How to Raise a Low-Cholesterol Kid

February is Heart Month. A good time for parents to learn that high cholesterol is not just an adult problem. In fact, it's estimated that reducing your child's cholesterol level by 1% can result in a 2% reduction in his or her risk for heart disease as an adult. Here are some simple steps you can take:

1. Limit the fat in your child's diet to 30% of total calories (including saturated fats, which should not exceed 10%). Saturated fat raises the cholesterol level more than anything else in the diet. It is found in meat, whole milk, cheese, eggs, cream, butter, sour cream, cream cheese and lard. Also in coconut oil, cocoa butter and palm oil.
2. Limit your child's intake of cholesterol. Foods of plant origin like fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, grains, cereals, nuts and seeds contain no cholesterol.
3. Have your child's diet be 50-60% carbohydrates. Increase the intake of pasta, rice, potatoes (not chips or fries), peas and beans.
4. Maintain your child's weight. Overweight children are more likely to have high cholesterol.
5. Increase your child's diet to include 20% lean protein. Choose poultry, fish and lean cuts of meat for your child. Watch out for fatty hot dogs and hamburgers!
6. Encourage your child to exercise. Children don't need to take aerobic classes. Rather, get them motivated to go out and play basketball or ride their bikes. (And, no, playing video football or video kung-fu doesn't count as exercise!)
7. Most importantly, involve your child in maintaining his or her healthy cholesterol level. Make discovering new and healthy meals and snacks a family activity. Take bike rides and walks together as a family. And work together to monitor the whole family's cholesterol, not just the child's. Remember, children learn best by example.