High blood triglyceride levels are linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, according to the American Heart Association. High triglycerides may also be an indicator of undiagnosed diabetes. Blood triglyceride levels are effected by the amount of fat and carbohydrate in the diet. The body converts excess calories consumed at a meal into triglycerides. To lower blood triglyceride levels, people need to control the amount of calories, fat and carbohydrate in their diet.
Breakfast
The American Heart Association recommends people with high triglyceride decrease the amount of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol in their diet and eat more fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Low triglyceride menu ideas for breakfast include 1 cup whole grain cereal, 1 cup 1 percent fat milk, 1 large banana and 2 slices of whole grain toast with 1 tsp. of margarine;1 cup of cooked oatmeal with 2 tbsp. of raisins served with 1 cup of fat free yogurt and 1 cup of orange juice or egg white omelet with 1 cup of mixed vegetables and 1 oz. of fat free cheese with 2 slices of whole grain toast with 1 tsp. of margarine and 1 cup of 1 percent fat milk.
Lunch
People with high triglycerides need to limit their intake of simple carbohydrates, according to MayoClinic.com. Simple carbohydrates, such as those found in refined flours, increase triglyceride levels. Lunch ideas for a low triglyceride diet include chicken salad with 2 cups of mixed greens, 2 tbsp. chopped walnuts, 2 tbsp. dried cranberries, 3 oz. grilled chicken breast and 2 tbsp. low-fat vinaigrette dressing with 5 whole grain crackers and 1 cup of fat free yogurt; pita and hummus sandwich with fresh fruit cup and 1 cup of 1 percent fat milk or 1 cup of vegetable soup with 1 oz. of low fat string cheese, 1 whole wheat roll and 1 medium apple.
Dinner
Healthier fats, such as olive oil and canola oil, should be used in place of saturated fats, like butter, according to MayoClinic.com. It is also recommended people with high triglycerides replace red meat with fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna. Dinner ideas for a low triglyceride diet include 4 oz. grilled salmon with 1 cup of roasted potatoes, 1 cup of roasted carrots and tossed salad with low-fat vinaigrette dressing; chicken and vegetable stir fry made with low sodium soy sauce and served with 1 cup of brown rice or pasta primavera with 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pasta, 2 cups of mixed vegetables, 1 tsp. of olive oil and 2 tbsp. parmesan cheese served with a tossed salad with 2 tbsp. low-fat vinaigrette dressing and whole wheat bread.
References
- American Heart Association: Triglycerides
- MayoClinic.com: Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?
- "Krauses Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L.Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump; 1996
