Low Cholesterol Cookies & Snacks
Finding cookies and snacks that are not high in saturated fat can be challenging. Many processed foods also contain trans fats, which are can raise your LDL cholesterol levels, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you are trying to keep your cholesterol level in a healthy range, choose cookies and snacks that are low in cholesterol.
Cookies
You do not need to give up cookies completely when trying to eat a low cholesterol diet. According to Oklahoma State University Extension, gingersnaps, graham and animal cracker cookies are low in fat and cholesterol 1. These cookies are made with little saturated fats, making them a good choice. In addition, several food companies make fat-free or low-fat versions of standard cookies. Read the nutrition label to find cookies with less than 3g of overall fat. Avoid foods that have more than 1g of saturated fat or .5g of trans fat. Eat only one serving at a time to avoid eating too many calories.
- You do not need to give up cookies completely when trying to eat a low cholesterol diet.
- Read the nutrition label to find cookies with less than 3g of overall fat.
Crunchy Snacks
The Calories in Grilled Cheese
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You may think of crackers and greasy chips when you think about crunchy snacks. Most crackers and all oil fried chips are high in fat and cholesterol. Switch from oil fried chips to baked varieties. Baked chips are available in a variety of flavors. Make your own low cholesterol chips by thinly slicing sweet or white potatoes, brushing lightly with a trace of olive oil and baking in a 450 degree F oven until crispy. Use an air popper to pop fresh popcorn or eat one serving of baked pretzels.
- You may think of crackers and greasy chips when you think about crunchy snacks.
- Make your own low cholesterol chips by thinly slicing sweet or white potatoes, brushing lightly with a trace of olive oil and baking in a 450 degree F oven until crispy.
Dairy Snacks
According to MyPyramid.gov, choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products due to the high saturated fat content in regular dairy products. Snack on light cheese sticks to help meet your calcium requirement for the day. Eat fat-free Greek yogurt as a mid-morning snack or drink a glass of skim milk before you go the bed. Buy single serving cups of fat-free cottage cheese and combine the cheese with a serving of fruit. If you use canned fruit, choose fruits canned in juice rather than heavy syrup to save calories. Spread fat-free cream cheese on 1/2 of a whole grain bagel for a snack that combines food from the dairy and grain group.
- According to MyPyramid.gov, choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products due to the high saturated fat content in regular dairy products.
- Eat fat-free Greek yogurt as a mid-morning snack or drink a glass of skim milk before you go the bed.
Vegetable and Fruit Snacks
How Many Calories in Carrot Sticks?
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Raw vegetables are a staple of a low cholesterol diet. Make a fat-free hummus and dip your favorite raw vegetables in a couple of tablespoons. Use peeled carrots, celery or cauliflower. Eat fruit plain, or cut up the fruit and dip it in fat-free, lightly sweetened strawberry yogurt. Use a juicer to juice vegetables and serve the drink with a whole grain roll. Freeze bananas for a frozen treat or blend strawberries into a smoothie.
- Raw vegetables are a staple of a low cholesterol diet.
- Freeze bananas for a frozen treat or blend strawberries into a smoothie.
Related Articles
References
- Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension: Dietary Fat and Cholesterol
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Writer Bio
Diane Lynn began writing in 1998 as a guest columnist for the "Tallahassee Democrat." After losing 158 pounds, she wrote her own weight-loss curriculum and now teaches classes on diet and fitness. Lynn also writes for The Oz Blog and her own blog, Fit to the Finish. She has a Bachelor of Science in finance from Florida State University.