7-Day High Cholesterol Diet Plan—Crafted by a Dietitian to Help Lower LDL Naturally
7-Day High Cholesterol Diet Plan—Crafted by a Dietitian to Help Lower LDL Naturally
The Dietitian’s Philosophy
This plan is based on the principles of the Portfolio Diet, Mediterranean eating patterns, and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) framework. All meals are:
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Low in saturated fat and trans fats
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Rich in soluble fiber
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Packed with plant sterols and stanols
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Abundant in healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oily fish
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Free of processed, high-sodium, and high-sugar foods
Each day includes:
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3 main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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2 snacks
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Hydration guidance
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Nutritional goals per day (approx. 1,800–2,000 calories)
Day 1: Fiber-Fueled Start
Daily Goal: Boost soluble fiber intake to bind cholesterol in the digestive tract and help flush it from the body.
Breakfast
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Oatmeal made with unsweetened almond milk
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Topped with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, ½ banana, and a few walnuts
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Green tea or black coffee
Morning Snack
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Apple with 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
Lunch
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Lentil soup with carrots, celery, and spinach
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Side salad with olive oil–balsamic vinaigrette
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1 slice 100% whole grain bread
Afternoon Snack
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Low-fat Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds
Dinner
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Grilled salmon with lemon and herbs
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Steamed broccoli, quinoa, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Hydration
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At least 8–10 cups of water infused with lemon or cucumber
Nutrition Notes
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Over 25g of fiber
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More than 2g of plant sterols from nuts, seeds, and whole grains
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Low saturated fat
Day 2: Plant-Strong Protein
Daily Focus: Use legumes and soy-based foods to replace animal protein.
Breakfast
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Tofu scramble with turmeric, spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers
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1 slice sprouted grain toast
Morning Snack
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Carrot sticks with hummus
Lunch
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Black bean and avocado wrap in a whole grain tortilla
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Mixed green side salad
Afternoon Snack
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Handful of almonds (unsalted, raw or dry-roasted)
Dinner
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Stir-fried edamame, broccoli, and brown rice in a light ginger-soy sauce
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Topped with sesame seeds
Hydration
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Herbal tea with no added sugar + filtered water throughout the day
Nutrition Notes
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Over 30g of plant-based protein
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No red meat or dairy
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Rich in magnesium, fiber, and isoflavones
Day 3: Omega-3 Emphasis
Daily Focus: Integrate omega-3 fatty acids from fish and seeds to reduce triglycerides and inflammation.
Breakfast
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Chia seed pudding made with unsweetened soy milk, topped with blueberries and sliced almonds
Morning Snack
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Hard-boiled egg with a sprinkle of paprika and sea salt
Lunch
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Lettuce wraps filled with a creamy blend of tuna, ripe avocado, and chopped celery.
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Whole wheat crackers or crispbreads
Afternoon Snack
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Small bowl of edamame with sea salt
Dinner
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Grilled mackerel or sardines
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Served with oven-roasted Brussels sprouts and a smooth mash of sweet potatoes.
Hydration
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Carbonated lime-infused water paired with plain water sipped regularly all day.
Nutrition Notes
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More than 2g of omega-3 fatty acids
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Moderate sodium
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Balanced protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory nutrients
Day 4: Antioxidant Power
Daily Focus: High-antioxidant, polyphenol-rich foods to reduce oxidative stress on arteries.
Breakfast
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Smoothie: spinach, kale, frozen berries, oat milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon
Morning Snack
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Small bowl of grapes and handful of walnuts
Lunch
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A refreshing quinoa blend tossed with chickpeas, diced cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
Afternoon Snack
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2 Brazil nuts and a piece of 70% dark chocolate
Dinner
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Oven-roasted eggplant layered with savory marinara, hearty lentils, and a crunchy topping of whole grain breadcrumbs.
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Steamed green beans
Hydration
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A soothing cup of green tea accompanied by mint and lemon–infused water for hydration.
Nutrition Notes
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Rich in resveratrol, flavonoids, and selenium
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Supports healthy HDL levels
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Contains plant sterols
Day 5: Low-Sodium Day
Daily Focus: Limit sodium to support blood pressure and cholesterol synergy.
Breakfast
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Steel-cut oats with raisins, cinnamon, and ground flaxseed
Morning Snack
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Sliced pear with a handful of sunflower seeds
Lunch
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Homemade vegetable soup (no-salt broth) with barley, kale, carrots, and beans
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100% rye crispbread
Afternoon Snack
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Unsalted air-popped popcorn with a pinch of turmeric
Dinner
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Baked cod with lemon zest and herbs
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Cauliflower mash and sautéed spinach
Hydration
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Water + caffeine-free hibiscus tea (linked to improved cholesterol and BP)
Nutrition Notes
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Less than 1,500mg sodium
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High in potassium, magnesium, and fiber
Day 6: Healthy Fat Focus
Daily Focus: Replace saturated fats with heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
Breakfast
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Avocado toast on whole grain bread topped with cherry tomatoes and hemp seeds
Morning Snack
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Almond milk latte and a banana
Lunch
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A vibrant salad featuring sardines, peppery arugula, briny olives, chickpeas, and thinly sliced red onions.
Afternoon Snack
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A modest serving of unsweetened soy yogurt topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds
Dinner
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Stir-fried tofu and vegetables in avocado oil over farro
Hydration
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Plain water enhanced with a dash of Himalayan pink salt and a splash of fresh lemon.
Nutrition Notes
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Cholesterol-lowering plant sterols
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Eliminates dairy, red meat, and processed oils
Day 7: Whole Food Reset
Daily Focus: A fully whole food, plant-based day with no added oils, sugars, or refined products.
Breakfast
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Buckwheat porridge with cinnamon, apples, and walnuts
Morning Snack
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Sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes with balsamic drizzle
Lunch
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A hearty bowl combining roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, brown rice, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Afternoon Snack
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Orange slices and a few unsalted pistachios
Dinner
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A flavorful chickpea stew infused with spinach, turmeric, cumin, and garlic, served atop cauliflower rice.
Hydration
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Plain filtered water and warm lemon water
Nutrition Notes
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100% whole food plant-based
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High in potassium, fiber, antioxidants
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No cholesterol intake
Top Cholesterol-Lowering Ingredients Used in This Plan
Food | Function |
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Oats | Rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucan) |
Nuts (walnuts, almonds) | Contain healthy fats and plant sterols |
Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas) | Replace saturated fat from meat |
Olive oil | Monounsaturated fat that raises HDL |
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines) | Omega-3s reduce triglycerides |
Fruits (berries, apples, citrus) | Antioxidants and soluble fiber |
Vegetables (especially leafy greens) | Magnesium and fiber boost |
Tofu and soy foods | Soy protein shown to reduce LDL |
Portion Control and Calorie Balance
Although cholesterol-focused, this plan also keeps overall calorie intake in check. Overeating—even of healthy foods—can lead to weight gain, which raises cholesterol. Most meals are designed to provide:
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Balanced macros (40% carbs, 30% fats, 30% protein)
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Portion control tips like using small plates and measuring oils
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Mindful eating practices such as chewing slowly and avoiding screen time during meals
Additional Lifestyle Tips for Lowering Cholesterol
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Engage in physical activity consistently by targeting a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise.
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Quit smoking: Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and damages arteries.
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Limit alcohol: No more than one drink/day for women or two for men.
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Control stress levels since elevated cortisol may harm cholesterol balance and cardiovascular well-being.
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Sleep 7–9 hours: Poor sleep is linked to metabolic dysfunction.
When to Seek Medical Advice
This meal plan is appropriate for most adults with borderline or high cholesterol, but individuals with medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or metabolic syndrome should consult their doctor or dietitian. If you’re on cholesterol-lowering medication, dietary changes may still enhance results—but adjustments should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day cholesterol-lowering diet plan combines the best of science-backed nutrition with real-world eating habits. By focusing on whole, plant-centered foods, reducing saturated fats, and prioritizing fiber and healthy oils, you give your body the tools it needs to naturally regulate cholesterol levels.
Stick to this plan, rotate meals as needed, and stay active. Small changes lead to big results over time—especially when your heart is on the line.