What is fat? Fat is a calorie rich part of foods. It is usually in the form of oil or oily substances. Fats provide more than twice the calories of protein or carbohydrate by weight. Fats also provide body with several essential nutrients including some vitamins. Why Limit Fat? When fats are digested they are broken down into smaller parts called fatty acids. With some diseases, the enzymes that break down fat are missing or lacking and fat cannot be fully digested. This can cause diarrhea, cramping, and flatulence (gas). A high fat diet can also raise your cholesterol, triglycerides, and cause you to gain weight. Therefore, the amount of fat in the diet must be monitored to avoid unpleasant symptoms and keep us in good health. General Guidelines: Trim all the fat from meats and remove skin from poultry Meats may be boiled, poached, steamed, boiled, roasted, baked, grilled or microwaved. Place meats that are to be roasted or baked on a rack so the fat can drain off while cooking. Avoid sautéing foods in fat, frying, or deep fat frying whenever possible as they absorb some of the fat which they are cooked in. use non-stick pans or non-stick spray coating. Look for low fat or fat-free varieties of dairy products. Cool homemade soups and stews in the refrigerator and skim the fat from the top before serving. If you feel hungry, try a low-fat snack like fruit of low fat yogurt. Season foods with lemon, herbs and spices, or artificial butter flavoring. Try meatless entrees such as chili with beans, lentil soup and meatless sauces for pasta.
If you would like more information on this diet, ask your doctor to refer you to an MUSC Outpatient Dietitian. Call MUSC Outpatient Scheduling at 843-876-0888. | 
