quinoa

I’m keen, you’re keen, we’re all keen on quinoa!" People with high cholesterol will be singing this tune once they realize the benefits of quinoa (pronounced "KEEN-wah"), a South American seed that serves as a tasty and healthful stand-in for rice or couscous. One cup of cooked quinoa has 15 percent less carbohydrates and 60 percent more protein than a comparable amount of brown rice; it also has 25 percent more fiber, which can help lower blood cholesterol.
I am one of many people who have a lot of medications to take. I am also one of many whose perscriptions are not fully covered(donut hole on Medicare). I've cut down on the amount of cholesterol meds I am taking and am actively seeking other and less costly means to lower cholesterol. I'm also taking a niacin that says no flush and so far so good. Anyway, so far so good. I haven't been back to see my cute doc and break the news to him. i'm not looking forward to the news he will have for me.

I've been reading about the benefits of meditation for lowering blood pressure. I think it is a great idea. I also understand that some people can thoroughly relax and shut down the mental factory. But I'm having a heck of a time doing it. It seems that I can't quite focus on one thing long enough to overcome the need to focus. I'll start saying a mantra, then decide I don't like that one and sit there for the perscribed time while trying to think of a better word to use. Not so relaxing.

And I get bored. And I have an extremely low tolerance for boredom.

I play Mah Jongg. It helps.

Ideas? I'm open-----