I was diagnosed with high cholesterol more than 20 years ago. My cholesterol has ranged from 220-240 in the last 20 years.

 In March, my cholesterol was 220. I’m not getting any younger (news flash, right?) so I decided to take a stand and really fight this cholesterol problem.

I gave myself six months to lower my cholesterol using healthy life style changes. At the end of six months, I would re-test my cholesterol and seek advice from my physician.

 I was re-tested in August and my cholesterol had dropped 34 points! My physician was shocked!

 Here’s how I did it:

 Blueberries! Research has shown that blueberries can lower cholesterol as much as some statin drugs. I had a handful everyday. Try adding them to your oatmeal or throwing into a smoothie

Almonds! These nuts have been shown to decrease cholesterol levels by 14% (if you eat 3 ounces daily). I would have a handful everyday as a mid morning snack.

 Garlic! Yes, I ate it daily and yes, I had some bad breath! But it was worth it. Garlic can lower cholesterol in the liver by 40-60%.

• Here is my favorite way to use the big bags of peeled garlic: I bought the big bag of peeled garlic at Costco. I then chopped it up (you can use a food processor) and put it in small glass containers with a splash of olive oil and then froze them. I just pulled them out of the freezer as needed and added it to recipes.

Exercise! I increased my exercise from 3 days a week to 5 days per week. Start slowly and work up to it. Even just walking at lunch time has made a difference for me.