There are many ways to reduce cholesterol. Some individuals require prescription medication to control levels; however, I wanted to look at ways to reduce my cholesterol based on healthy eating and foods that I could include that could potentially accomplish the same goal. About 6 years ago I had a cholesterol screening done and my results were alittle over 220. I have always been a very active person, never battled weight, and maintained a healthy diet; however, I knew I had to lower my cholesterol levels.

I learned that "barley" has been known to have positive benefits in reducing cholesterol. The only recipe that came to mind was "barley soup." I've always enjoyed cooking but never associated barley with lowering cholesterol. I made a conscious decision as I began 2009 that I wanted to really try and lower my cholesterol. I decided to make this recipe that is inexpensive, easy, ingredients that almost everyone has in their kitchen, can easily feeds 4 individuals and is excellent warmed up in the microwave. I found myself enjoying this recipe so much that I made it quite often and even shared it with several friends who enjoyed it too. I'm happy to report that by March 2009, my cholesterol level is now 168. I can't say that my results will be the same for you but I did want to share this recipe with others hoping you could see some positive benefits as well.

Chicken, Barley, Vegetable Dish

• One chicken breast (cooked, cooled and put into bite size chunks)
• One stalk of celery (chopped)
• One large carrot (chopped--I recommend not peeling so you gain all the added nutrients)
• Onion (one half) (chopped)
• Barley (one cup Quaker Instant Barley--it cooks in 10 minutes)
• Chicken Broth (one 14 oz can + 1/2 cup)
• Butter (3 Tbsp.)
• 1 tsp. Basil
• l tsp. Parsley
• 2 Bay Leaves
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Cook one chicken breast and you can either use the broth from cooking the chicken or chicken broth in the can (you will need one can + 1/2 cup). Also, if you have a large chicken breast, you may not need the whole thing. Take 1 Tbsp. of butter, and saute the barley uncooked until light brown. This brings out the nutty flavor of the barley. Remove and set aside, Take the remaining 2 Tbsp. of butter, add chopped carrots, saute a couple of minutes and then add the celery and onion, saute lightly. You do not want to saute vegetables very long because they will continue to cook when the barley is added.

This is a one pot meal so make sure you have selected a medium size pot so everything fits into it. Add: barley, spices, chicken broth, vegetables and chicken. Cook 10 minutes until barley is done, remove bay leaves. You may have alittle chicken broth remaining after 10 minutes but don't worry, it will be absorbed.

This is an easy recipe and if you have the chicken cooked, your dinner is ready in 15-20 minutes. Its nutritious, healthy, and inexpensive and hopefully will lead to your having lowered your cholesterol levels too. Enjoy!