What is the Oats Cholesterol Challenge?
The Oats Cholesterol Challenge is a program that includes meal plans specially developed by UNCLE TOBYS to help lower cholesterol re-absorption*. Taking part is quick and easy, simply talk to your doctor to check that you’re in good health for the challenge and then follow our Heart Wellbeing Meal Plan for six weeks. You might also want to get your cholesterol tested at the start so you can see the impact of the diet on your cholesterol levels.
Our meal plan is based on the menus in the CSIRO Healthy Heart Program book, and we’ve put together some great recipes to make sure there’s plenty of tasty stuff to eat during the challenge.
Everybody responds differently to nutritional changes in the diet. See if this works for you
Oats contain a natural fibre called beta-glucan – which can help to lower cholesterol re-absorption. UNCLE TOBYS Oats contain beta-glucan, making them an ideal food to help lower your cholesterol re-absorption. All you have to do is follow the meal plan and you’re well on your way to a healthy heart*
*As part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat, 3g of beta glucan every day is required to help lower cholesterol re-absorption
Why should I take part?
Will my cholesterol re-absorption levels go down?
Who are the Oats Buddies?
Meet the Challenge Buddies
Duncan 48, Landscaper
Duncan has a large family, loves movies and theatre, and runs his own landscaping business. Duncan says his job "involves a great deal of exercise… so I need to stay fit to keep my business going." He recently donated a kidney to his brother and has regular health checks as a result. Part of the reason Duncan is taking the Oats Cholesterol Challenge as a way to lower cholesterol is because his last cholesterol reading was too high.
Daryl 52, Property Mgr.
"Laid-back and free spirited" Daryl is a family man with three daughters and three grandchildren. His main health challenges are to stay on top of his fitness and avoid bad habits. Daryl takes daily walks and tries to eat low-GI foods and watch his cholesterol, which he says has been a big problem in his family. As he gets older, Daryl hopes to see his children and grandchildren grow up and start their own families.
Claire 60, retired
Animal lover and mum of two, Claire aims to keep her cholesterol levels low – and eat cholesterol lowering foods - so that she can remain feeling healthy and active. Claire loves walking and gardening, she eats low-fat and low-sugar foods to maintain her weight, and tries to watch her cholesterol. Claire enjoys eating oats for breakfast most days, as they are versatile and can be eaten with fresh fruit, dried fruit or yoghurt.
Giselle 43, Celebrant
Giselle lives with her partner and two dogs. As a foodie and an avid traveller she is someone who "wants to see as much of the world as possible". Giselle knows the importance of cholesterol lowering foods, so she avoids saturated fats and walks her dogs every day to maintain her health - she also incorporates oats into her diet when she can. Giselle is keen to take up the Oats Cholesterol Challenge because she is trying to reduce her cholesterol in order to maintain her heart health and enjoy life more.
Alex 68, Retired
Alexander has two children and four grandkids. While he tries to avoid unhealthy fats and includes supplements in his diet, he is aware of the health issues that high cholesterol can cause and is mindful of keeping his cholesterol in check with cholesterol lowering foods. Alexander is inspired to do the Oats Cholesterol Challenge because he wants to maintain his quality of life for as long as possible and remain energetic enough "to dance The Golden Wedding at our 50th wedding anniversary" in three years' time.
Vel 51, Executive Assistant
Vel is 51 and lives with her teenage son and pet dogs. Staying healthy is important to Vel as she has a family history of strokes and needs to watch her cholesterol. She tries to eat healthily, drinks plenty of water and gets out of the office for a walk as much as possible. Vel enjoys oats in the morning as they give her a "jump start" to the day. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights "in particular abandoned or mis-treated animals". She also hopes to one day be a foster mother.
