Only major change was eating oatmeal with fruit for breakfast instead of the muffins I had been getting at the cafeteria at work. I also lost about 10 pounds, but I'd like to lose more.

From what I've read and what the nutritionist told me, eating meat, eggs, and other food with cholesterol in it does not automatically raise one's cholesterol, though it might be a factor for some people. She said avoiding trans fats -- specifically foods with the word "hydrogenated" in the ingredient list -- was key. She said lean meat was fine in moderation. And of course, more fruits and veggies and less fat is always a good thing. She divided a plate into four quarters -- a quarter for lean meat, a quarter for starchy stuff, half for veggies.

I've got a family history of elevated cholesterol but had managed to keep mine down until this winter when it finally caught up to me!