When Cleo Bloom saw her cholesterol numbers creeping up at her annual check-up, she was stunned.
“I was young, active, and vegan—I thought I was immune,” she says. But the labs told a different story.
Her doctor explained that even plant-based eaters can struggle with cholesterol, especially if their diet includes too many refined carbs, oils, and packaged vegan foods. “That was a wake-up call,” Cleo admits. “My meals were clean-ish, but definitely convenient.”
Determined to take action naturally, Cleo redesigned her diet with a focus on fiber-rich, whole foods—ingredients known to support heart health.
Out went the vegan nuggets and sugary cereals. In came oats, beans, flaxseed, barley, and plenty of vegetables.
“I kept it simple,” she says. “Big stews with lentils, hearty salads with chickpeas and tahini, roasted veggies with quinoa. Nothing fancy—just food that made me feel strong.”
She also cut back on coconut products, which can be high in saturated fat, and focused more on healthy fats like walnuts, chia seeds, and small amounts of extra virgin olive oil.
Within two months, her follow-up labs told a new story: LDL down, HDL up, and overall cholesterol in a healthier range. Quest Nutrition Ultimate Variety Pack Protein Bars, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 12 Count
But the bigger reward, Cleo says, was how she felt. “My digestion improved, my skin looked clearer, and I had more energy,” she beams.
Cleo’s story isn’t about perfection—it’s about taking back control, one nourishing plate at a time.
