High cholesterol or high blood pressure can feel like a signal to give up everything you enjoy. It doesn't have to be. The eating patterns with the strongest research behind them for heart health, like the Mediterranean and DASH styles of eating, are built on foods to add, not just foods to cut.
How we help
Your registered dietitian looks at your lab results, family history and how you eat today, then helps you make targeted changes: more fiber from whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables; healthier fats from olive oil, nuts and fish; and a closer look at sodium and the saturated fats that affect LDL cholesterol.
We treat these patterns as flexible templates, not rigid meal plans. You'll get simple swaps, go-to meals and grocery lists that match your tastes, your schedule and your budget.
Understanding your numbers
A lipid panel can be confusing. We'll walk through what your LDL, HDL and triglyceride numbers mean in plain language, which parts of your eating pattern are most likely to affect them, and which changes to try first. Knowing why you're making a change makes it much easier to stick with.
Small changes that add up
Heart-healthy eating doesn't require a complete overhaul. Clients often start with a few targeted swaps, like oats or beans a few times a week, cooking with olive oil, an extra serving of vegetables at dinner, or a lower-sodium version of a favorite convenience food. We build from there at a pace that fits your life.
Working alongside your care
If you take medication for cholesterol or blood pressure, nutrition works alongside it. With your permission, we coordinate with your physician and use your lab results to track progress over time.
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Virtual or in person
Sessions are available by video call anywhere in Virginia, or in person in the Roanoke Valley and the greater Richmond area.