Characteristics of a Restricted Cholesterol Diet

Dietary cholesterol--or cholesterol from daily meals--comes entirely from animal products, so any successful restricted cholesterol diet includes as few animal products as possible. But fats such as trans fats that don't contain actually contain dietary cholesterol or animal products can also raise levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and lower rates of HDL ("good") cholesterol. A successful restricted cholesterol diet minimizes consumption of these fats as well.

A Plant-Based Diet

A diet that focuses on plant-based foods uses beans and nuts as its main sources of protein. If the diet includes any meat or dairy products, they tend to be condiments, rather than primary ingredients. A healthy plant-based diet should be effectively balanced, including proteins, complex carbohydrates, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. There are plenty of plant-based meat substitutes on the market, and some of them are very good. When choosing an imitation meat product, check labels carefully to find an option that is low in saturated fat. A successful restricted cholesterol diet offers substantial variety, so you don't miss meat and dairy. Explore the extraordinary variety of the vegetable kingdom, as well as the undervalued diversity of available beans.

High-Fiber Foods

In addition to limiting consumption of dietary cholesterol, a successful restricted cholesterol diet will include plenty of fiber, to help your system process any cholesterol you may still consume, and also to help cleanse your system. Beans are especially high in fiber, as are fresh vegetables. Whole grains contain plenty of fiber and oats, in particular, help to lower cholesterol levels.

Good Cholesterol

A restricted cholesterol diet usually limits foods that contain LDL ("bad") cholesterol, while including foods that contain HDL ("good") cholesterol. Foods high in HDL cholesterol include cold water fish, such as salmon, albacore, and mackerel. Eggs from healthy chickens and beef from grass-fed animals contain higher levels of HDL cholesterol and lower levels of LDL cholesterol than eggs and meat from animals raised on factory farms. But if you are restricting your cholesterol intake, you should still limit your consumption of these products.

Healthy and Unhealthy Fats

If you are eating a restricted cholesterol diet, you should also avoid plant-based foods that can cause your body to produce LDL cholesterol. Limit consumption of saturated fats and avoid trans fats altogether. Check nutritional data on product labels. Avoid margarine and mainstream fried foods.