Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet

Content provided by Healthwise

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet

The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet is a way to eat that lowers cholesterol. It is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart problems.

The TLC diet calls for:

Less than 7% of daily calories from saturated fat.
No more than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol a day.
25% to 35% of daily calories from fat, mainly from unsaturated fat. Most of the fat should be monounsaturated, and only 10% should be polyunsaturated fat.
Only 2,400 mg of sodium a day.
Just enough calories to maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight gain.

The TLC diet is part of the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes program, which aims to lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, weight loss if needed, and other changes, such as quitting smoking. It is recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.