Recommended food intake for a healthy diet low in fat
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Bread, pasta, potatoes (prepared without fat), grains
- Six serves a day. One serve equals one cup of mashed potato or cooked pasta or cooked rice, three quarters of a cup of breakfast cereal, or one slice of bread or fruit loaf or a small roll.
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Meat, fish, chicken, eggs, legumes: Meat must be lean with all visible fat removed and chicken should be skinless.
- One serve a day. One serve equals 80g of red meat, 100g of cooked chicken or fish, one to two eggs, or 2/3 of a cup of cooked legumes. Foods should be prepared in as little fat as possible. Avoid frying / roasting.)
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Vegetables
- Eat as much as liked, but at least 4 serves per day. One serve equals about half a cup or about 60 to90g. Try to make them the central part of at least some main meals. (For example, vegetarian lasagna or ratatouille.)
- A wide variety of vegetables is best.
- Adding a variety of herbs and spices (preferably fresh) to vegetarian dishes improves flavour and they should be an integral part these recipes. They are also nutritionally very beneficial.
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Fruit
- Eat two to three serves a day. One serve equals one medium or 3 small (e.g. apricot) pieces of fruit, about 20 grapes, a cup of berries, or half a cup of canned/stewed fruit; about 120 to 140 g. Fruit is great after a meal or as a filler during the day.
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Nuts
- A small handful several times a week (unsalted). Nuts, especially peanuts, should not be given to young children due to the risk of inhalation.
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Milk products
- Two to three serves a day of low-fat dairy products. One serve equals one cup of low-fat milk or skim milk, or 200g of fat-reduced yoghurt. Low fat cheese is still relatively high in fat and should be used in moderation,
- Avoid butter and cream.
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Fats and oils
- A maximum of two serves per day. One serve equals one teaspoon of oil for cooking, one teaspoon of margarine or a quarter of an avocado (50g).
- Monounsaturated oils are best.
- If using spreads, those containing plant sterols can help reduce cholesterol; or try using avocado.
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Indulgences
- Enjoy a maximum of one to two serves each day. One serve equals two standard alcoholic drinks, a tablespoon of jam or honey, or one cup of home made popcorn.
- Try to avoid high-fat foods, such as potato or corn chips, sausage rolls and meat pies, chocolate, sweet biscuits and pastries. (For example, a commercially made muffin contains about 24g of fat and 2,200kJ of energy.)
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Fluids
- Water is best. Try to drink at least two litres a day. A jug of iced water at every lunch or dinner should be a household ritual.
- Low-fat milk (as allowed above) is an equally good choice. A good way of ensuring an adequate calcium intake is to have two to three cups of calcium enriched low-fat milk per day.
- Alcohol needs to be restricted to two standard drinks per day and alcohol intake should be part of ‘indulgence allowances’. You should also have at least two alcohol free days a week. This does not mean no occasional nights out; although It is important not to increase the risk of harm when consuming alcohol. See section on alcohol use. )
- Non-sweetened fruit juices should be restricted to one serve per day, about 150ml.
- Soft drinks and sweetened fruit juices need to be avoided.
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