You should consume less than 300 mg of cholesterol daily, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that comes from eating beef, chicken, and such dairy products as eggs and milk. While you need a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables for a well-rounded diet, pay attention to your serving sizes, as well as the nutritional value of each meal and snack.
Meats
Consume 8 oz. or less of lean meats daily, advises Mountain States Health Alliance. Examples include fish, chicken breasts without the skin, beef sirloins and tenderloins, steamed shrimp, and leg of lamb. Certain meats, such as ground beef and chicken, provide a lean numerical percentage on the nutrition label. Buy meats that are at least 90 percent lean. Avoid processed meats, including bacon, deli meats, sausage and animal organs, such as livers.
Fruits and Vegetables
Just about all fruits and vegetables rank low in cholesterol. This includes fresh fruits and veggies, as well as dried, frozen and canned versions. Avoid canned items that contain added sugar or salt, which can lead to elevated cholesterol levels. Enjoy canned fruit with heavy syrup only as a special treat. Cook vegetables with little -- if any -- butter, oil or salt.
Carbohydrates
Low-cholesterol carbohydrates include whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice. Buy whole grain versions of bagels, pita bread and English muffins. Avoid white bread and products that contain bleached flour. Enjoy a plain baked potato or baked potato chips, as long as no extra oil was added. Eat frozen waffles sparingly. Refrain from eating sweet breads, croissants and pastries, as well as other foods made with lard, hydrogenated oil and saturated oil.
Treats
Not all snacks and sweets are bad for you. Low-cholesterol choices include graham or animal crackers, vanilla wafers, angel food cake, fat-free or low-fat cupcakes, cakes, brownies and cheesecake. Don't add whipped cream or icing to your desserts. Instead of ice cream, enjoy a small cup of sorbet or sherbet. While they're low in cholesterol, however, such foods may contain plenty of calories. Enjoy a treat every once in a while and follow serving suggestions.
