Foods to Eat

• Eat heart-healthy foods. Heart-healthy foods are high in fiber and antioxidants. They provide numerous benefits to your heart and cardiovascular system, such as lowering your "bad" cholesterol, being low in cholesterol and low in fat. That is why the American Heart Association classifies them as heart-healthy. Your low-fat, low-cholesterol diet needs to include a variety of these foods.
  
  Eat fiber rich foods. These include whole grains such as oats, whole wheat, brown rice and barley; beans and lentils; and fruits and vegetables.
  
  Eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, herring, lake trout, mackerel and sardines states the Mayo Clinic. Take fish oil supplements if you do not like fish. Omega 3 is known to lower LDL while also containing numerous antioxidants. The USDA recommends eating fish twice a week, at least. Other foods high in Omega 3 include flaxseeds, walnuts and avocados.
  
  Use healthy oils. Extra virgin olive oil is notable for lowering cholesterol while also being a monounsaturated fat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Substitute this for butter in cooking. Use minimal amounts of oil in your low fat, low cholesterol diet.
  
  Eat plant sterol foods. According to the American Dietetic Association, plant sterols can prevent cholesterol from accumulating in your bloodstream. Foods high in these include soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soybeans; whole grains; avocados and sunflower seeds.
  
  

Foods To Avoid Or Limit

• Avoid or limit foods high in saturated or trans fats. These are hardened fats. The Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Heart Association all state that these foods can increase your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol level. Total fat should be no more than 35 percent of your caloric intake, according to the American Heart Association.
  
  Saturated fats are found in animal products such as red meats, organ meats, whole fat dairy foods including egg yolks and butter, deep fried foods, processed foods and may fast foods.
  
  Trans fats, according to the Mayo Clinic, are processed by your body the same way as saturated fats. Trans fats are found in foods containing partially hydrogenated oils and shortening. Commercially prepared baked goods are common culprits. Watch out for cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, pastries and energy bars.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Cook with healthy methods. You will be defeating the purpose of your low-fat, low-cholesterol diet if you prepare your foods in an unhealthy manner. According to the American Heart Association, choose either steaming, poaching, baking (with no excess oils) and grilling to reap the best results.
  
  Monitor the quantities you eat. Using portion control in your low-fat low-cholesterol diet will help you monitor both your caloric intake and nutrients. The USDA and the American Heart Association both have guidelines regarding portion control. It is easier than you may think.
  
  Read labels. Know what you are eating. The first ingredient is what the product contains the most of. Also be aware of fat content.