A little over two months ago, I was told that my blood cholesterol levels were incredibly high. I was also told that my triglycerides were incredibly high, which meant I had hyperlipidemia, or in other words, fatty blood.

Being that I lost my biological mother to heart disease and an uncle recently to a heart attack, of course, I was and am terrified! As if I didn't already have enough to worry about...

I am only 21 years old. I shouldn't have to worry about having high cholesterol or skipping the chocolate mini donuts that I love so much, but that's exactly what I have to do.

I started medication around the time of my diagnosis, but I was told that medication alone would not be enough. I was told that if I didn't want to have my first heart attack at 30 that I had to pretty much change my entire lifestyle.

Basically, most of the foods I absolutely love eating have been wreaking havoc on my body. I am not overweight, so I figured I was healthy. Wrong!

I have met with a dietician and have gone over different clean eating plans. I learned there were a lot of things with my eating habits that I could change to help my blood cholesterol and fat levels to return to a healthy/normal range.

Bacon, out! Extra cheese, out! Large fry from Chickfila, out! Everything that tastes good, out!

Kidding, I can still eat a lot of things that taste good, but I just have to be smarter about it.

Before I go to restaurants now, I have to research items on their menu that are low in cholesterol and relatively low in caloric content as well. Additionally, before I buy any food items, I have to make sure that the nutrition facts match the clean eating plan for someone in my predicament.

While I have already begun trying to eat healthier and going for regular walks/jogs, this is an incredibly long journey I have begun, but I am taking it a few steps at a time!