TLC Diet: What To Know

Overview

The aim:

Cutting high cholesterol.

The claim:

You’ll lower your “bad” LDL cholesterol by 8 to 10 percent in six weeks.

The theory:

Created by the National Institutes of Health’s National Cholesterol Education Program, the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet (TLC) is endorsed by the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy regimen that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The key is cutting back sharply on fat, particularly saturated fat. Saturated fat (think fatty meat, whole-milk dairy and fried foods) bumps up bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. That, along with strictly limiting daily dietary cholesterol intake and getting more fiber, can help people manage high cholesterol, often without medication.

Balanced Diet

These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.

Pros & Cons

• Heart healthy
• Not a fad diet – it’s government-endorsed

• On your own
• Must decode nutrition labels