Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, reports the American Heart Association. The 1,800-calorie, low-cholesterol diet helps promote weight loss and heart health for both men and women. The diet limits total fat to less than 30 percent of calories and total cholesterol to less than or equal to 185 mg per day, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center
Starches
People on the 1,800-calorie, low cholesterol diet can have nine servings of starches a day. A serving of starch includes 1/2 bagel, one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, 1 cup of cold unsweetened cereal, 1/3 cup of beans or peas, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta, 1/2 cup of cooked rice, one small baked potato, 1/2 cup of cooked corn and 3 cups plain air-popped popcorn. The American Heart Association recommends choosing whole-grain versions of starchy foods for added fiber. The fiber found in whole grains reduces blood cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease.
Meats
Meat choices should be lean, says the University of Rochester Medical Center. People following the 1,800-calorie, low-cholesterol diet can have six servings of meat a day. A serving is equal to 1 oz. of beef tenderloin, top loin or round, 1 oz. of chicken or turkey without the skin, 1 oz. of pork tenderloin, 1 oz. of Canadian bacon, 1 oz. of fish, 1/4 cup of tuna in water, 2 oz. of crab, lobster or fish, three egg whites and 1/4 cup cottage cheese.
Meats should be baked, grilled, roasted or broiled, and all visible fat should be trimmed before cooking.
Dairy
The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends two servings of dairy foods a day. A serving of dairy includes 1 cup of milk, 8 oz. of yogurt and 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. People should choose nonfat and skim dairy products to limit the intake of saturated fat.
Fruits
Fruits make a healthy addition to any diet. They contain fiber and phytochemicals shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, says the Mayo Clinic. People can have four servings of fruit a day on the 1,800-calorie, low-cholesterol diet. A serving of fruit is equal to one small apple, orange or pear, 1/2 banana, 15 grapes, two plums, 1 1/4 cup whole strawberries or chopped watermelon, 1/2 cup canned fruit, 1/2 cup of orange or apple juice and 1/3 cup of prune or cranberry juice.
Vegetables
Low-calorie vegetables can help prevent people from eating high-fat foods, says the Mayo Clinic. People can have three servings of vegetables a day on the 1,800-calorie, low-cholesterol diet. A serving is equal to 1/2 cup of cooked and 1 cup of raw nonstarchy vegetable. Examples of nonstarchy vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, mushrooms, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers and celery.
Fats
The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends avoiding saturated fat, like butter and lard, and replacing it with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, soy oil, safflower oil and corn oil. People can have four servings of fat on the diet. A serving is equal to 1 tsp. of margarine or mayonnaise, 1 tsp. of oil, 1/8 of an avocado, 2 tbsp. of low-calorie salad dressing and 1 tbsp. of low-calorie mayonnaise.
