Dinner is an important meal in the day –- whether it is a place where you gather with your family after a hectic day or by yourself somewhere within your busy day. It is also a meal that can either make or break your cholesterol-lowering diet. It may be tempting to opt for the quicker, fast-food selections. But why don’t you try preparing some dishes from About.com's Low-Fat Cooking site for that last meal of the day? Many of these dinner recipes are quick, easy to follow, and, of course, heart-friendly.
Low-Fat Pasta Dishes
If you like noodles in your diet, you’ll love some of these low-fat, easy-to-prepare pasta dishes:- Rice and Beans - A delicious, low-fat favorite.
- Chicken and Zucchini Lasagna - A delicious, filling, low-fat lasagna.
- Zesty Rice and Bean Salad - A dish that is full of fiber and easy to prepare.
- Spinach and Ricotta Pasta - A delicious, low-fat pasta dish.
- Tuna and Pasta Salad - A low-fat, easy-to-prepare, light dish.
- Spaghetti Bolognese - A healthy, hearty low-fat spaghetti dish.
Beef Dishes
Who says you can’t have meat while following a cholesterol-lowering diet? While you can consume meat, but make sure not to go overboard. You can lower the amount of fat you consume in these meals by selecting leaner cuts of meats or by trimming away any visible fat. Try some of these delicious recipes for your next meal:- Balsamic Pork Chops - Delicious, lean pork chops that are low in fat.
- Crockpot Beef Stew - A filling, low-fat, healthy stew.
- Beef and Penne Casserole - A combination of extra lean ground beef, penne pasta, and tomatoes.
- Herbed Pork Tenderloin - An easy-to-prepare, lean dish.
- Low-Fat Beef Enchiladas - A tasty Mexican meal made with low-fat ingredients.
Healthy Fish Recipes
Fish may seem to be too fatty for a cholesterol-lowering diet, but in actuality, consuming a couple of servings of fatty fish a week may be actually good for the heart. Fish contains high amounts of unsaturated fat, which can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and your heart healthy. Be sure to select fish preparations that including baking or broiling and avoid deep-fried preparations. And try some of these fish recipes if you need a little help:- Cod With Lentils - This dish makes a delicious, low-fat meal.
- Broiled Salmon With Lemon Sauce - A tasty recipe that can complement any dish.
- Tuna Rice Salad - An inexpensive, easy-to-prepare healthy dish.
- Sole With Basil and Tomatoes - This dish makes a satisfying, low-fat meal.
Poultry Dishes
Poultry dishes -- including turkey and chicken -- are generally lower in fat and healthier than red meat. Of course, healthier dishes include baked or broiled meats instead of deep-fried varieties. Replacing the fattier meats your regularly consume with poultry could help keep your heart healthy -- and your cholesterol levels within normal range.- Oven Fried Chicken - A delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional fried chicken.
- Spicy Turkey Meatballs - Tasty, low-fat meatballs that can be eaten alone or with a meal.
- Middle Eastern Chicken - A satisfying, spicy, low-fat dish.
- Turkey Meatloaf - A healthy twist to your mom's meatloaf.
- Easy Crockpot Chicken Chili - This simmering, low-fat chili can be eaten any time of the year.
Vegetarian Recipes
Whether you are already following a vegetarian diet, or are just looking to lower the amount of meat you consume, including plenty of vegetables in your meal plan can be healthy for your body and your cholesterol levels. There are a variety of ways you can turn plain vegetables to something with plenty of zest and flavor. Try some of these recipes to get an idea of the variety ways vegetarian dishes can be deliciously prepared:- Quinoa Pilaf - A tasty, high-fiber side dish.
- Spinach Soup - A delicious, light meal.
- Zucchini and Tomato Gratin - A low-fat, baked vegetable dish.
- Vegetable Lasagna - This lasagna is filling as well as low fat.
- Vegetable Curry - A tasty, spicy way to prepare vegetables.
