At a buffet, look ahead in line to see what low saturated fat, low cholesterol foods are available. Fill up on low-fat foods and take only small servings of high-fat foods.

Bring a dish low in saturated fat, fat, and cholesterol to a pot luck dinner. That way, you’ll have at least one heart healthy item from which to choose.

At parties, focus on activities rather than eating. Sit away from the area where the food is being served so you won’t be tempted to overeat.

Ask for help from your family and friends who know you are following a cholesterol-lowering diet. See if they will include some low saturated fat, low cholesterol dishes on the menu at gatherings.

Have a few ready answers to politely say no to high-fat foods. For example, "Thank you , but I couldn’t eat another bite -- everything was delicious."

If you do eat too many high fat foods at a social event, don’t feel guilty. Just eat lightly the next day and get back on track.