Dining out with high cholesterol can seem like an unenjoyable experience, but only if you don’t know how to tackle the menu. You can still enjoy family nights out, festive occasions, or even romantic dinners at your favorite restaurants. All you have to do is educate yourself about the best low-cholesterol choices. 

In order to understand how to manage high cholesterol, you have to know what you’re eating. Reading the menu carefully and identifying problematic ingredients is paramount. How do you know what to look for, though? While going to healthier restaurants and making your own food is the best plan of attack, it may not be sustainable for everyone. This article aims to educate you on how to dine out if you have high cholesterol. 

If Eating Chinese Cuisine, Go For Steamed Instead Of Fried

Chinese restaurants usually have a lot of fried food options, but there are many low-cholesterol options to choose from. Instead of enjoying deep fried egg rolls, opt for spring rolls that are steamed. Better yet, see if you can roll the ingredients in lettuce leaves! Steamed rice is a better choice than fried rice, but try to ask for brown rice if it is available. For your main course options, seafood can be a good choice, especially if the protein is steamed. Boiled or broiled seafood entrees are also good options. Just remember to eat shrimp in moderation and choose entrees with lots of vegetables. Resist dishes with a lot of oil if you want to care for your arteries!

Go For Vegetables And Skip Ghee At Indian Restaurants

There are many vegetarian dishes at Indian restaurants, which is great if you want to eat on the healthier side. Chickpeas are a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, and a heart-healthy legume to consider. Try to order dishes with plenty of vegetables, but stay away from heavy dishes with ghee, which is clarified butter made from buffalo’s or cow’s milk. Just as in the above explanation about Chinese cuisine, ask if the dishes can be made with minimal oil, provided the dishes are made to order and not in large pots. 

Skip The Sour Cream At Mexican Restaurants

Believe it or not, one of the healthier dishes (and perhaps most eye-catching) to order when eating at a Mexican restaurant is fajitas. They usually contain a lot of vegetables and don’t have fried components. Black beans tend to be a better choice, since they are rich in soluble fiber. That said, some restaurants over-salt the beans, no matter what type they are. Try to choose corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas, because corn tortillas contain fewer calories and less sodium, sugar, and saturated fat than flour tortillas. If possible, choose grilled fish as your protein because it is a leaner protein with lower fat and sodium content. Lastly, resist ordering nachos as an appetizer and skip the sour cream and queso, opting for pico de gallo instead.

Avoid Saturated Fats And Limit Fatty Meals

There has been an interesting development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It no longer includes a specific limit for dietary cholesterol, but that isn’t an excuse to eat carelessly. The USDA guidelines and other dietitians advise people to eat as little cholesterol as possible. One study followed 30,000 men and women who did not have cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study. After a 17-year period, researchers noted that for every 300 milligrams of cholesterol that participants added to their daily diet, they increased their risk of cardiovascular disease by 17%. 

Health experts suggest that cholesterol you eat impacts your blood cholesterol levels, but that isn’t the only factor to consider. Maintaining a balanced diet is the best way to manage your cholesterol levels. Reducing your consumption of meat, especially processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meat, can go a long way in reducing cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. Many foods that are rich in cholesterol, including high-fat dairy, bakery items, and fatty meats, also have a higher content of saturated or trans fats, both of which elevate cholesterol. For this reason, do your best to avoid these foods when you dine out. Such foods include pizza, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and casseroles. Additionally, watch out for cheesy foods, palm oil, cookies, snack foods, and cakes. 

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Do you ever wonder which fruits and vegetables are most contaminated with pesticides? Or are you one of those shoppers that just hopes for the best when they buy produce? If you have concerns, fret not because the Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an annual Shopper’s Guide every year. In this guide, the EWG highlights the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15, two lists that help consumers reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals while helping them consume lots of produce.

The EWG suggests that even after you wash and peel certain fruits and vegetables, they can still contain pesticide residue. Nearly 75% of non-organic fresh produce sold in the United States contains pesticide residue. That underscores how widespread exposure has become, even for people who habitually and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables. 

This information should not scare you away; rather, it should help you make smarter, healthier produce choices. If you are looking for the most up-to-date information from the EWG, it recently published both the 2026 Dirty Dozen and 2026 Clean 15 lists. 

The Key Findings

In the 2026 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, researchers note several insights of importance. Some of the key findings are detailed below:

• 96% of the Dirty Dozen samples contained pesticide residues
• Nearly 60% of Clean 15 produce had no detectable pesticides
• More than 54,000 produce samples were analyzed across 47 fruits and vegetables
• On average, some samples contained four or more pesticides 
• PFAS (or forever chemicals) were found in a large number of samples
• Nearly 75% of conventional produce contained pesticide residues, even after washing practices
• Researchers found 264 different pesticides overall

2026 Dirty Dozen List

Researchers note that there were no major items removed or added to the 2026 listThe 2026  Dirty Dozen list includes both fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide contamination. Below, you will find the 12 most pesticide-laden produce items:

• Spinach
• Kale, collards, and mustard greens
• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Blueberries

From samples on the Dirty Dozen list, researchers found 203 total pesticides, and pesticides were found on 96% of all samples on the list. PFAS were found on 63% of all Dirty Dozen foods. Potato samples had an average of two pesticides, while all other 11 produce items had four or more pesticides. All of the foods on this list tend to have thin skins that easily absorb pesticides. When available, buy organic versions of these items. 

2026 Clean 15 List

The Clean 15 list remained unchanged from 2025 to 2026, but the rankings may have shifted slightly. What is clear is that this list highlights the produce items with the lowest pesticide levels. Nearly 60% of the produce on the 2026 Clean 15 list had no detectable pesticides, and only 16% of the produce had residues of multiple pesticides. 

• Pineapple
• Sweet corn (frozen or fresh)
• Avocados
• Papaya
• Onions
• Sweet peas (frozen)
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Watermelon
• Mangos
• Bananas
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Kiwi

Many of the foods on this list have thick skins or natural resistances to pests. That ultimately reduces pesticide exposure, and they are generally safe to buy conventionally if you are on a budget and cannot afford organic varieties.

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Fiber is the nutrient everyone knows they need, and yet most people manage to not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI). Today’s Western diet lacks a lot of fiber, and the average American consumes less than 50% of the RDI of fiber each day. That is a big deal when you consider that high-fiber foods support heart and digestive health, guarding against conditions like diverticulitis, heart disease, obesity, and so much more. 

There are certain diets that prioritize fibrous foods, but you don’t have to adhere to a specific diet to eat more fiber. You can eat a balanced diet and add more high-fiber foods to your meals. Which foods are rich in fiber, and how can you be sure that you are getting enough? The general recommendation is to consume 25 to 28 grams of fiber per day for women, and 31 to 38 grams for men. 

The more consistent you are with your fiber intake, the likelier you are to stay at a healthy weight. Additionally, following a high-fiber diet can help maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Continue reading to learn about great high-fiber foods you can easily add to your diet. 

Black Beans

Black beans provide 15 grams of fiber per cup of cooked, mature black beans. They also provide a lot of protein and a diverse mix of flavonoids and antioxidant compounds that help to fight free radicals. Black beans also offer magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, folate, and thiamine. 

Chia Seeds

They may be small, but their nutritional profile is mighty! Chia seeds are high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients that help support energy, healthy digestion, and brain function. Offering nine grams of fiber per ounce, chia seeds are excellent high-fiber superstars to include in your diet. They also offer calcium, phosphorus, protein, omega-3s, and manganese. Some people are sensitive to chia seeds, the same way they are to legumes, so increase water intake to help minimize bloating and other related symptoms when you eat them. 

Oats

Oats actually contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may help lower harmful LDL cholesterol to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. They are also rich in protein, iron, manganese, thiamine, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. Just one cup of oats provides 8.2 grams of fiber. Ideally, you should opt for steel-cut or rolled oats that are free of added sweeteners and flavors. That means no flavored oatmeal packets!

Chickpeas

Chickpeas happen to be one of the best sources of dietary fiber, offering 12.5 grams of fiber per cup of cooked chickpeas. They offer a diverse mix of essential nutrients, especially manganese (satisfying 84% of the RDI). Chickpeas also contain omega-3s, omega-6s, folate, copper, protein, and folate. 

Artichokes

These low-calorie vegetables happen to be rich in fiber and other essential nutrients. One medium artichoke supplies nearly 50% of the RDI of fiber for women and a third for men. Notable nutrients include vitamins A, C, E, B, and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. You can steam, bake, or boil artichokes and season them with lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, spices, and red onion. Spinach artichoke dip is not a healthy way to eat artichokes, in case you were wondering. 

Acorn Squash

Winter squash varieties, such as acorn squash, butternut squash, and pumpkins, are excellent sources of beta-carotene, among other nutrients. Their signature orange flesh is rich in soluble fiber, which slows the rate at which the body digests food, allowing for maximum nutrient absorption. In addition to offering nine grams of fiber per cup, acorn squash also offers vitamins A, B6, and C, magnesium, folate, potassium, thiamine, and manganese. 

Durian

This is not the most popular fruit in America. It is very strange looking and you either love it or hate it, as both the smell and flavor can be very off-putting to many people. That said, it is very nutrient-dense, offering an impressive amount of healthy fats. Because of that, it is higher in calories than most other fruits. It is similar to avocados in that way. Durian offers 9.2 grams of fiber per cup, and also contains vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and some B vitamins. 

Coconut

With a low-glycemic index, coconut is great to incorporate into your diet if you are watching your blood glucose levels. Coconut flour contains four to six times the amount of fiber as oat bran, and coconut meat itself offers 7.2 grams of fiber per cup. Coconut meat is also rich in selenium, folate, manganese, and omega-6s. Make sure to buy desiccated coconut instead of sweetened coconut flakes, as the latter version is very unhealthy and comes with no nutritional benefits. 

Almonds

Nuts, like almonds, are great sources of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Almonds are lower in calories and fats compared to most other nuts, though. They do offer 11.5 grams of fiber per cup, though. They also offer impressive amounts of magnesium, protein, riboflavin, manganese, and vitamin E. You can enjoy them as a snack or blend them into sauces or energy bal recipes. 

Raspberries

Raspberries contain a lot of manganese, which helps support healthy bones, skin, and blood sugar. Because they are so easy to eat, as they are slightly tangy and sweet, they rank high on the list of high-fiber foods for children and adults. They offer eight grams of fiber per cup, in addition to other nutrients like vitamins C and K and manganese.

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An acorn squash is an excellent fall/winter squash that deserves a place on your table during colder weather. Similar to butternut squash in both color and flavor, acorn squash pairs beautifully with a touch of cinnamon, maple syrup, or a variety of herbs and spices. To stay consistent with fall and winter flavors, we went the cinnamon and maple route for this recipe. The squash caramelizes and becomes buttery-tender during the roasting process. Trust us when we tell you that this festive side dish does not disappoint.

One of the best things about this recipe, besides the highly addictive flavor, is how effortless and easy it is. All you have to do is slice the acorn squash in half, scoop out the innards, and then slice it into half moons. Just make sure that you do not slice the squash too thick or else it will take longer to cook. If you don’t want to spend time roasting them in the oven, you can consider cooking the squash slices in an air fryer or toaster oven, but you may need to do several batches, depending on the size of the appliance you use. The cooking time will also vary if you use an air fryer, toaster oven, etc.

If easy, wholesome side dishes really rev your engine, then you are going to love this recipe. It is every bit as cozy as it is delicious. In fact, it proves that healthy eating does not have to be a boring venture. Many healthy recipes are quite tasty and far from anything you think of when you imagine what “healthy” tastes like. This embraces sweet and savory flavors, combining them for cozy fall perfection. It is both versatile and crowd pleasing, so much so that your kids may even love it!

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One of the most challenging dietary feats, besides switching to a raw vegan diet, is to reduce your caloric intake. It’s possible to do, but many low-calorie foods can leave you feeling hungry or unfulfilled between meals. This is primarily because they do not contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. That said, there are a surprising number of low-calorie foods that can keep you full. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Berries

Low-calorie and low-carb alert, people! Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries  contain beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that benefit overall health. One cup of blueberries, for example, contains 86 calories but offers 3.6 grams (g) of fiber. Fiber, in addition to protein, has a big impact on your hunger and appetite. Berries contain a lot of pectin, a type of dietary fiber that has proven to slow stomach emptying and increase feelings of fullness in both human and animal studies. One study found that a 65-calorie afternoon snack of berries decreased total caloric intake later in the day compared to a 65-calorie snack of gummy candies. 

Air-Popped Popcorn

Before we tell you why you can have your popcorn and eat it too, please understand the difference between air-popped popcorn and buttered, movie theater popcorn. The popcorn you buy in packages that says “movie theater butter” on the label is not what we are referring to. Air-popped popcorn means that the kernels pop with heat and air, no oil or butter. You can put some kernels in a silicone bowl, cover the bowl, and microwave until they pop! Due to the high-fiber content, air-popped popcorn is one of the most filling, low-calorie snacks on this list. With only 31 calories in a cup, popcorn boasts 1.2 g of dietary fiber. In addition to slowing the digestive process to promote feelings of fullness, fiber also helps to stabilize blood sugar. Studies have found that popcorn can help enhance feelings of fullness more than other snack foods. 

Leafy Greens

On average, a one-cup serving of leafy greens contains anywhere from five to nine calories. This number will change if the greens are cooked or not, but the range we just specified applies to raw greens. That means you can consume a large serving of leafy greens without ingesting a lot of calories. Most leafy greens provide high amounts of folate, magnesium, iron, protein, and vitamins C, K, and A. You can enjoy large salads, add leafy greens to smoothies, or incorporate them into soups. 

Chia Seeds

Hailed as an incredible superfood, chia seeds offer a lot of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. A one-ounce serving of chia seeds provides 138 calories, 4.7 g of protein, and 9.8 g of fiber. The soluble fiber in chia seeds absorbs liquid and swells in the stomach to create feelings of fullness. This can be observed if you mix chia seeds with liquid to make chia pudding. The seeds absorb the liquid to create a tapioca pudding-like texture. Some researchers observed that chia seeds can absorb 15 times their weight in water. They move slowly through the digestive tract to keep you full. 

Oats

A wonderful whole grain that is low in calories and high in protein and fiber, two nutrients that promote feelings of fullness. A half-cup serving of dry oats exhibits 154 calories, but the same cup packs 4 g of fiber and 5 g of protein. One study involving 48 adults found that eating oatmeal increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger and caloric intake at the next meal. Another small study linked instant and old-fashioned oats to improved appetite control over a four-hour period. 

Legumes

Due to the high protein and fiber content, legumes such as peas, lentils, and beans can be very filling. One cup of cooked lentils provides 230 calories, in addition to 15.6 g and 18 g of protein. Several studies found that legumes have a powerful effect on hunger and appetite. A small study involving 43 young adults found that a high protein meal with beans, and peas increased feelings of fullness. The meal also reduced appetite and hunger more than a high protein meal with veal and pork. A review of nine other studies concluded that people felt 31% fuller after eating pulses, a type of legume, when compared to high-carb meals consisting of bread and pasta.

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This corn salad is perfect for the summer. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also refreshing!

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Unlike whole foods that provide essential nutrients, ultra-processed foods are devoid of nutritional value. They typically contain lots of sugar, salt, and additives that can be very harmful to the body. Statistically, people who eat lots of ultra-processed foods, such as deli meats, sugary cereals, and packaged foods, might not live as long as people who avoid these foods. 

That point was recently highlighted in a new 30-year study that connected ultra-processed meat, poultry, and seafood in ready-to-eat meals to a 13% greater risk of early death. Researchers looked at data collected for more than three decades on nearly 75,000 women and 40,000 men. The data started when participants were at least 40 years old and had no history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Every two years during the course of the study, participants shared information about their health and completed detailed questionnaires about eating habits. 

At the end of the study, a total of 48,193 people passed away. Study authors observed that the participants who consumed the most amount of ultra-processed foods were 4% more likely to die during the study than people who held better diets and consumed fewer amounts of ultra-processed foods. These foods, which include soda, potato chips, sausages, and candy, contain added sugars, excess sodium, and unhealthy fats. These ingredients negatively affect the function of major organs and systems in the body, which may explain why their consumption is associated with shorter lifespan. 

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

These foods are the most processed and usually come in packaged form. They are almost entirely made of substances extracted from fats, sugars, proteins, and oils, or synthesized in factories and labs with few ingredients that come from natural sources. Corn, for example, is available to purchase in the produce section of a grocery store. You can also purchase it in canned or frozen form, or even as kernels to make popcorn. Corn chips in the snack aisle, however, are ultra-processed, usually containing trans and saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, and excess sodium.

Some Ultra-Processed Foods Have Higher Risks Than Others

One of the things that researchers discovered during the study was that not all ultra-processed foods harm the body equally regarding longevity. Study authors noted that ultra-processed meat, poultry, and seafood in ready-to-eat products increased early risk of death by 13%. Ultra-processed foods and sodas with added sugars or artificial sweeteners increased early risk of death by 9%. Ice cream and other dairy-based desserts were associated with a 7% higher risk of early death. 

Avoid Processed Meats And Seafood…If You Want To Live Longer

It is difficult to translate the early risk of death into a specific number of months or years. The researchers didn’t indicate this because there is not simple math conversion for mortality risk to lost years of life. If your goal is to live longer, study authors advise you to steer clear of ultra-processed foods, or avoid them as much as possible. Consider the quality of the ultra-processed foods you consume and examine the ingredient lists and nutritional profiles. Reading these labels may inform you about the risks of eating these types of foods. 

It is better to build your meals around whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and lean protein choices. Eating these healthier foods and avoiding ultra-processed may help the body function more optimally, and potentially reduce your risk of early death. Just remember that the quality of your diet can either support or harm your health.

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Before we get started on great late-night snacks that support weight loss, let’s take note of a 2015 study that revealed snacking at night leads to overeating. As you know, overeating contributes to weight gain. However, if you plan to go to bed and hear your stomach growling, it is very tempting to reach for something quick and tasty. The problem is that most people reach for the wrong snacks to hold them over. 

Sometimes, it’s very possible that you did not eat enough during the day and need a snack to tide you over until morning. There are many hunger-curbing snacks that are healthy to enjoy before bed. The key is to choose low-calorie foods that keep you full without exceeding your caloric limit. Choose from the following healthy late-night snacks when hunger strikes. 

Oatmeal

There’s nothing wrong with a little A.M in the P.M. A bowl of warm oatmeal is quite the filling late-night snack because it is rich in fiber, offering four grams per half cup of uncooked oats. One serving of plain oatmeal has about 160 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is low in fat and sugar, provided you don’t use those packets of processed oatmeals. Cook your oats in water and season them with cinnamon and a little maple syrup to keep the calories down. 

Fruit With Nut Butter

Some people argue against eating fruit at night because it can ferment in the gut overnight. As long as you know your digestive system, you can plan to eat the right fruits, which are typically low in calories and high in fiber. If you want a sweet treat, opt for fruit instead of ice cream or cake because the natural sugar will satisfy your sweet tooth. Consider eating whole fruits, such as grapes, apples, pears, cherries, berries, or grapes, all of which provide about 80 calories per cup. If you need something a little more substantial than fruit, try dipping your fruit in either low-fat yogurt, natural peanut butter, or almond butter. Be careful with how much nut butter you eat, though, because it can have about 90-100 calories per tablespoon. 

Popcorn

Do not grab a packet of movie theater popcorn and eat the entire thing while watching Netflix. If you want to get your crunch on, sub those unhealthy chips and crackers with air-popped popcorn. One serving of popped popcorn without butter offers just 31 calories. You don’t have to eat it plain; rather, you can season your popcorn with some garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, or other seasonings to liven up the flavor. You can choose to put nutritional yeast on the popcorn for a cheesy flavor, but keep in mind that a two tablespoon serving contains 50 calories. 

Veggies And Hummus

Vegetables are some of the lowest calorie foods you can enjoy, and they typically contain a lot of water and fiber. One cup of raw carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, snap peas, cucumber, broccoli, or zucchini offers between 25 to 50 calories. In addition to helping you feel full, vegetables provide lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which benefit overall health. To provide extra sustenance, dip your vegetables in one to two tablespoons of hummus. Eating too much hummus will increase your caloric intake a lot, so be careful with your portions. 

Protein-Rich Foods

Don’t go grab a tomahawk steak and eat it like a caveman; rather, focus on high-fiber, protein-rich foods that move slowly through the digestive tract. A great high-protein and healthy fat option is mixed nuts. Just be mindful of your portions because an ounce provides 170 calories. You can also consume low-fat yogurt with some berries. Eggs can also be a great source of proteins, with one large hard-boiled egg providing 75 calories.

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This is a cozy meal for when it’s chilly out. To save yourself some time, prep the ingredients beforehand.

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Usually vegan patties use plant based products. Smashed Burbank does things a bit differently, and makes their own patties. Their vegan patties contain: quinoa, corn, bell peppers, and more. Would you try this vegan smash burger?

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