2821: Can Losing Weight Make Your Cholesterol Go Up AND 3 Simple Tips to Start Eating Healthy Again by Dr. Monali Desai
Dec 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Monali Desai, a nutrition and weight loss expert, discusses how cholesterol levels can rise during weight loss, particularly on high-fat diets, but generally improve in the long run. She provides a realistic 7-day plan to transition back to healthy eating after indulgence. Strategies include small, manageable changes and attention to hunger cues. Monali emphasizes the ideal meal composition and the importance of planning activities to avoid mindless snacking, making healthy eating sustainable.
Weight loss can temporarily raise cholesterol levels, particularly on high-fat diets, but overall it generally leads to improved cholesterol health.
A gradual 'seven-day transition' plan promotes manageable changes to return to healthy eating after periods of indulgence, ensuring long-term success.
Deep dives
Impact of Weight Loss on Cholesterol Levels
Losing weight can occasionally result in a temporary increase in bad cholesterol levels, particularly for individuals following low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets. While some small studies suggest that this phenomenon may be normal for certain people, larger studies generally indicate that weight loss leads to a decrease in bad cholesterol as individuals adopt healthier eating habits and increase physical activity. However, rising cholesterol levels, even temporarily, should be monitored as they may indicate the risk of developing cholesterol blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease. Regular cholesterol checks are advised, especially for those engaging in yo-yo dieting or making significant dietary changes, to ensure that heart health is not compromised.
Transitioning Back to Healthy Eating
After a period of unhealthy eating, such as during holidays or vacations, it can be challenging to return to a healthier diet. A practical approach includes the 'seven-day transition' method, where one gradually incorporates healthy meals rather than making an abrupt change. For example, one might start by having a healthy breakfast in the first two days, then add a nutritious lunch in the next couple of days, and so forth, until adopting a well-rounded meal pattern by the end of the week. This gradual transition not only reduces the pressure of transitioning back to strict health guidelines but also fosters confidence in making healthier choices over time.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.
Episode 2821:
Dr. Monali Y. Desai delves into the surprising possibility of cholesterol levels rising temporarily during weight loss, especially on high-fat diets, while providing reassurance that most studies show weight loss generally improves cholesterol levels. Her second piece offers a realistic, 7-day plan to transition back into healthy eating after indulgent periods, emphasizing small, manageable changes for long-term success.
"Stop eating when you stop feeling hungry, which is NOT the same thing as when you feel full."
"The ideal healthy meal is 50% vegetables, 25% healthy proteins, and 25% whole grain carbs."
"It’s easy to think that you’re going to go from eating unhealthy and suddenly you’re going to start eating healthy again. But in reality, it’s hard to make such a dramatic change."