If you have high cholesterol, you may already know how to lower it. But let’s face it, real life can sometimes get in the way of all of the things you “should” be doing for your health. But even small changes can make a difference. Try some of these simple steps to help you be heart healthy:

1. Know Your Numbers.
Everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you should have it checked once a year.

2. Bust a Move.
Start by adding a half-hour walk each day. Or try to fit extra steps in here and there. Get a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps a day. Whatever kind of exercise you choose, pick something you enjoy, the key is doing it regularly.

3. Less Meat, More Fish.
Cut back on meat and you cut back on saturated fat. But when you eat fish (sorry, no deep-fried catfish), you get heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is great but canned tuna works too.

4. Choose to Lose.
Being overweight increases your risk of having high LDL bad cholesterol and low HDL good cholesterol. Often just losing weight can help you lower your cholesterol.

5. Kick the Butt.
Smoking lowers your HDL good cholesterol and is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you tried quitting before and it just didn’t stick, try, try, again. Practice makes perfect!

6. Get Nutty!
Grab a handful of heart healthy nuts a day (almonds and walnuts are best). It is a higher-calorie snack so know when to say when.

7. Minimize the Moo.
If you usually go for the full-fat dairy products, gradually switch to the low-fat or fat-free versions. You’ll still get the great taste of cheese, yogurt and sour cream with less of the bad stuff.

8. Cut the Fat.
Saturated fat, and trans fat can raise your LDL bad cholesterol levels. Try switching to lower-fat versions of your favorite foods. Substitute liquid oils and trans-fat-free spreads for solid fats.

9. Up Your Oats.
Think of oats as tiny sponges that can help soak up some cholesterol and naturally remove it from your body. In addition to soluble fiber, oats contain vitamins, minerals and unique antioxidants. Want to know a deliciously sweet source of this powerful ingredient? Honey Nut Cheerios®.

10. Flip for Fiber.
Try making whole grain cereals that contain soluble fiber a part of every breakfast. You don’t have to sacrifice good taste for good health. Made with real honey, Honey Nut Cheerios® gives you the sweet taste you love with 100% natural whole grain oats to keep your heart happy.