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Low Cholesterol Diet While Eating Meat

The human body needs cholesterol to function properly, but when too much builds up in the blood, plaque sticks to artery walls, narrowing or blocking them. Cholesterol tends to rise as you age, but outside factors such as diet, weight and inactivity increases your chances of developing dangerous cholesterol levels. High cholesterol increases heart attack risks. Medication, weight loss and lifestyle changes may lower cholesterol levels. Animal protein contains artery-clogging cholesterol, but meat lovers can follow a low-cholesterol diet while eating meat by using substitutions.

  1. Select Lean Cuts

    • The American Heart Association says to eat fewer than 6 ounces of lean meat a day, focusing on cuts low in saturated fats. People following a low-cholesterol diet can eat meat by selecting beef labeled round, chuck, sirloin and loin. Avoid prime cuts and reach for "choice" or "select" grades of meat. Limit consumption of processed meats such as hot dogs, sausage, bacon and salami. Bake and broil instead of frying. Don't eat fatty meat such as duck or goose, and stick with chicken or turkey. Organ meats are high in cholesterol, so only eat them occasionally. When you bake meat on a rack, do not baste with drippings. Use wine, fruit juice or oil-based marinade to baste.

    Eat Seafood Twice a Week

    • Seafood has less saturated fat than other animal fats. Focus on salmon, tuna and mackerel, fish high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association says that although shrimp and crawfish contain more cholesterol than other kinds of seafood, their total fats and saturated fats are less than meat and poultry. Bake, broil, grill or boil seafood. Avoid breaded or fried seafood.

    Reduce Meat at Mealtime

    • Think of meat as a side dish instead of the main course on a low-cholesterol diet. Fill the majority of the dinner plate with vegetables, such as a salad, and whole grains. Dishes such as stir fry, soups and stews should contain more chopped vegetables such as carrots, green beans, peas and greens with a hint of meat just to add flavor. On sandwiches, use whole wheat bread with ingredients such as alfalfa sprouts, bell peppers, dark green lettuce, jalapenos, tomatoes and cucumbers. Add a small piece of meat and mustard. You can still enjoy meat, but it becomes an accent instead of the centerpiece of the meal.

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