Choosing margarine: The more liquid the margarine is, the less hydrogenated it is with less trans fatty acids. Margarine is a better choice than butter. Soft margarines are better than hard ones. Buy trans fat-free margarines if possible.

Heart-healthy cooking

You can easily change most recipes to reduce calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. With just a few minor changes in ingredients and preparation, you can change most of your favorite foods into healthy ones.

Choose low-fat (lean) cuts of meat. (For examples, see the meat and substitutes section of our low in saturated fat and cholesterol diet.)
Remove all fat from meats and skin and fat from poultry before cooking.
Use cooking methods that use little or no "fat." Boil, broil, bake, roast, poach, steam, saute, stir-fry with a small amount of recommended oil or use the microwave.
Don't deep-fry foods. Instead, saute meats or vegetables in a small amount of oil, flavored vinegars, low-calorie cooking spray, water or broth.
Pan broil foods on a non-stick surface (such as Teflon® or Silverstone®). Remove any fat as it accumulates.
Coat cookware with a low-calorie vegetable oil cooking spray. Avoid using shortening or butter.
Skim fat off soups and stews before serving.
- Use an ice cube to congeal and remove fat, or a gravy strainer to separate fat from the juices.
- Chill soups, stews and gravies after cooking so you can remove the hardened fat from the top.
Choose skim or 1 percent milk and non-fat or low-fat yogurt and cheeses.
Use herbs, spices or lemon juice to add flavor, instead of butter, bacon or salt.