8.5.2: Decreasing the Intake Of Certain Foods

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Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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Low calorie foods are foods that are low in calories. Foods may be labeled as reduced calorie, low calorie, or light. Generally, these foods have fewer calories than other products of the same type. Low fat foods are foods that are low in fat. Foods may be labeled as nonfat, reduced fat, fat free, or light (Leahy, Fuzy & Grafe, 2013). Keep in mind that baked goods that are labeled low fat tend to have extra things like sugar in them to make them taste better without the fat (Leahy, Fuzy & Grafe, 2013). Always read the label. Patients should not reduce caloric intake without speaking to their doctor. It can be very difficult to follow a low calorie and low fat diet, especially long-term.

Low Sodium/Salt

Low sodium foods are foods that are low in sodium or salt. They may be labeled as low sodium, low salt, sodium free, very low sodium, or no salt added (Leahy, Fuzy & Grafe, 2013). Read food labels to check for the amount of sodium listed. For patients who are on low sodium diets, this is a special concern. Foods that contain a lot of sodium tend to be prepared foods, frozen dinners, canned soups and meats, and prepared boxed foods such as macaroni and cheese and pastas that are ready to eat with sauce. For patients who require a low sodium diet, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should not add salt while preparing foods. Offer herbs, spices, and lemon or lime zest to improve the flavor of foods for these patients. It can take some getting used to not eating a high amount of sodium in the diet.

Sugar Free/No Sugar Added

Sugar free or no sugar added foods are those that do not have sugar in them or that do not add sugar to the ingredients. Patients who are diabetic may be on a sugar free diet and need to watch the amount of sugar they consume. Sugar free products tend to have artificial sweeteners such as saccharin or aspartame. Always read the nutrition label to check for the amount of sugar in a food. Sugar is added and hidden in many food products.