AHA Recommendation — Dietary treatment goals Changes in lifestyle habits are the main therapy for hypertriglyceridemia. These are the changes you need to make: If you re overweight, cut down on calories to reach your ideal body weight. This includes all sources of calories, from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol. Reduce the saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol content of your diet. Reduce your intake of alcohol considerably. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to large changes in plasma triglyceride levels. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most or all days each week. People with high triglycerides may need to substitute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats —such as those found in canola oil, olive oil or liquid margarine — for saturated fats. Substituting carbohydrates for fats may raise triglyceride levels and may decrease HDL ( good ) cholesterol in some people. Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of meats high in saturated fat like hamburger. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids.