Managing high cholesterol
simple tips to help lower cholesterol
Eat heart-healthy foods
- Choose fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
- Check ingredient labels on fruit juice, cereal, and margarines for "plant sterols" that can help to lower your cholesterol.
Cut back on saturated fat
- Use oils like olive or canola instead of butter, lard, or palm oils.
- Add fish and nuts into your diet for healthy fats.
Choose lean proteins
- Go for chicken or turkey without skin.
- Pick cuts with “loin” or “round” on the label.
- Limit fried or fatty meats.
- Try Meatless Mondays - swap your animal proteins for beans or soy products once each week.
Get more fiber
- Eat oats, barley, beans, and lentils.
- Look for "whole wheat" or "whole grain" on packaged bakery items.
- Add fruits like oranges, peaches, and figs.
- Drink more water as you add fiber.
Bonus tip: If high cholesterol runs in your family, your doctor might suggest medicine too. But healthy habits still help!