Low-Carb Diet

• Follow a diet whereby you limit your daily carb intake to no more than 20-to-50 grams per day to positively affect your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While on this low-carb plan, you may consume as much fat and protein as you like, but attempt to monitor your overall consumption of saturated fats by choosing lean cuts of meat whenever possible. Lean protein sources that are fair game on this diet include seafood of all types, poultry, eggs and low-fat beef. Healthy fat sources to consider include peanuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts and pecans, along with foods containing natural fat like avocados, and a variety of oils (fish, flaxseed, coconut, peanut and sesame). Finally, do not neglect your overall intake of fiber. As much as possible, eat your carb limit from fibrous vegetables like lettuce, spinach, cucumber and broccoli to keep yourself regular while on the plan.
  
  

Low-Carb Tips

• Follow these low-carb tips to keep the plan from becoming too monotonous. Purchase a wide variety of preprepared meat seasoning mixes to liven up your dishes, along with utilizing a variety of cheeses to give flavor to your meals. Also, avoid "franken-foods"---traditionally carb-laden foods like ice cream and cookies that are labeled "low-carb" through the inclusion of sugar alcohols, as sugar alcohols can adversely affect your results while on the plan.