TLC Diet - a diet for high cholesterol heart disease recommended by AHA
Written by Gloria Tsang, RD
The TLC diet was introduced in May 2001 when the National Cholesterol Education Program NCEP released new diet guidelines for people with high cholesterol and risks of heart disease. The American Heart Association AHA accepted and endorsed this report and began incorporating these recommendations into its materials on dietary and lifestyle change for people with high blood cholesterol. For people at high risk or who have known cardiovascular disease, NCEP and AHA now recommend the new Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes TLC diet to replace the "old" Step 1 and Step 2 diets.
Summary of the TLC Diet for High Cholesterol |
|
Total Fat | 25% - 25% total calories |
Saturated fat | < 7% total calories |
Polyunsaturated fat | up to 10% total calories |
Monounsaturated fat | up to 20% total calories |
Carbohydrates | 50% - 60% total calories |
Protein | ~15% total calories |
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Cholesterol | <200 mg/dL |
Plant Sterols | 2g |
Soluble Fiber such as psyllium | 10g - 25g |
Examples of food in the TLC Diet |
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Lean Meat/Fish/alternatives | < 5 oz/day |
Eggs | < 2 yolks/wk (whites unlimited) |
Low Fat Dairy | 2 - 3 servings/day (<1% fat) |
Fats/Oils | < 6 - 8 tsp/day |
Grains especially whole grains | >6 servings |
Vegetables | 3 - 5 servings/day |
Fruits | 2 - 4 servings/day |