When I came back from the doctor and told my wife that my cholesterol levels were too high she got scared. She made a decision that we would both change our diets immediately. She banished pizza, potato chips and all manner of greasy foods from our home. I told her that I was willing to give up some things, but we were not going to spend our Golden Years gnawing on cardboard. She started looking around and finally came up with a diet that would help me and still provide enjoyment.

As much faith as I have in her cooking, I was doubtful that she’d be able to pull this feat off. I resigned myself to the fact that my days of leaving the dinner table feeling sated and content were over. Let me tell you, I was wrong. The meals she came up with did not leave a hole, they illustrated how limited our palette had been.

Orange juice replaced coffee on the breakfast table. Blueberry pancakes brushed aside bacon and sausages. Omelettes (sans yolk) with fresh vegetables began to appear. During the day, I would eat an orange or experiment with ice milk concocting new versions of frothy smoothie drinks. Dinner, which had been enjoyable in the past morphed into 5 star events as my wife replaced salt with fresh herbs and spices and pork with skinless chicken or fish. Crisp steamed vegetables became a welcome addition to supper.

We were eating so well that our friends started to ask when our next dinner party would be. Everyone seemed to really enjoy our new culinary creations. Summer barbecues became experiments with turkey and chicken products. These imitators of “real” sausages, replace fat with flavour and encourage you to try new condiments each time you pick on up.

The doctor is constantly commending me for sticking to my diet for so long (over two years last month). I just laugh, and tell him I’m eating better than I ever have before. I no longer have high cholesterol, and I’ve gotten rid of my spare tire. On top of that I have more energy than a lot of men 20 years younger than me.

Do not believe that you must sacrifice your enjoyment of food to lower your cholesterol. My diet is delicious and inventive, and so too can yours be. If happiness depends on a full stomach than I am the happiest man in the world.