The Atkins diet is heavy on meats and saturated fats, which are linked with high LDL cholesterol levels, according to Health Central. If you eat meats and fats without paying attention to their origin, you might end up thinner but with much higher cholesterol levels. You don't have to avoid low-carb, high-protein diets if you have high cholesterol, but you do have to make smarter choices.
Step 1
Modify the diet to fit your needs. According to Health Central, your best option is to switch to an "eco-Atkins." This is a diet high in proteins such as soy, low-fat dairy and gluten, and low in meats and meat products.
Step 2
Skip the two-week induction phase of Atkins. These first weeks are low in vegetables and fiber and high in fats and proteins. Start with the normal dieting period, where you're allowed to add greens to the diet and introduce other carbs, such as nuts and seeds.
Step 3
Eat lots more vegetables. Vegetables are high in fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol. Vegetables allowed in the Atkins diet include celery, cucumber, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, romaine lettuce, cauliflower and summer squash. A cup of these vegetables contains fewer than 2g of carbs. Atkins allows up to 15g of carbs from vegetables every day, so take advantage of it.
Step 4
Eat more fish. Avoid high-fat items such as bacon, beef and pork, all of which are allowed in Atkins. Instead, eat flounder, salmon and tuna. Seafoods, turkey and chicken are also popular choices. Bake or grill your foods instead of frying.
