Low cholesterol diet

[autismmama]

I've booked a cruise for the family in December. I've been so excited about the food and looking forward to indulging. Well, a week ago I had a ministroke and was told I have to change my diet. Does anyone have any advice on how to still enjoy the culinary delights while staying healthy on board the Carnival Liberty?

[Sizzlechest]

You do not need to avoid dietary cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol has little to no effect on blood serum cholesterol. Many dieticians will tell you to avoid fat, particularly saturated fat, since it can raise LDL cholesterol. However, the latest research shows LDL cholesterol is a poor indicator of heart disease. The important numbers are HDL and triglycerides. To be more specific, the HDL/Triglyceride ratio. You want HDLs as high as possible and trigycerides as low as possible. Therefore, the optimal diet for good cholesterol numbers would be to minimize sugar and carbohydrates. In layman terms: an Atkins diet. Here's a trailer for a documentary about eating a healthy diet:

 

Having said all this, a cruise is usually about 7 days. How critical are those 7 days compared to the rest of the 358 in a year? Not so much. Work on fixing your diet when you're NOT on a cruise ship.

[crewsweeper]

While agreeing with Sizzlechest's comments on cholesterol in general, do run these by your doctor (medical MD/DO not naturopath) and follow his advice as well as any medications ordered and suggested lifestyle changes. A Stroke is more than just cholesterol build up and proper diet can assist in recovery, but other things may help more. Also contact the Special Needs desk and tell them what type of diet your doctor has placed you on. They will inform the maître d' staff and the hostesses and chefs will be able to provide you with alternatives for your meals there.