How Aaron Lowered His Cholesterol from 280 to 204 with Step One Foods

At 30, Aaron found out his total cholesterol had climbed to 280 - higher than he expected. With a family history of heart issues like heart attacks and stents, he figured it was time to start taking his numbers more seriously.

Aaron began making major lifestyle changes, removing meat, cutting back on dairy, and improving his workout routine. “Over several years, I was able to bring my cholesterol down to 240, but my doctor still said it was too high.” 

Even with all of those changes, he found himself stuck in a frustrating cycle. “I kept going to the doctor and hearing the same thing: diet and exercise, diet and exercise,” he said. “And I was already doing that. At some point, I started to think it was just something genetic I had to deal with.”

His doctor gave him a six-month grace period, and if his cholesterol hadn't dropped further, they would move to medication. Wanting to avoid that path if possible, Aaron began searching online for other options. That’s when he came across Step One Foods. 

Like many, he was initially hesitant. “Just because something says ‘plant-based’ or ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s good for you,” he said. But after reviewing the ingredients, he decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised.“I expected the food to taste like cardboard,” he laughed. “But the oatmeal, pancakes, and bars were all really good!”

He began incorporating Step One into his weekday routine: Blueberry Cinnamon Oatmeal or Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix for breakfast and a bar for lunch or as a snack. 

“It made healthy eating easier,” he said. “Just swapping two meals a day with Step One helped limit my calories and increase fiber.”

Aaron’s results speak for themselves. After getting to 240 on his own, he saw a drop to 220 within a few months of using Step One. Now, a year and a half in, and using the products twice a day, five days a week, his total cholesterol is down to 204. He also noticed some weight loss and an overall improvement in how he felt.

When he returned to his doctor, the response was overwhelmingly positive. 

“He was really interested, so I shared it with him to look into!” Aaron said. “And considering how easy it’s been to incorporate into my daily routine - the good quality and good food - everyone should at least give it a try and see what happens.”

He especially appreciated how well Step One fits into his workday. 

“I usually bring oatmeal and a banana for breakfast and pack a snack bar for lunch,” he said. “It made sticking to a healthy plan during busy workdays much easier.”

But just like many of us, weekends, especially in the summer, can look a little different. 

“If I’m home, I’ll have it,” he said. “But if I’m out with friends or family, I might skip it for the day.” Still, his weekday routine has made a real impact, a reminder that during the summer months, when schedules are looser and days are fuller, small habits can keep your heart moving in the right direction.

Aaron’s next step? Staying consistent with Step One and breaking below the 200 mark. 

Congratulations Aaron, we’re cheering you on!

Inspired by Aaron’s story?

If you’re looking for a clinically validated way to lower cholesterol naturally, explore our cholesterol-lowering foods and see how Step One can fit into your life.