What You Really Need to Know About Cholesterol (Without the Overwhelm)
Let’s take a minute to talk about cholesterol — not in a scary, clinical way, but in a way that actually helps you understand what’s going on in your body and what you can do to support it. I know it can feel confusing. There’s HDL, LDL, “good” and “bad” — and a lot of talk about numbers that don’t always get explained. But here’s the truth: once you understand what those numbers actually mean, you can start making small changes that really do make a difference. That’s what I want for you. So, let’s break this down together.
First things first: What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build cells and make hormones — so it’s not all bad. But when the balance is off, that’s when it can cause problems, especially for your heart. There are two main types you want to pay attention to: HDL and LDL.
HDL: The “good” cholesterol
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. This is the kind of cholesterol you want more of. It acts like a helper — it carries excess cholesterol out of your arteries and back to your liver, where your body can process and remove it. You want your HDL to be above 60. Higher levels of HDL are linked to a lower risk of heart disease — and there are real, manageable ways to support it.
Ways to raise HDL naturally:
Move your body consistently (even just walking counts)
Choose healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid tobacco
Make space for stress relief — deep breaths, journaling, quiet time, whatever works for you
LDL: The “bad” cholesterol
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, and this is the one you want to keep low. Too much LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. You want your LDL to stay below 100.
Ways to lower LDL naturally:
Cut back on saturated fats (like red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy)
Limit highly processed and fried foods
Increase fiber (fruits, vegetables, oats, beans)
Add healthy fats from foods like salmon, flax, and walnuts
Manage stress and avoid tobacco
Your numbers matter — but they don’t define you
Knowing your HDL and LDL levels is one way to understand what’s happening inside your body — it’s a tool, not a judgment. And the beautiful part is, you can support your heart with small, consistent habits. This isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about being informed and taking steps that feel realistic and sustainable for your life.
If you take one thing away from this…
It’s that your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to start feeling better — just one small choice at a time. Drink more water. Get out for a walk. Add one more veggie to your plate. These moments add up. You deserve to feel good in your body. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’m cheering you on.
— Kiley
