I also would like to know how protein drinks affect cholesterol I usually have a protein (whey) after a session at the gym.
A recent statement in
Circulation reports that large amounts of additional soy protein in the diet has little beneficial effect on cholesterol levels.
As for fats, it's probably the type of fat which is more important than the amount. So, trans fat = very bad. Saturated fat = bad. Monounsaturated fat = good. A lump of steak has roughly the same amount of cholesterol as a lump of chicken, but higher saturated fats. So go for the chicken, though no need to miss out an occasional juicy steak if you feel like one, just cut the excess fat off it. Do the same with the chicken, don't eat the skin. Salmon is very fatty, but it's good fat like omega 3, and has been shown to be very good for the heart. Monounsaturated fats have a beneficial effect on good/bad cholesterol levels.
The body manufactures cholesterol when it needs it, and makes more than you eat in your diet. Saturated fats cause the body to manufacture cholesterol so blood levels go up. Balance your diet, avoid processed foods, don't overeat too much of anything, and you should live longer. My personal opinion is the food pyramid is wrong, too many carbs at the bottom, but you won't find vast amounts of people agreeing with me.