What you eat has a big effect on your body’s cholesterol level. Eating certain foods can raise your cholesterol. Other foods can help you lower it. Watching what you eat can help you get your cholesterol level under control.

There are different kinds of fats in the foods you eat. Fats can be saturated or unsaturated. Planning meals that are low in saturated fat helps reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood. A healthy goal is to have less than 30% of your daily calories come from fat. Instead of fats, eat more fruits, grains, and vegetables.

Research indicates that trans fat raises LDL cholesterol. The FDA now requires food manufacturers to list the amount of trans fat a food contains on the label.

Certain types of fats can actually help your heart, so you don't need to avoid fat altogether. Instead, watch how much and what type you eat.

Studies show that a diet low in saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and total fat can lower blood cholesterol levels.

Comparing labels will help you choose foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt) and calories.

The body’s fuel typically runs out within 4 to 6 hours after eating a meal. If you don’t eat, you’ll feel your energy level drop and your performance dwindle. Try packing snacks to bring with you to work, school, or wherever your busy schedule takes you. Otherwise, you’ll end up relying on vending machines or convenience stores, where the selection is limited and many of the choices are high in fat and low in nutrients.

If you're like many Americans, you may not be getting enough fiber in your diet.

If you have a family history of a chronic condition, you can gain protective benefits by personalizing your diet to prevent specific diseases.

Cooking with less fat may mean learning some new ways to cook. But it doesn’t mean eating bland, boring food. And it doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen. There are lots of ways to cook and season foods using less fat.

There are endless ways to add more variety and flavor to your diet, without using salt or high-fat ingredients.

Cooking a healthful, low-fat meal doesn't take any longer than cooking one that's high in fat, cholesterol and sodium.

You don’t have to go to cooking school to be a creative cook. Try these tips for creative, healthy, delicious meals.