The main objective of following a heart healthy menu is to maintain healthy levels of lipids and cholesterol in the body. The consumption of heart healthy meals can help reduce LDL levels, which are normally regarded as the “bad cholesterol”, as they are harmful for the heart. A heart healthy diet also increases the level of HDL in the body. HDL is known as the “good cholesterol”, as they have several health benefits.

Like most other diet plans, a heart healthy diet also helps in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. You may find it a bit difficult to change your eating habits immediately. Therefore, given below are some tips that can help you to switch over to cholesterol reducing foods in the long term:

Reduce cholesterol and other unhealthy foods: The most important step in a heart healthy diet is limiting your intake of saturated fats and trans-fats, which reduces your cholesterol as well as the risks of suffering from any coronary artery diseases. Therefore, foods like butter, shortening, margarine, chips, crackers and cookies should be avoided.

Using olive or canola oil and fruit and vegetables in place of unhealthy snacks can help you achieve your target.

Opt for foods that are low in fat, but high in protein: While lean meats, fish, poultry and certain low fat dairy products are high in protein, it is important to prepare them in a way, that helps cut down on fat. Therefore skim milk should be chosen over full-cream milk and skinless chicken should be baked or grilled, instead of fried. Other foods that are high in protein, but low in cholesterol are legumes and soybean. 

Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat: Fresh vegetables and fruits are not just high in dietary finer, vitamins and minerals, they are also low in calories and cholesterol. High consumption of these foods helps reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, eating larger quantities of fruits and veggies can help you limit your consumption of foods that are higher in fat, like bread, cheese, meat, and so on. However, canned fruit, frozen fruit with sugar, fried vegetables and coconut should be avoided, as they are all high in fat. 
Eat more whole grains: Most whole grains are rich in fiber, which is great of the digestive system and helps in regulating your blood pressure and the health of your heart. Flaxseeds are a great way of adding whole grains to your diet. Products that are made from white flour should be strictly avoided, as they are high in fat and are not nutritious. 

Decrease the amount of salt in your food: Salt is one of the major contributors of high blood pressure and therefore cardiovascular diseases. Reducing the amount of salt that you add to your food is the first step towards the right direction.

Instead of adding salt, try using herbs or other spices, to make your food tastier and more flavorful. 
Control the size of your portions: Pre-decide how much you should eat in a day, which will help you to avoid overeating. During meals, eat till you are no longer hungry and do not stuff yourself. 
Create a heart healthy menu for yourself: It is quite easy to find a variety of heart healthy recipes through books and online resources. To make your diets and your menus more successful, it is important to try a variety of these recipes.

Remember that treats are allowed, on occasion and therefore it is alright to allow yourself an indulgence every once in a while. But this should be an exception, rather than a rule.