A Healthy Eating Plan

The best way to help lower your blood cholesterol level is to eat less saturated fat and cholesterol, control your weight and walk or do another physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. Our plan is based on these simple steps:

Use up at least as many calories as you take in.
Be physically active.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, if not all.
Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods.
Eat fish at least twice a week.
Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods.
Limit how much saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol you eat.
Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.
Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol.
Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt.
If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation.
Follow the American Heart Association recommendations when you eat out.
Read the nutrition facts label and ingredients list.
Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products.