In 2001, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's National Cholesterol Education Program devised a dietary strategy for people at risk of developing, or who already have, cardiovascular disease. This diet---referred to as the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, or TLC, diet---advocates a significant reduction in saturated and trans-fats to lower cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association endorses these guidelines. If your doctor recommends the TLC diet for you, he will likely refer you to a nutritionist who can help you implement the diet.
General Recommendations
On the TLC diet, you must keep your intake of saturated fat to below 7 percent of your total caloric intake daily. Limit daily cholesterol to less than 200 mg daily. Your total fat intake daily should fall between 25 and 35 percent of total calories.
This diet does not recommend a set amount of calories but rather advises you to consume the amount of calories you need to maintain your ideal weight and prevent weight gain. Your doctor and/or nutritionist can advise you on your ideal daily intake.
Cutting Back on Animal Proteins
The TLC diet drastically limits the amount of saturated fat you should consume. This means cutting back on fatty animal products such like certain types of meats, egg yolks, full-fat dairy and products made with these items. Stick to chicken and turkey without the skin. Limit your intake of red meats, goose and duck. Even if you eat lean meat, you should limit yourself to one 5 oz. serving a day to keep with daily fat and cholesterol guidelines.
Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products and consume two to three servings daily to meet your calcium needs as recommended by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. It also suggests limiting egg yolks to no more than two per week; egg whites have no cholesterol and represent a better choice.
Beneficial Proteins
Since you will need to reduce your intake of many types of animal foods, you must meet your protein needs in other ways. Fish offers adequate protein with much less fat and cholesterol---omega-3 rich fish, in particular, offer heart-health benefits. Good choices include salmon, cod, mackerel, herring and sardines. Other beneficial non-animal proteins include soy, beans, legumes and whole grains. Total protein intake should equal about 15 percent of your daily caloric intake.
Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains
Carbohydrates will make up about 50 to 60 percent of your caloric intake on the TLC diet. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends at least five servings daily of fruits and vegetables. Eat the whole spectrum of colors to get the full range of beneficial antioxidants and other healthful nutrients. In addition to being low-calorie, low-fat and cholesterol-free, fruits and vegetables have a high amount of fiber, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the body.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, you must consume whole grains such as whole wheat, oatmeal and brown rice. Stay away from the "bad" carbohydrates such as white breads and pastas, sugary drinks and refined sugar in the form of cookies, cakes and candies. The TLC diet calls for six to 11 servings of whole grains daily.
If you have diabetes, you might have to adjust this portion of the diet, and your doctor or nutritionist will advise you of such.
Exercise
The TLC diet also has an exercise component. You should partake in physical activity that burns up to 200 calories daily. Talk to your doctor about designing a safe and effective exercise regimen.
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