Are you looking for ways to lower your cholesterol, but not sure where to start? Try some simple food substitutions to get you going!

1. Scallops for Red Meat. Scallops have the lowest fat of fish options, and studies show that eating fish instead of red meat can lower cholesterol numbers.

2. Walnuts for Croutons. Rich in polyunsaturated fats, walnuts are a great alternative to croutons, which only provide empty calories and carbs.

3. Canadian Bacon for Regular Bacon. Canadian bacon has a quarter of the fat that regular bacon contains, as it’s just slices of lean ham.

4. English Muffin for Croissant. English muffins (the whole grain kind) have plenty of fiber, while croissants are full of flour and butter.

5. Dark Chocolate for Milk Chocolate. Dark chocolate may boost your “good” HDL cholesterol, according to studies, while milk chocolate contains saturated fat. Opt for 70 to 80% cocoa.

6. Hummus for French Onion Dip. Chickpeas and olive oil featured in hummus have fiber and protein. Creamy dips are laden with saturated fat.

7. Ground Turkey Chili for Beef Chili. Lean, ground turkey contains less fat and the taste is less noticeable in dishes like chili (or meatballs and meatloaf).

8. Roasted Potatoes for French Fries. Soaked in hydrogenated oil and fried, French fries are a nightmare. Roasted potatoes brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with pepper are a much better alternative.

Source: Everyday Health