Some cholesterol is essential to your child's diet because it promotes cell growth. This good cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein, can lower bad cholesterol, which clogs the arteries and can cause heart disease and stroke. This bad cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein, can be dangerous if your child's low-density lipoprotein levels are more than 129 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association. Lower your child's low-density lipoprotein level by offering him a diet that minimizes the intake of bad cholesterol and raises the intake of good cholesterol.
Step 1
Substitute proteins that contain saturated fat with leaner options, including proteins from vegetable sources. If your child eats beef, bacon, ribs and other meats that are high in saturated fat, substitute these foods for lean proteins like ground turkey, skinless chicken breast and non-animal proteins like tofu, tempeh and beans.
Step 2
Incorporate foods with high-density lipoprotein into your child's diet. Foods like nuts, salmon, albacore tuna, olive oil and oatmeal help raise high-density lipoprotein levels, which will lower bad cholesterol levels. Incorporate foods with high-density lipoprotein into your child's diet at least several times a week.
Step 3
Cook with olive oil or non-fat cooking spray, as opposed to lard, butter, vegetable oil or shortening. Use olive oil as a dressing, a coating for meat or as a pasta topping. Instead of frying foods with these oils, bake or broil them.
Step 4
Limit full-fat dairy products. Instead, opt for low-fat and non-fat dairy options, like milk, yogurt and cheese.
Step 5
Avoid processed snacks. Give your child single-ingredient snacks instead. Most processed snacks are high in saturated fat. Instead of giving your child pre-packaged peanut butter crackers, for example, spread a small amount of low-fat peanut butter on some whole-wheat crackers.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep cut-up fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator so your child can always have a quick, nutritious snack.
- Consult your doctor before putting your child on any restrictive diet.
Things You'll Need
- Ground turkey
- Skinless chicken breast
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Beans
- Olive oil
- Non-fat cooking spray
