A low-fat diet is a diet that restricts the intake of fat. It is recommended for people who are recovering from gallbladder surgery or have gallbladder or pancreatic disease, as well as for those who want to lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, or prevent heartburn. Here are some details about low-fat diets:
Positive aspects of a low-fat diet:
- May help with weight loss due to fewer total calories consumed
- May help reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease
- May help lower cholesterol levels
Negative aspects of a low-fat diet:
- Some low-fat diets reduce or eliminate foods that provide important nutrients, enjoyment, and satiety
- Restricting fat intake is generally unnecessary if you’re following a healthy, balanced diet
Ingredients or materials in low-fat foods:
- Low-fat dairy products such as skim or fat-free milk, low-fat varieties of yogurt and cottage cheese
- Egg whites or egg substitutes
- Lean meats and proteins, including skinless chicken or turkey, lean cuts of pork and beef, baked or broiled fish, lentils, beans, and peas
- Unsaturated vegetable oils, including canola, olive, soybean, and sunflower, margarine that doesn’t contain trans fatty acids
- Fruits and vegetables
- Miscellaneous foods such as mustard, sauces containing skim milk, salsa, vegetable-based broth soups, popcorn, honey, and jam
It is important to note that some high-fat foods, such as cookies, cakes, french fries, and greasy foods, may have less nutritional value than healthful options such as fruits and vegetables. When choosing low-fat foods, it is important to read the nutrition label to determine if a food is truly low in fat.
