Low-cholesterol Diet

We do not have any recipes that are specifically created for those on a low-cholesterol diet. But using the guidelines above, there are many low-fat recipes on the site that will be suitable. If you have been advised by your doctor that you should be on a low-cholersterol diet, the following guidelines might be helpful:

• Always choose lean cuts of meat and trim off fat before cooking.
• Eat smaller portions of meat.
• Use pulses, vegetables and cereals instead of meat.
• Eat chicken, turkey and fish more often as these are lower in fat than meat. Remove all skin from poultry.
• Grill, steam, poach, bake, braise, microwave or casserole instead of frying or roasting.
• Roast without adding fat by wrapping food in foil or roasting bags to retain juices and prevent drying out. Meat can be cooked on a rack over a bain-marie.
• Substitute polyunsaturated margarine for butter.
• Use polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oil in moderation.
• Use skimmed milk instead of full-cream milk. N.b.Children under five should not use skimmed milk.
• Replace ordinary hard cheeses with low-fat or reduced-fat varieties.
• Sauces can be made with mixing flour or cornflour with cold water, skimmed milk or stock before cooking to thicken.
• Skim off fat from stews and soups by removing it with absorbent kitchen paper or, if the dish is allowed to cool first, the fat could be taken off with a spoon.
• Look out for new low-fat or reduced-fat products in the shops.
• Check labels for fat content and type of fat used in processed foods. A good guide is to choose made up dishes containing 5 grams fat or less per serving.

You should contact your GP if you have any concerns. The following organisations may also be of interest:

The British Heart Foundation (020 7935 0185) plays a leading role in the fight against heart disease, educates the public about heart health and provides support and information to heart patients and their families.British Heart Foundation The British Cardiac Patients Association (helpline 01223 846845) offers practical advice and support to all heart patients and families.
NHS Direct (0845 4647)

Further reading:
These titles, and others, are available at discounted prices in our online Book Shop from Amazon.Julie Stafford’s Low-Cholesterol Cookbook
7-Day Low-Cholesterol Cookbook by Carolyn Humphries (Foulsham)
Quick and Easy Low-Cholesterol Recipes by Catherine Saxelby (Grange Books)

• Useful websites: *
  Takeheart: www.takeheart.co.uk
  Sainsbury's Healthy Eating
  NB Recipes on the above sites and in the recommended books have not been tested by Delia Online.