However, for many of us with busy schedules, sitting down to a meal three times a day isn’t possible. Instead, we reach for easy nibbles. While that’s not the best option, sometimes it is unavoidable. When you’re hungry and can’t wait for a meal some snacks can help your cholesterol. Today, we’re looking at three sweet snacks to get you through the day without derailing your cholesterol goals.
We’ve spoken about the dangers of mass-produced, ready-to-eat oatmeal, which can be packed with sugar and low in fiber. The great thing about making your own oatmeal is that it’s fiber-dense. Oatmeal’s soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol levels while not having an impact on good cholesterol. Overnight oats can be a great breakfast, for 190 calories, or you can halve it for a mid-morning snack wherever you are.
Pectin is a type of soluble fiber found in a lot of fruit — apples and oranges are especially high in pectin. Just as with oatmeal, this fiber can help lower LDL levels. Studies have found pectin can lower cholesterol by up to 10 percent. Fruit’s naturally sweet flavor can hit the spot when you are craving a treat without adding cholesterol or added sugar to your diet.
Half a PB&J might seem like an odd snack to an adult, but it’s pretty great. Peanuts are frequently vilified for their high-fat content. However, the fats in peanuts are monounsaturated fats, which actually lower LDL. Jelly or jam is made from fruit and pectin. We suggest jam over jelly as it contains more fruit and less added sugar. Always read the labels; packaged foods can contain many things you weren’t expecting. For the best bet, use a jam that has no more than three ingredients — fruit, pectin, sugar. Of, if you have blood sugar concerns, look for a sugar-free or low sugar option. Use one slice of bread cut in half — unless you have this snack as a meal. Whole grain bread has two grams of protein and two grams of fiber, making it your best choice.
We hope these snacks help you reach your cholesterol goal!
