A low cholesterol diet is a diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Here are some guidelines for a low cholesterol, low saturated fat diet:
- Limit total intake of fats and oils.
- Avoid butter, stick margarine, shortening, lard, palm and coconut oils.
- Limit mayonnaise, salad dressings, gravies and sauces, unless they are homemade with low-fat ingredients.
- Limit chocolate.
- Choose low-fat and nonfat products, such as low-fat mayonnaise, low-fat or non-hydrogenated peanut butter, low-fat or fat-free salad dressings and nonfat gravy.
- Use vegetable oil, such as canola or olive oil.
- Look for margarine that does not contain trans fatty acids.
- Use nuts in moderate amounts.
- Read ingredient labels carefully to determine both amount and type of fat present in foods. Limit saturated and trans fats.
- Choose fish, chicken, turkey and lean meats.
- Use dried beans, peas, lentils and tofu.
- Limit egg yolks to three to four per week.
- If you eat red meat, limit to no more than three servings per week and choose loin or round cuts.
- Choose whole-grain breads, cereals, pastas and rice.
- Avoid high-fat snack foods, such as granola, cookies, pies, pastries, doughnuts and croissants.
- Avoid deep fried foods.
- Trim visible fat off meats and remove skin from poultry before cooking.
- Bake, broil, boil, poach or roast.
In addition to these guidelines, here are some foods that can help lower cholesterol and improve other risk factors for heart disease:
- Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils.
- Avocado, which provides monounsaturated fatty acids and fiber.
- Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.
- Fruits, such as apples, bananas, oranges, and pears.
- Vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, and dark leafy greens.
- Whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, barley, and wheat.
- Plant sterol-enriched foods, such as margarine, orange juice, and yogurt drinks.
It is important to note that a low cholesterol diet should be part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.
