Diet for High Cholesterol & Diabetes

High cholesterol and diabetes are serious chronic diseases that, left unchecked, can lead to heart disease and obesity. Most doctors will ask patients with either condition to immediately change their diets and lifestyle. My Food Pyramid by the US Dept. of Agriculture has dietary guidelines appropriate for both conditions.
To reduce cholesterol, avoid saturated fats that are solid at room temperature (butter, margarine, chicken fat). Diabetics must keep their blood sugar level by eating several small meals and snacks.

Lower Cholesterol wtih Heart-healthy Fats

The "bad" cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that can clog the arteries. The USDA recommends that adults eat no more than 30 percent fat in their daily diet.
Of that number, no more than 10 percent should come from saturated fats. Coconut oil, butter, ghee, beef fat, poultry fat, pork fat and other animal fats are all saturated fats. These contribute to obesity and an increased risk for heart disease.
Instead, eat whipped butter or whipped cream cheese and consume low-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses.
Avoid trans fats from fried foods or those found in commercial cookies, cakes, and snacks.
Instead, cook with polyunsaturated fats such as olive, hemp seed, flax seed and fish oils.

Eat Several Small Meals and Snacks Daily

In Diabetes Type I , the body cannot produce the insulin needed to digest foods and make gluocose available to the muscles, brain and other tissues. In Type II, the body used to be able to produce adequate insulin but as a result of overconsumption of food, the body's insulin-producing mechanism has become impaired. In each case, insulin shots, monitoring blood sugar levels and eating several small meals and snacks can help.
Diabetics should avoid refined sugar as this causes a sudden spike in blood sugar, requiring a large amount of insulin to be metabolized. Instead, for sweeteners use small quantities of fruit juice, maple syrup or honey.
While exercising or at work, keep low-fat, low-sugar, high-protein snacks to fuel your physical and mental exertions.

What's Left to Eat?

People with high cholesterol do well eating a whole-foods diet of whole grains, whole vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and polyunsaturated oils such as olive oil. Bake, broil, steam or grill meats instead of frying to keep saturated-fat intake low.
Diabetics can benefit from the same diet, with an awareness of eating five to six smaller meals and two small snacks throughout the day and three hours before sleeping, to keep blood sugar levels from spiking or dipping. Diabetics generally avoid white sugar found in cookies, ice cream and soda. Eating a diet very low in saturated fats will also keep excess weight at bay.