The “TLC” diet or the “overall low cholesterol” diet is a diet plan for decreasing cholesterol. This was presented by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) last May of 2001 as a new diet plan standard for those who have high blood cholesterol and are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

This brand-new diet for reducing cholesterol was also backed by the American Heart Association and added it as one of its substance on dietary and lifestyle change for people who have high blood cholesterol.

Below are food groups and some info with some pointers that are useful in your diet for decreasing cholesterol:

* Select skinless poultry or get rid of the skin before eating or cooking.
* Fish have less hydrogenated fat than chicken or meat
* Limit your overall quantity of lean meat, fish, shellfish or chicken consumption daily. Even the thinnest meat has filled fat.

* When searching for poultry select chicken and turkey. These are low in saturated fat. Buy chicken or turkey with the skin is removed.
* Avoid goose and duck; even with the skin removed they still are high in hydrogenated fat.

* Chicken and turkey hot dogs have less saturated fat and total fat than pork and beef hot dogs.
* When picking in between fish and meat or poultry, pick fish. Fish have less hydrogenated fat than meat and poultry.

* Substitute meat with dry peas, beans or tofu. These have less saturated fat and cholesterol than meat. Dry peas and beans are abundant in fiber which is great in lowering cholesterol. Include beans to pastas, casseroles, soups and vegetable dishes. Marinade tofu in a non fat dressing or in a spicy saucy.
* Barbecuing or baking meat is suggested. Prevent frying meat.

* When cooking eggs, separated the egg yolk from the egg white. Egg yolks have high dietary cholesterol.
* Avoid baked items that utilize egg yolks as a component. If inescapable, limit your intake of this type of foods.
* Alternative egg whites for egg yolks, egg whites contain absolutely no cholesterol.

* Whole milk, cheese and ice cream are high in saturated fat and cholesterol; rather purchase non fat or low fat dairy items.
* In your diet for reducing cholesterol change hydrogenated fat with unsaturated fat. Control the overall amount of fats or oils and calories that you intake.

* Use liquid grease such as canola, olive, peanut, corn, sunflower, soybean and sesame oil. These are high in unsaturated fats.
* Limitation butter, fatback, solid shortenings and lard. These are high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

In order for your diet plan for decreasing cholesterol to be a success, you have got to be in control of your urge to eat the foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Also you should have regular exercise and an active and healthy way of life in order to have a desirable cholesterol level.

These are low in saturated fat. * Substitute meat with dry peas, beans or tofu. These have less saturated fat and cholesterol than meat. Dry peas and beans are abundant in fiber which is good in decreasing cholesterol. Marinade tofu in a non fat dressing or in a spicy saucy.