Eat more soluble fiber: oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, citrus
Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats: olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, fish
Avoid trans fats: fried foods, packaged baked goods, processed snacks
Choose lean proteins: fish, skinless poultry, tofu, legumes
Eat fatty fish twice a week: salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout
Increase fruits and vegetables daily
Choose whole grains instead of refined grains
Limit red meat and processed meats
Reduce full-fat dairy intake
Use plant sterols or stanols if recommended
Exercise regularly
Lose excess weight if overweight
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol
Manage stress
Sleep enough each night
Get cholesterol checked regularly
Take prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication as directed
Follow a heart-healthy diet consistently