Low-Fat Diet for High Cholesterol

A low-fat diet for high cholesterol is concerned about eating a variety of low-fat, heart-healthy foods as promulgated by the American Heart Association. These foods can help remove harmful cholesterol from your body. In addition to eating the most beneficial foods, you need them prepared in a healthy manner to gain optimum results. Plus, no heart healthy diet is complete without exercise, a known cholesterol-lowering factor.

Heart Healthy Foods

Eat heart healthy foods. According to the AHA, heart healthy foods are high in fiber, high in antioxidants and low in fat. These heart-healthy foods can decrease your "bad" cholesterol level (LDL) as well as increase your "good" cholesterol level (HDL). Soluble fiber helps remove harmful cholesterol from your body.

Eat soluble fiber foods. Notable sources of soluble fiber include whole grains, lentils and beans, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables plus healthy oils of the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated varieties. The USDA recommends eating at least 10 g of soluble fiber daily to lower your LDL.

Eat oatmeal. A 1 1/2 cup serving of oatmeal, states the Mayo Clinic, contains 6 g of soluble fiber. Add fresh fruit and increase soluble fiber by 4 g. Top with cinnamon and low fat milk to start your low-fat diet for high cholesterol day off nutritiously.

Eat plant sterol foods as part of your low fat diet for high cholesterol. Plant sterols contain a strong cholesterol lowering property along with many beneficial antioxidants. According to the American Dietetic Association, plant sterols are notable in low fat soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, soybeans and soy milk; walnuts; avocados; flax seeds and sunflower seeds. You can also buy foods fortified with plant sterols such as orange juice, margarine and fruit smoothies.

Not Heart Healthy Foods

Watch out for saturated and trans fats. Foods containing these fats, according to the Mayo Clinic and USDA, can increase your "bad" cholesterol levels.
Saturated fats are found in animal products such as organ meats and whole fat dairy foods, including egg yolks and red meats. These fats are also found in deep fried foods, processed and prepackaged foods, crackers, breads and many fast foods.

Food Preparation Methods

Choose heart-healthy cooking methods. According to the AHA and the USDA, if your food is prepared in an unhealthy method, such as deep frying, it can increase your LDL level. Healthy cooking methods to choose from in your low-fat diet for high cholesterol include steaming, grilling, poaching and baking (without excessive oils).

Physical Activity

Exercise. Your low fat diet for high cholesterol must include getting daily physical activity, according to the AHA. It is recommended you get 30 minutes daily at least five days per week. The exercise does not have to be strenuous for you to reap health benefits. Physical activity can lower your LDL. Choose activities you are happy with and alternate them to avoid boredom.