Shopping tips

Guidelines to help in selection of foods that are low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat.

"Special" Margarines
Eaten on a regular basis, in place of butter, a "special margarine" can be a major source of polyunsaturates and help reduce the saturated content of the daily diet.

Fish, Chicken, Turkey
Because all three contain a higher polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat ratio than most meats, they're on the recommended list.

Meats
Beef-Choose the lean cuts of beef, such as rump, round, and tenderloin. Once meat is selected, be sure all visible fat is trimmed away before meat is served.

Hamburger — Have your hamburger ground to order from lean round. Do not buy it already ground unless you are sure it is lean.

Veal—Veal cutlets, roasts, chops and steaks that are lean are recommended.

Lamb—Leg of Lamb, with the fat trimmed off, is a good choice.

Foods
It's a good idea to read the labels on food packages very carefully. Packaged or prepared foods containing fat may be used only if that fat is of a type allowed in your diet.

Dairy Products
Almost all dairy products are high in saturated fat. Exceptions are skim milk and uncreamed cottage cheese. Eggs should be limited to four per week including those used in cooking.

Fruits and Vegetables
Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables contain very little or no saturated fat.

Breads and Cereals
Breads and cereals, in general, are low in saturated fats. Other grain products like rice, macaroni and flour are also low in saturated fats and can be safely used in the modified fat diet.

Desserts
Select desserts low in fat. Gelatin desserts, cornstarch puddings that can be made with skim milk, angel food cake and fruit are examples of suitable desserts.