There are plenty of ways you may be looking to improve your health, and for every goal, there are countless diet changes you can make, from basic to drastic.


But if you're paying special attention to your cholesterol, simple changes to your diet can help effect change. When you start cutting out major cholesterol culprits and replacing them with foods that help, not hurt, your quest for lower cholesterol, you could be on your way to a healthier you in no time!


To show you how easy that change can be, we partnered with Cheerios®[1] to bring you this list of foods you can start swapping in or out of your favorite meals in your quest for lower cholesterol.



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  • Vegetable Oil Instead of Butter


    When frying or sautéing, use vegetable oil in place of butter or lard to be sure you're not adding cholesterol to otherwise healthy food while preparing it.




  • Use Only Egg Whites


    Most of the cholesterol in an egg is contained in the yolk. By separating out the yolk before scrambling or baking, you can significantly reduce the egg's negative impact on your cholesterol.




  • Top Salads With Nuts, Not Cheese Or Croutons


    Cheese and croutons can be high in sodium and cholesterol, so try swapping a handful of walnuts or almonds in their place. You'll still get the flavor and the crunch, plus the nutritional boost the nuts bring to the dish.




  • Use Puree Instead Of Oil When Baking


    This won't work for every recipe, but in may cases you can substitute a fruit or vegetable puree for the oil that a recipe calls for. Not only will it be lower in cholesterol, but you'll get the added nutritional benefit of the fruit or veggies and a delicious flavor boost!




  • Go Meatless With Veggie Lasagna


    Try a meatless lasagna with in-season vegetables to get the meal you love without the cholesterol that meat brings to the dish. If you prefer to keep meat in the dish, try reducing the quantity and broiling it, rather than pan frying it.




  • Choose Fish Instead Of Meat


    Some fish, including salmon and herring, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, but lower in cholesterol than most meats, making them a healthier option for cholesterol-conscious cooks.




  • Avoid Processed Meat


    Pass on the bologna, salami and pepperoni in favor of a lower cholesterol alternative, like broiled fish or broiled lean meat. Processed meat contains higher cholesterol and sodium.




  • Choose Lean Or Extra Lean Cuts of Meat


    When shopping for meat, always look for lean or extra lean cuts, which have a lower fat content and therefore, are less of a threat to your cholesterol.




  • Broil Instead Of Pan-Fry


    When you do choose to consume meat, always opt for broiled rather than pan-fried. Roasting and baking are also good options. Just be sure to use a rack to drain off fat.




  • Baste With Wine Or Fruit Juice Instead of Fat


    When you're basting meat, consider using wine, fruit juice, or another substitute for the fat and grease of the meat itself. Otherwise, you're essentially putting the high cholesterol right back into your dish!




  • Choose An Oat-Based Cereal


    Choose cereal that has soluble fiber, which can help lower the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs. The oats in <a href="http://www.cheerios.com/en/Products/Cheerios/about-cholesterol-and-heart-disease.aspx" target="_blank">Cheerios</a> contain beta glucan, which can help reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream. <em>Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Cheerios cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Cheerios cereal provides 1 gram per serving.</em>





Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Cheerios cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Cheerios cereal provides 1 gram per serving.