiches, sweets, fruits. Now, nobody can have a diet that is completely free of carbohydrates for that reason these tips may help you,

1. Distribute your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

2. Switch to whole grain bread, pasta, rice, etc. These carbs contain more fibre.

3. Fruits are very healthy and should not be omitted even when you are trying to control your triglyceride levels but portion control is needed. Have fruit but not in excess. 

4. Smaller portion and portion control is very important with all food you decide to put in your body.

Cholesterol is another kind of fat in our blood, it is mainly elevated by consuming large amounts of animal products, examples are cheese, milk, yogurt, red meat with visible fats, chicken's skin, egg yolks, butter, margarine, gee. Palm and coconut oils are also examples of a fat that elevates cholesterol levels in your system that comes from a vegetable source. Fortunately, there is the exception of fish and marine animals. Fish, along with raw nuts, is actually a good source of protection from high cholesterol because it contains Omega 3. Don't forget that with all you eat, portion control is what balances everything out. The way to combat high cholesterol levels is by:

1. Reducing consumption of red meats. At the time of consumption make sure it is trimmed meat, the kind that is separated from all the visible fat.

2. Omitting the skin on the chicken. Chicken breasts are the preferable piece.

3. Consuming skimmed, or 0% fat dairy products. 

4. Trying to limit your egg yolk consumption to ones per week.

5. Substituting butter and margarine with vegetable oils. 

Along with the right food regime, taking on an active lifestyle and at least three hours of cardiovascular exercise per week will aid in maintaining the right levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in your blood.

Where to find Magie?

• Doha Aramoun, main street, facing Al Doha Pharmacy. 05 813 730

• Hamra, Abdel Aziz street, Al Mabani Bldg., 1st floor. 01 745 036

• Choueifat, Old Saida Road, Inside of Avalon gym. 70 684 910

Take care of your health!

Much love,

Samar