Diet for Kids With High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is as much of a concern for kids as it is for adults. When there is too much cholesterol in the walls of the arteries, the build-up of plaque blocks the flow of blood to the heart and other important organs. A healthy diet not only reduces high cholesterol but also reduces the risk of developing childhood obesity. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy diet combines foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat on a regular basis. You can break these foods down for each of three main daily meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast

• For breakfast, try using fruit, whole-grain cereal, oatmeal and yogurt. Foods that are high in soluble fiber, such as fruit and oatmeal, can help lower cholesterol. Have fun and combine foods that offer a more fulfilling meal. Mix the yogurt with some whole-grain granola, or add slices of banana to a bowl of cereal. Kids love variety. Starting the day off with a healthy breakfast gives them energy for the rest of the day.

  Healthy Tip: Use skim milk instead of 2 percent. Your kids won't even know the difference.

Lunch & Dinner

• For lunch and dinner, try mixing vegetables with healthy proteins. Grill and bake foods instead of frying or deep-frying them. Deep-fried foods that are caked with oil are full of saturated fats. Use whole wheat in place of white bread for sandwiches. Instead of salami and bologna, make cheese and tomato sandwiches or use lean sliced turkey. Lean turkey contains less fat than salami and bologna. Always remember to serve a side of fresh fruit for kids to nibble on.

  Healthy Tip: Fish and poultry are healthy substitutes for meat when it comes to dinner. Try making regular meat dishes with fish and poultry instead. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be good for the heart by reducing blood pressure.

Snacks

• Healthy snacks are important to eat between meals. They keep kids from binging on junk food and provide them with energy. Vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts, breads, whole-wheat crackers and cheese make great snacks for kids of all ages. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol.

  Healthy Tip: Have healthy snacks readily available in your cupboard or your refrigerator. Cut up some apples, celery or carrots and leave them in single-serve plastic bags in your refrigerator, or make homemade bags of trail mix with plenty of fruits and nuts. Kids are very active and like to grab snacks and go. This will keep them from grabbing a bag of potato chips instead.