Low-carb diet plans may not encourage the best choices in foods since they often promote eating large quantities of protein. Eating fatty cuts of meat and other high-fat foods can result in high triglyceride levels. The South Beach Diet is a low-carb diet, but the plan helps you identify lean, low-fat proteins and establish healthful eating habits. Knowing how to choose the right foods may help you keep your triglyceride levels low or reduce them.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are one type of fat, or lipid, in your blood, but they have a different function from cholesterol. The triglycerides store calories you have not used and help provide energy; but despite these positives, high levels of these lipids could increase your risk for hardening of the arteries, heart disease and stroke.
Dietary Choices
Simply following a low-carb diet won't necessarily have an effect on your triglyceride levels. However, following the low-fat recommendations of the South Beach Diet could result in a reduction. Select lean meats such as fish, seafood, pork loin and skinless chicken breast. You can also choose from cuts of red meat such as sirloin and London broil. Use heart-healthy oils like canola oil or olive oil, and try cooking with only a small amount of these oils.
Reducing Triglycerides
Weight loss can help you bring down your triglyceride levels, and the South Beach Diet may help you achieve this goal. Alcohol consumption may increase triglyceride levels, so if you have high levels and consume alcohol regularly, you may want to reduce your intake. The South Beach Diet allows you to consume small amounts of certain alcoholic beverages, and your doctor may agree that small, daily servings of light beer or wine will work for you. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day may also help bring down your triglycerides.
Considerations
Before you make any dietary changes, particularly if you are considering a restrictive diet such as the South Beach Diet, you should consult with your doctor. Your doctor can make specific recommendations to reduce your triglycerides based on your overall health. If you have extremely high levels, she may prescribe a medication to bring them down and help prevent any associated health problems.
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