Good cholesterol contributes to a healthy heart, as opposed to bad cholesterol, which can mean coronary disease. Although it is similar in composition to fats, cholesterol is not considered to be a fat. LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can lead to a condition called atheroscleroris, where fatty tissues build up and narrow blood vessels. This can cause a heart attack or angina.

HDL is "good" cholesterol. It helps to protect against heart attacks. Research has shown that cholesterol attaches to HDL, which takes it away from arteries, to the liver, and out of the body. HDL can even clear arteries of excessive plaque build-up.

LDL and HDL levels can be checked by monthly blood tests.

A cholesterol level under 200 means you are okay. Anything above that means that you should make changes in your diet and exercise routine, and possibly take medication. Your physician will also recommend that you quit smoking. In some cases, the body simply continues over-producing cholesterol regardless of lifestyle changes, possibly due to family history; a lifetime of medication may be the only choice. Either way, there are safe and non-habit forming prescriptive medications, such as Crestor and Lipitor, that can safely decrease the bad cholesterol count by 50%.

Also, your doctor will probably encourage you to stop smoking. Because your body may naturally create higher than normal levels of cholesterol, possibly to heredity, you may require medication indefinitely. Either way, drugs like Lipitor and Crestor can help, because they reduce the level of bad cholesterol in your body, and they won't cause you to become addicted to the medication.

There is wisdom in the adage of "Don't shop on an empty stomach". When you do this, you usually end up buying foods that are not good for you. Remember to eat slower; two great ways to do this are to use smaller plates and put your fork down between bites. It really does help.

The old saying of "Never go food-shopping on an empty stomach," is not without wisdom. You'll end up purchasing all of the products you see, and some of them will have unhealthy, high levels of sugar or fat contents. Also, try to slow down when you eat, using a plate that's smaller than your normal plates, and setting down your utensils after you put food into your mouth. It can have a real effect!