LOW-FAT DIET

This diet is intended to control blood lipid levels and reduce the risk of cardio-vascular disease. It is indicated for the prevention of atherosclerosis and for hypertension or diabetes. It is also the first stage in the treatment of high blood cholesterol levels. It can be combined with a low-salt diet. It may also be of use in the case of problems digesting, absorbing or processing food lipids (pancreatitis, gastro-esophageal reflux). It may be more or less restrictive, depending on the situation.

  Foods recommended Foods to avoid
Meat, fish Lean meats (chicken and turkey without skin, beef, veal, ham), fish and seafood (lobster, crab, oysters in moderation) – cooked with no added fat Bacon, sausages and delicatessen, duck, goose, chicken/turkey skin, fastfood, giblets (liver, kidneys), oil-packed canned fish, shrimps.
Eggs Egg whites and egg substitutes – no limits Do not exceed 3 egg yolks per week
Fruits At least 3 portions (½ cup) each day – fresh or frozen fruits with no added sugar. Coconut, Fatty fruits (avocado and olives).
Vegetables Unlimited amounts of vegetables – preferably steamed or cooked in the microwave, with no added fat Avoid vegetables cooked in oil or butter.
Nuts, peanuts moderation (1 tablespoon per day): pecans, walnuts, almonds and pistachios Cashews, peanut butter and oil-roasted nuts/peanuts.
Bread, cereals Low-fat bread and cookies, in moderation. Oven-baked products made with eggs, shortening, whole milk a/o sugar.
Dairy products Always use skim milk and dairy products made with skim milk (cheese and yogurt). Whole milk and products made with whole milk, cream, ice cream, puddings, cream substitutes, yogurt and cheese made with whole milk.
Fat Soft margarine and vegetable oils unsaturated (olive, canola, peanut, safflower or sesame oil). Butter, saturated fats (palm or coconut oil, lard) hard margarine, dressings, sauces, bacon fat, cream-based sauces.
Desserts and sweets Fruit sherbets, soufflés made with egg whites, homemade desserts made with egg whites, recommended oils and small amounts of sugar. Fried foods, products made with eggs, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, chocolate or jam.
Snacks No-fat popcorn, low-fat crackers and cookies. Chips, high-fat snacks.
Beverages Skim milk, unsweetened fruit juice, diet soft drinks, coffee, tea and herbal tea without cream/milk. Sweetened fruit juice and soft drinks, whole milk. Limited alcohol intake.

People who follow a diet in order to decrease their triglyceride levels should avoid foods made with sugar.