THE FAT IN OUR FOOD

EVEN IF NOT OVERWEIGHT
IF OVERWEIGHT
HIGH FAT FOODS

This may be divided into 3 different types:

  1. Saturated fat
  2. Polyunsaturated fat
  3. Monounsaturated fat

Eating too much saturated fat can lead to the formation of excess cholesterol, giving raised levels in the blood. Most British diets today contain TOO MUCH FAT, especially saturated fat.
In an attempt to lower cholesterol levels through the food we eat, THE TOTAL FAT IN THE DIET must be reduced.
Of the fat left in the diet, this should be mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat.

Because ALL FAT is HIGH IN CALORIES, consumption of ALL TYPES should be KEPT TO A MINIMUM to avoid weight gain.

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EVEN IF NOT OVERWEIGHT

Make sure margarines and oils used are labelled "high in polyunsaturates" or "high in monounsaturates" and "low in saturates".

IF OVERWEIGHT

You will have been advised on suitable foods to have more of and certain foods to have less of. The daily intake of fat worked into your meal plan should not exceed more than 40g fat/day. The dietitian will discuss this meal plan with you.

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HIGH FAT FOODS

The table below shows how easy it is to eat TOO MUCH FAT without trying, when you are eating the wrong types of food on a regular basis.
Furthermore, these foods aren't particularly filling, therefore it is hard to have just a small portion.
Some of the average portion sizes listed are not that large. Try weighing out your normal portions of food and compare them to the portions given above to give you a better idea of what you are actually eating.

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FOOD FAT CALORIES
1 Pint/565 mls ordinary milk 22g 380
1 pint/565 mls semi-skimmed milk 10g 280
1 pint.565 mls skimmed milk 1g 195
1oz/28g butter 20g 265
1oz/28g margarine 20g 255
loz/28g low fat spread 10g 110
3 tablespoons oil (33g) 27g 300
2oz/60g ordinary cheese 20g 240
150g/5 fl oz pot ordinary yoghurt 4.1g 163
150g/5 fl oz pot low fat yoghurt 1.5g 120
150g/5 fl oz pot diet yoghurt 0.lg 65
Medium 60g/2oz sausage roll 22g 287
Individual pork pie 85g/3oz 23g 320
Small 200g/8oz portion steak & kidney pie 39g 609
110g/¼1b beefburger 20g 206
25g/3oz grilled (i.e. 2 large) sausages 21g 254
85g/3oz serving grilled pork chop fat left on 25g 282
85g/3oz serving grilled pork chop fat removed 9g 192
140g/5oz serving mince 21g 320
140g/5oz medium serving grilled sirloin steak (lean with fat on) 33g 391
85g/3oz serving (i.e. 3 rashers) streaky bacon grilled 22g 253
165g/6oz serving chips, cut thinly 20g 417
165g/6oz oven chips 9g 275
1 packet crisps small 12g 165
60g/2oz Average chocolate bar 14g 250
100g/4oz small packet peanuts 46g 600
10 Digestive biscuits 32g 740
60g/2oz serving sponge cake 17g 301
45g/1½ oz chocolate eclair 11g 169
60g/2oz individual mince pie 12g 243
100g slice i.e. 1/6 of Viennetta 8.2g 136
1 tablespoon Delight single cream (15g) 1.4g 20
1 tablespoon Elmlea double cream (15g) 10.9g 119
1 tablespoon (15g) single cream 3g 32
1 tablespoon (30g) whipping cream 10.5g 100
1 tablespoon (30g) double cream 15g 134
1x142 mls/5fl oz pot single cream 32g 318
1x142 mls/5fl oz pot whipping cream 52g 500
1x142 mls/5fl oz pot double cream 72g 670
1x142 mls/5fl oz pot soured cream 32g 318
1x142 mls/5fl oz pot Delightsingle cream 114g 180
1x284mls/10fl oz pot Elmlea double cream 102g 990

This factsheet provided by Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Hospital of St Cross, Rugby UK

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