Updated September 03, 2013.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
These low-cholesterol lunches are quick and easy, and all under 500 calories. The secret to preparing them is taking standard lunch choices, making minor substitutions with low-cholesterol and low-fat ingredients, then adding in additional high-fiber and nutritious ingredients to help you feel full. Try these fantastic under 500 calorie recipes and you'll see that low-cholesterol lunches are as satisfying as regular lunches!
Try a Healthier Tuna Sandwich for a filling lunch with a dose of cholesterol-friendly omega-3 fats .
A Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich is a surprisingly healthy choice. Use a small amount of natural peanut butter, free of hydrogenated oils, and this low-fat sandwich fits the bill. Best of all, it's a family pleaser and great for picnics and those who are on-the-go.
Low-Fat Chicken Salad is a welcomed variation on an old lunchtime favorite. Fat-free mayonnaise and non-fat yogurt are the secrets to replicating standard chicken salad consistency.
Asian Chicken Noodle Salad -- Why risk the unknowns of take-out, when you can make this cholesterol-friendly noodle salad at home? Double the recipe and enjoy two days of the week.
Penne With Chicken and Asparagus Use whole wheat penne to make this dish even more nutritious choice. A great make-ahead meal, you can enjoy this dish for several days after preparation.
Tips for Easy Low-Cholesterol Lunches
Make half of your grains "whole." Choose whole grain (100% whole wheat flour) breads, pita, or sandwich wraps. Try open-faced sandwiches and you will automatically cut down on extra calories.
Spice Things Up! Avoid the fat and cholesterol of mayonnaise by using spicy mustard, salsa, or spicy hummus on your sandwiches.
Cook for Two. When you prepare cholesterol-friendly fish (such as salmon and tuna) for diner, make an extra piece and use it as a salad topper for your next day's lunch.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
These low-cholesterol lunches are quick and easy, and all under 500 calories. The secret to preparing them is taking standard lunch choices, making minor substitutions with low-cholesterol and low-fat ingredients, then adding in additional high-fiber and nutritious ingredients to help you feel full. Try these fantastic under 500 calorie recipes and you'll see that low-cholesterol lunches are as satisfying as regular lunches!
Try a Healthier Tuna Sandwich for a filling lunch with a dose of cholesterol-friendly omega-3 fats .
- Per Serving: Calories 245, Calories from Fat 30, Total Fat 3.3 (sat 1.1g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 584mg, Carbohydrate 34.2g, Fiber 5.1g, Protein 19.5g
A Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich is a surprisingly healthy choice. Use a small amount of natural peanut butter, free of hydrogenated oils, and this low-fat sandwich fits the bill. Best of all, it's a family pleaser and great for picnics and those who are on-the-go.
- Per serving: Calories: 422, Calories from Fat 97, Total Fat 10.8g (sat 2.8g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 270mg, Carbohydrate 70mg, Fiber 6.8g, Protein 11g
Low-Fat Chicken Salad is a welcomed variation on an old lunchtime favorite. Fat-free mayonnaise and non-fat yogurt are the secrets to replicating standard chicken salad consistency.
- Per Serving: Calories 166, Calories from Fat 16, Total Fat 1.9g (sat 0.3), Cholesterol 51mg, Sodium 245mg, Carbohydrate 14.6g, Fiber 2.7g, Protein 22.8g
Asian Chicken Noodle Salad -- Why risk the unknowns of take-out, when you can make this cholesterol-friendly noodle salad at home? Double the recipe and enjoy two days of the week.
- Per Serving: Calories 423, Calories from Fat 84, Total Fat 9.3g (sat 1.9g), Cholesterol 64mg, Sodium 468mg, Carbohydrate 50.7g, Fiber 3.9g, Protein 34.2g
Penne With Chicken and Asparagus Use whole wheat penne to make this dish even more nutritious choice. A great make-ahead meal, you can enjoy this dish for several days after preparation.
- Per Serving: Calories 406, Calories from Fat 54, Total Fat 6.2g (sat 0.8g), Cholesterol 49mg, Sodium 61mg, Carbohydrate 57.9g, Fiber 4.5g, Protein 30.1g
Tips for Easy Low-Cholesterol Lunches
Make half of your grains "whole." Choose whole grain (100% whole wheat flour) breads, pita, or sandwich wraps. Try open-faced sandwiches and you will automatically cut down on extra calories.
Spice Things Up! Avoid the fat and cholesterol of mayonnaise by using spicy mustard, salsa, or spicy hummus on your sandwiches.
Cook for Two. When you prepare cholesterol-friendly fish (such as salmon and tuna) for diner, make an extra piece and use it as a salad topper for your next day's lunch.