Protein vs carbs, muscle vs fat....help!

[Bobbinyc]

I am trying to lose weight and get stronger, and lower cholesterol if possible. The more I read, the more confused I get. Will high protein help retain muscle or raise cholesterol? Will more vegetarian lower cholesterol but not support strength training? I am "older", weight has crept up more recently, just started strength training, not sure which way to go with food. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[KSS2]

Hatbales I reommend you take your own advice. Rudeness to other contributors is never acceptable and reflects badly on the poster.

[Bobbinyc]

Thanks to everyone who responded so thoughtfully.  I appreciate this tremendously.  So...I'm cutting out all processed foods, all chemical laden foods (I think my body is reactive), sugar, and even chocolate (mostly).  I have started walking regularly (when not sliding on the ice here) and am increasing that.  I am also starting to do weights and Pilates.  I had met with a dietitian who gave me one bit of advice and then with another who gave me the opposite advice.  So...for now,  I'll start with what I think is a healthy balance, with loads of veggies, healthy oils, definitely protein (I was sloppy about that before) and see how that goes.  It's a start; I'll refine it later.

You have given me great resources too.

And it's so nice to feel supported instead of so alone with this.  That really means the most for me. Thank you.

Btw, I am female, and way older than I can get used to being. 

[KSS2]

Fantastic start. Great decisions. All the best.

[keebs529]

@KSS2 I have to agree with you on this! I've been a vegetarian since the age of 13 and have not only competed at elite athletics such as the junior olympics but have gone on to compete in collegiate athletics and hold records in my conference. 

My stubborn father (love him dearly) finally came around to the idea of me being a vegetarian AND an athlete and bought me an intro-book to help me be healthy about it "Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook" which offers a ton of vegetarian suggestions in it. Since then I've branched off quite a bit, but as an athlete who avoids soy-based protein, I have NO trouble putting on muscle mass or finding energy from a plant-based diet. And most of those protein drink mixes people drink in an effort to body build etc are plant-based proteins. 

[keebs529]

@Bobbinyc I fully support your decision wholeheartedly. Every year they will post new food research. I am with you-avoiding processed foods, avoiding anything chemically altered/added (nearly impossible, but putting in the effort makes a difference), and cooking mostly everything from scratch at home. As for the nutritionalists-everyone has their own theories. 

Woman to woman-trust your intuition, you body will navigate you through good and bad foods. 🙂

[Knowledge]

Just wanted to chime in about the Cholesterol thing...please educate yourself on the matter before pursuing a diet/lifestyle change. We know a lot more about Cholesterol now than before, and the reality is unless you get a particle test done, HDL and LDL mean nothing as there are 2 types of HDL and 3 types of LDL. One type of the LDL is bad for you and the other is harmless. One type of HDL is great for you and the other does nothing beneficial. If you don't get the particle test, it's very easy to think you have a high risk for heart disease when in reality you might not depending on the ratio of HDL and LDL particles.

Read Dr. Jonny Bowden's and Dr. Stephen Sinatra's highly acclaimed book on the subject:

http://smile.amazon.com/Great-Cholesterol-Myth-Disease--Statin-Free/dp/1592335217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8...

The Great Cholesterol Myth: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease-and the Statin-Free Plan That Will