The degree of commitment given to lowering cholesterol is what will help determine your level of success. The most common reason people have high cholesterol is because they consume too much fatty or saturated oil. By changing this one aspect, you could expect to lower your overall cholesterol by as much as 20%.

By changing the way you currently eat, to a healthy diet consisting of the right foods, you will set yourself on the path to successful overall health.

The basic guidelines are:

• Reduce your fat intake
• Decrease the number of calories consumed
• Exercise more and consistently
• Stay away from "fad" or "crash" diets. Work with your physician or a registered dietician to determine the most optimal eating plan for you.

Choose foods that are higher in fiber or starch and read labels to help you avoid foods listed as containing high cholesterol.

If you are carrying around too much weight, discuss with your physician a healthy goal and work to reach that goal. Excess weight is another cause of high cholesterol so by changing your lifestyle to eat better and to eat the right foods, your goal can be reached.

Also, get involved with some type of exercise program. Whether you walk 20 minutes a day, do aerobics, every time you exercise, you are helping to reduce your bad cholesterol level. You may need to start slowly and build up to a more intense regimen.

In addition, with any new diet or activity, if you are pregnant or have health issues, consult your physician first.