Life & Beauty Weekly

You’re smart to take a closer look at your family meals, because the majority of people can actually improve their cholesterol with lifestyle changes alone. The best way to lower cholesterol is to set attainable goals one at a time and introduce changes gradually.

First, aim to incorporate three vegetables into each dinner. People usually don’t eat enough produce, so it’s a good place to start. Once this becomes a habit, trade simple carbohydrates -- white foods such as pasta, rice and white bread -- for 100 percent whole-wheat pasta and bread and brown rice.

Next, swap cereal with heart-healthy oatmeal and prepare fish dishes twice a week in place of meat entrees. And keep in mind that you don’t need to cut out all fat. Simply limit the type found in foods like butter, cheese, red meat and fried eats. On the other hand, omega-3 fats found in fish like salmon, olive oil, nuts and avocados actually raise “good” HDL cholesterol while reducing “bad” LDL levels.

Your Expert
Elizabeth Klodas, M.D., is a cardiologist in Edina, Minn., and a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. She is also the author of Slay the Giant: The Power of Prevention in Defeating Heart Disease and a medical editor for WebMD.