1. Try drinking skim milk or 1% milk instead of 2% or whole. All of the calcium, protein, and other nutrients are present in these calorie-cutting milks without the extra fat and cholesterol.
2. Dairy products such as butter, ice cream, and cream should be eaten rarely, perhaps only on special occasions. They contain even more saturated fat and total fat than whole milk. Pay attention to baked goods, sauces, and other dishes that contain these high-fat foods, which won't help lower cholesterol.
3. Cheese is another dairy product that is high in saturated fat but does come with healthier options. Look for cheeses that have 3 grams of fat or less per ounce. Choose hard cheeses that say fat free, reduced fat, low fat, or part skim on the package, such as part-skin mozzarella. When looking for soft cheese, look for nonfat or low-fat cottage cheese or light ricotta. All of these options are just as tasty but much healthier.
4. While margarine is a better choice than butter, be aware of what you are shopping for. Butter is high in saturated fat, but margarine often contains trans-fats, which can raise blood cholesterol levels. Use liquid oil or soft margarine over stick margarine. Margarine with no more than two grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and vegetable oil listed as the first ingredient is best when choosing a product that will help lower cholesterol. Shortening and lard should be used sparingly, if at all, as they are extremely high in saturated fat.
5. When you crave a frozen dessert like ice cream, reach instead for ice milk, low fat frozen yogurt, sorbet, fruit ices, popsicles, or other cool treats that are low in saturated fat. You may just find that you enjoy one of these low-fat delights just as much as the full-fat ice cream!
6. Morning yogurt can still be enjoyed as long as it is chosen carefully; buy it nonfat or low fat. Enjoy it by itself or with fruit or granola, as this yummy food provides calcium and protein.
7. When choosing cream cheese and sour cream, look for the nonfat and low-fat varieties in order to lower cholesterol. Many of these often taste just as rich as the real thing without the saturated fat.
8. Keep dairy products cold by placing them in your cart as the last items, or else next to last. If you are traveling for a long period of time, keep these items in an ice chest to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial contamination and spoilage. Don't allow dairy products to remain at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, and always keep lids and seals closed tightly when finished.

It's not necessary to completely avoid dairy products, as they provide calcium, protein, and other necessary nutrients for a healthy body. To help lower and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, choose and prepare dairy products carefully. These simple substitutions and changes can become a part of a daily routine to maintain a healthier you. It's time to enjoy your favorite foods on a different level. Remember, it's the flavor you're after, not the fat!