How to Care for Your Cholesterol Levels During the Festive Season

Festive seasons in Singapore bring gatherings filled with rich dishes, laughter, and shared meals. From buttery pastries to savoury roasts and sweet treats, food plays a big part in how we celebrate with loved ones.

While these occasions bring joy and connection, they can also quietly affect our cholesterol levels if we are not mindful. The key is to enjoy every celebration with a sense of balance and awareness, making simple choices that support your heart health while still letting you savour your favourite festive foods.

Why Managing Cholesterol Levels Matters

Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body naturally produces to build cells and make certain hormones. You need some of it to stay healthy, but too much can build up along artery walls and make it harder for blood to flow smoothly, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What causes high cholesterol?

High cholesterol develops when there is more cholesterol in the blood than the body needs. This often happens when diets are:

• high in saturated or trans fats,
• when daily movement is limited, or
• when weight and metabolism change with age.
• Family history and certain health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems can also play a part.

These causes often overlap during festive periods when food is richer, portions are larger, and activity levels drop. Understanding what causes high cholesterol helps you recognise these patterns early and make small, mindful adjustments to keep your cholesterol levels healthy all year round.

Eating Mindfully During the Festive Period

Managing your cholesterol levels starts with steady habits that keep your body in balance. When festive celebrations come around, these same habits help you eat with awareness and find balance between indulgence and care.

Eat mindfully

Many traditional festive dishes feature foods that are high in cholesterol, such as fried snacks and creamy desserts. Mindful eating is about paying attention to what and how you eat. During festive meals, slow down and savour each bite. Notice the flavours and how full you feel. This small shift in awareness helps your body recognise satisfaction earlier and reduces overeating.

Try these mindful habits:

• Eat slowly so your body has time to register fullness
• Start with fibre-rich foods such as vegetables or soup
• Take a short walk after meals to help digestion and support healthy cholesterol levels

These small habits also make it easier to maintain balance during gatherings, reducing the impact of rich meals on your cholesterol.

Stay Active

Staying active helps balance the effects of festive feasting and supports healthy cholesterol levels. Even light activity after gatherings or between celebrations can make a difference.

Simple ways to stay active:

• Stretch or move around between dishes instead of staying seated
• Use festive activities, like dancing or playing with children, as fun ways to stay active

Consistent movement helps your body process fats efficiently and supports cardiovascular health.

Make Conscious Swaps

If you are watching your cholesterol levels, focus on balance and portion size during celebrations. Making small, thoughtful swaps can reduce high cholesterol foods while keeping meals enjoyable.

Easy swaps to try:

• Choose grilled or baked dishes instead of fried ones
• Opt for lean meats and use healthier oils for cooking
• Replace sweetened drinks with water or unsweetened tea
• Share desserts or keep portions small to enjoy without overindulging

Even small, conscious swaps can make a meaningful difference over time, helping you maintain healthy cholesterol levels while enjoying the season responsibly.

How Do I Check my Cholesterol Levels?

Knowing your cholesterol levels is the only way to understand your risk accurately. A cholesterol check is a simple blood test that measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.

If you have not had your cholesterol tested in the past year, consider doing so before or after the festive season. Understanding your numbers helps you make informed choices and take proactive steps if levels are high.

Regular screening also helps your doctor detect changes early and recommend lifestyle adjustments suited to your needs. Visit any Healthway Medical GP clinic for a cholesterol check and learn more about how to keep your heart healthy all year round.

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