Snack Options with Zero Cholesterol

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, maintaining a low-cholesterol diet is a must. Not only should you pay attention to what you eat at mealtimes, but snacking is equally important. The good news is that you have many choices when it comes to low cholesterol snacks.

Check the Label

When looking for cholesterol free foods, remember that fat-free equals cholesterol free. Substituting your regular snacks with the fat-free variety will go a long way towards lowering your cholesterol. Look for foods labeled "cholesterol free", "saturated fat free" and "fat-free". Inspect labels that say "less fat" and "less cholesterol". These foods only promise to have less fat and cholesterol that their full fat counterparts, which could be loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol.

Fresh Fruit

Cholesterol is not found in plant-based foods. This makes fruits, vegetables and whole grains excellent choices for a heart healthy, low cholesterol diet. Fresh fruit is ideal as a snack with zero cholesterol. Bananas, apples and oranges are all excellent choices. You can have them with fat-free cool whip if you are looking for something a little sweeter. You can also try pineapple with some fat-free cottage cheese for a healthy snack.

Vegetables

Vegetables make excellent crunchy snacks. You can top your salad with fat-free dressing or dip individual vegetables like baby carrots or strips of green pepper in fat-free ranch dressing. Vegetable snacks make an excellent replacement for their high cholesterol potato chip counterparts.

Whole Grains

Whole grain breads are an excellent choice for a low cholesterol diet, but you must be careful to choose those not made with eggs, milk or butter. Whole grain minibagels with a cholesterol lowering spread like Promise or Smart Balance will make an excellent heart healthy snack. Oatmeal is another whole-grain snack that is not just for breakfast. Instant oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon will give you a cholesterol free snack that is filling and satisfying.

Pretzels

Other grain-based foods, like pretzels, are usually free of cholesterol. You should check the package to be sure. They can be found in whole grain varieties for the added benefit of actively reducing your overall cholesterol levels.

Gelatin

Another great cholesterol free snack is gelatin. Perfect for any snack attack, this sweet and healthy food will help keep your cholesterol low. You can buy this healthy snack in many fruity flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Added Benefits

Many of these foods are high in soluble fiber which helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will also increase your level of antioxidants, helping to preventing cancer and heart disease. By snacking on these healthy foods, you will not only prevent more cholesterol from entering your system, you will be actively reducing the cholesterol that is already there.