Low Cholesterol Lunch Foods

Changing a diet from high to low cholesterol is a simple way of reducing the risk of heart disease. Reducing the daily intake of saturated and polyunsaturated fats that is present in foods such as meat and dairy products is a simple way to start reducing cholesterol.

Fruit, Vegetables & Grains

• Fruit and vegetables do not contain cholesterol, so are a good starting point for any low cholesterol diet. Fruits and vegetables are a simple addition to a lunch as certain fruits and vegetables can be eaten either on the go or at home as a finger food. Carrot sticks, celery sticks, grapes, apple slices and bananas are all easily accessible as lunch foods. French fries fried in oil are also unhealthy and should be avoided; a replacement option would be a baked potato.
  Replacing white bread or rolls is a simple way of reducing cholesterol. Adding whole grains or whole wheat breads to a lunch menu is a simple way of adding more grains with different breads such as wheat, rye and pumpernickel. Other options such as pita bread or soft tortillas can add variety to a lunch diet. Adding cooked brown rice instead of white is a strong low cholesterol option.

Fish, Meat & Sauces

• Canned fish in oil should be avoided for a low cholesterol lunch, instead canned fish in water is a better option. Fish such as tuna can be added to a salad containing fruits and nuts such as grapes and cashews. Lunch meats such as pepperoni, salami and bologna should also be replaced by lean lunch meats such as turkey, chicken and ham. Another popular lunch item is a hot dog, which can be replaced by a low fat option.
  Avoiding mayonnaise of all kinds, including the low-fat version, is important in a low cholesterol lunch. Instead, Italian dressing or olive oil is a good option for dressing salads. Pasta sauces should be vegetable-based and served over whole-grain pasta to create a low cholesterol lunch.

Snacks

• Avoid snack foods such as potato chips, corn chips and buttered popcorn. Choose low fat options such as pretzels or plain, unbuttered popcorn.
  Cookies are a source of cholesterol that can easily be replaced by healthier options such as fig bars, ginger snaps and molasses cookies. Certain crackers are low in cholesterol, including animal, graham, soda and saltine crackers.