Cholesterol Diet Menus

Many Americans today face serious health conditions due to high cholesterol. The health risks due to high cholesterol include coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. When paired with other health issues, the chances of suffering from one of these health risks increases greatly if you also register high levels of cholesterol. By limiting your intake of certain foods and increasing your intake of healthier foods, as well as exercise, you can lower your cholesterol level and live a longer and healthier life.

Tips for Cooking Meat

• The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 6 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry, fish or seafood a day for people who need 2,000 calories a day. While most meats have about the same amount of cholesterol, the amount of saturated fats in the meat will vary depending on the cut and how the meat is prepared.

  By selecting lean cuts of meat with very little visible fat, and trimming excess fat from your meat, you can eliminate extra fat intake from your diet. Also, select the lean, choice or select versions of your meat when buying it at the grocery store. Choosing lean ground beef over ground beef can save a lot of saturated fat from your intake.

  Also, by using a rack to drain off excess fat and by broiling meat instead of pan-frying it, you remove additional fat from the meat. You can keep meat moist with fruit juice or oil-based marinades instead of using fat drippings.

  Americanheart.org suggest you eat seafood twice a week instead of meat. While fish can be fatty, it is very low in saturated fat. Stick to grilling, broiling or baking your fish instead of breading or frying it, which will eliminate the need for extra saturated and trans fat in the cooking oil.

Eat your vegetables, but hold the salt

• The American Heart Association recommends that you eat more fruits and vegetables, but don't try to overdo the seasoning on your vegetables with too much salt. Using natural herbs to season your vegetables is not only much healthier than table salt, but it also introduces a new and subtle flavor to your meal. Try using rosemary, dill, oregano or basil to give your veggies a lift.

  Also, remember steaming or using a little vegetable oil to cook your veggies is a healthy choice instead of solid fats like lard, butter or shortening.

Double check your dairies and eggs

• By going for the dairy products you use in a reduced-fat version, you shave off a lot of saturated and trans fat that you will likely not even miss. Choosing low-fat or skim milk and low fat cheeses works well in recipes and with other foods that you normally eat.

  Also, by eliminating the yolk in your eggs, you create a heart-healthy source of protein for yourself. Cartons of egg whites are sold in grocery stores in the same aisle as whole eggs, and can be used in baking recipes in the same way as whole eggs. Check the carton for special instructions and specified measurements.