Low Triglyceride Diet: What to Eat & Avoid (plus Meal Plan)

Updated in December 2023
Tatiana Zanin
Clinical review: Tatiana Zanin Registered Dietitian

The low triglyceride diet is based in decreasing carbohydrate intake and opting instead for whole grains and high-fiber vegetables and fruits. It also includes consuming healthy fats such as oily fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil.

In addition, you should avoid eating processed foods that are rich in sugar, as well as recipes made with refined flours, like cake.

Triglycerides are formed when excess calories are consumed and the body stores them in the fat cells, the adipocytes. When they are no longer able to produce energy, triglycerides accumulate in the blood and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. To reduce your risk, you should see your doctor for a cardiovascular assessment.

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What to eat 

The foods that should be prioritized in a low triglyceride diet include:

  • Oily fish, such as tuna, salmon and sardines;
  • Lean meats and lower-fat proteins, such as some cuts of beef, chicken without skin and fat, turkey, eggs and tofu;
  • Healthy oils such as linseed, sunflower and olive oil;
  • Nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts;
  • Seeds, such as linseed, chia and sunflower;
  • Wholegrain cereals, such as brown rice, wheat bran, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, quinoa and oats;
  • Legumes, chickpeas, lentils, beans and peas;
  • Fruits and vegetables, including the peel and pulp, such as oranges, peaches, apples, lettuce, chard, spinach, rocket, broccoli, cabbage and carrots;
  • Natural juices and infusions, such as water, coconut water, natural fruit juices and teas with antioxidant properties, such as cinnamon or turmeric, for example.

These foods are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 and other polyunsaturated fats, as well as fiber and antioxidant substances that help control cholesterol and lower triglycerides, preventing heart problems, strokes and thrombosis.

It's also important to exercise at least three times a week, which not only helps to reduce body weight, but also improves general health and promotes an increase in good cholesterol, which is directly related to triglyceride levels.

Low triglyceride meal plan

The following table shows an example of a 3-day menu to control triglycerides:

Meal Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Breakfast 1 cup of unsweetened coffee + 2 slices of whole grain bread with egg and cheese 1 glass of orange juice + 1 cheese crepioca  1 cup of coffee with milk + 1 tapioca with egg + 1 tangerine
Morning snack 1 banana with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds + 10 units of chestnuts 2 slices of papaya + 1 tablespoon of rolled oats 1 glass of green juice with kale and lemon + 1 tablespoon of rolled oats
Lunch 1 medium salmon fillet + 3 tablespoons of brown rice + 2 tablespoons of beans + arugula, lettuce and onion salad + 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 apple Pasta with tuna and tomato sauce + salad of lettuce, cucumber and tomato + 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds + 1 tangerine 1 medium skinless chicken breast fillet + pumpkin puree + 1 cup of cooked vegetables sautéed in olive oil olive + 1 pear​​​​​​​
Afternoon snack 1 natural yogurt blended with strawberries  Black coffee + 2 whole-grain toasts with ricotta cheese 1 cup of turmeric tea + 1 scrambled egg with tomato + 2 slices of avocado​​​​​​​
Dinner Vegetable soup, such as carrots, zucchini, leeks and diced chicken Wholegrain spinach quiche with white sauce + carrot and beetroot salad  Grilled sardines with tomato, lettuce, arugula, onion and radish salad + 1 tablespoon of olive oil​​​​​​​

Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine or champagne are also not recommended, as they tend to be high in carbohydrates and promote fat accumulation in the body. Regular and excessive alcohol consumption is related to with an increase in triglyceride levels.

Food to avoid

Foods that should be avoided to lower triglycerides are:

  • High fat meats, such as fatty cuts of beef, sausages, such as ham, chorizo, sausage, salami, mortadella and bacon;
  • High-fat dairy products, such as cow's milk, full-fat yogurt, butter, cream and yellow and hard cheeses, such as cheddar cheese and parmesan.
  • Foods rich in sugar, such as ice cream, cakes and desserts;
  • Artificial juices and soft drinks
  • Processed foods, such as fries, hamburgers, pizzas and frozen foods or ready-made sauces;
  • White flours, such as white wheat flour, white bread, biscuits, pasta or white rice.

Furthermore, alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine or champagne are also not recommended, as in addition to containing alcohol, they are rich in carbohydrates and promote fat accumulation in the body.

Read more about natural ways to lower cholesterol that you can also implement.

Imagem do autor

Clinical review:

Tatiana Zanin

Registered Dietitian

Nutrition studies completed at Catholic University of Santos. Licensed to practice through the CRN-3 #15097.

Update History
We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information to maintain an exceptional level of quality.
  • 21 December, 2023 (Current version)
    Updated by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse
  • 12 December, 2023
    Clinical review by Tatiana Zanin - Registered Dietitian
    Updated by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse
  • Published in December, 2023
References
  • MAHAN, L. Kathleen et al. Krause: Alimentos, Nutrição e Dietoterapia. 13.ed. São Paulo: Elsevier Editora, 2013. 743-758.
  • YUAN George et al. Hypertriglyceridemia: its etiology, effects and treatment. CMAJ. 176(8). 1113-1120, 2007
  • LOPEZ Juan, EBBESSON Sven, TEJERO Elizabeth et al. Polyunsaturated fatty acids effect on serum triglycerides concentration in presence of metabolic syndrome components. The Alaska-Siberia Project. Metabolism. 59(1). 86-92, 2010

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