I don't remember my exact numbers (total & LDL are right - HDL & tri are really close) so these may not add up exactly but here they are:

Total: 265
HDL: 45
LDL: 189
Tri: 65

I am female, just turned 30, 5'9" and 130lbs. I exercise 3-4 times a week (walking and/or weightlifting). I eat no hydrogenated oils, refined carbs, soy. I do eat saturated fats like butter, though I cook in olive oil, sour cream, and fat in meats (i eat plenty of protein from meat, cottage cheese). I decreased my eggs since testing, but was eating 2 a day. I eat lots of fruits & vegetables, but little wheat/oats because they don't agree with me. I have recently started eating cheerios or grapenuts in the morning. I also eat good fats like olive oil & nuts. I take fish oil supplements, among others. So, for the most part, I am doing things right according to all I've read. I know part of my problem is genetic, but I'm not going to take meds for this. So is there anything else I can do? If my lifestyle is healthy should I worry about the numbers? My dr asked me what I wanted to do, so i guess she wasn't too concerned. Just wondering what your opinions are.

Thanks,
Sidnee

I would probably try adding a niacin supplement. The walking is great for raising your HDL, but the weightlifting probably will not do much for that. Strength training is wonderful for your bones though.

I'd cut out any red meat products and switch to tuna and salmon 3 times a week and poultry other times.

do not eat stuff with partially-hydrogenated anything either.

The cottage cheese should be low fat. Try getting more soluble fiber from 1/2 cup of beans such as kidney beans per day.

Also switch to Benecol or Take Control for your margarine..this stuff will drop cholesterol up to 14%.

Your numbers are similar to mine and these are the things I am doing too.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't know anything about Benecol or Take Control. What are they made out of? Regular margarine has the hydrogenated (partially or otherwise) oils that I don't eat, which is why I eat butter. I try to stick to natural foods.

Visit this website to learn about Benecol..

http://www.benecol.com/home2.jhtml

Benecol has plant sterols which have been shown to reduce cholesterol. You can also get it in orange juice now I believe.