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What Is a Low-Fat Low-Protein Diet?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

A low-fat low-protein diet will typically include a limited amount of protein from animal products and lean meats. Fat intake will be significantly reduced on a low-protein low-fat diet. As a result, harmful cholesterol may also be significantly reduced in individuals who adhere to a low-fat low protein diet. This type of diet will focus on consuming many nutrient-rich plant-based foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, while restricting the intake of red meats. Many vegetarians and vegans follow a low-fat low-protein diet.

Reducing the amount of protein and fat in one's diet may have significant health benefits according to nutritionists and medical experts. As part of a heart-healthy, low-fat low-protein diet, experts recommend reducing intake of meat, poultry, and fish to a maximum of 6 ounces (0.17 kilograms) per day. This type of diet will also reduce or completely eliminate fried foods, which add significant fat intake to the diet.

Bowl of cooked oatmeal.
Bowl of cooked oatmeal.

Other high-fat foods will also be reduced or eliminated from one's diet with this plan. This may include chocolate, rich gravies and sauces, as well as certain types of cheeses. Pecans, cashews, and certain other nuts may also be reduced or eliminated while on a low-fat low-protein diet. Desserts, such as cheesecake and ice cream, are often not allowed while following this type of diet.

When you do consume fat, opt for a monounsaturated one like heart-friendly olive oil.
When you do consume fat, opt for a monounsaturated one like heart-friendly olive oil.

Experts believe that individuals who consume excessive amounts of protein may be putting stress on the kidneys. Individuals who are prone to kidney stones may benefit from a reduced-protein or low-protein diet. A low-fat diet may help avoid serious heart risks, such as coronary artery disease.

The low-fat low-protein diet often consists of eating healthy snacks, such as carrots or celery sticks, or fresh fruits. Fruit roll-up snacks may also be allowed while on this type of diet. Fruit salads and gelatin may be offered as dessert.

Low-fat diets often feature light desserts like fruit and gelatin.
Low-fat diets often feature light desserts like fruit and gelatin.

As part of a low-fat low-protein diet, butter and margarine are often restricted or eliminated. Cooking with unsaturated cooking oil is often recommended while following this diet plan. Reduced-fat peanut butter may be used sparingly while on a low-fat low-protein diet. Many individuals on this type of diet also use egg substitutes or reduce their egg intake.

Rye bread can be consumed in moderation on a low-fat low-protein diet.
Rye bread can be consumed in moderation on a low-fat low-protein diet.

Consuming cereal and whole grains is often encouraged as part of the low-fat low-protein diet. Oatmeal, cream of wheat, or cream of rice may also be consumed in moderation while on this diet. Multi-grain and rye bread may also be consumed in moderation.

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    • Bowl of cooked oatmeal.
      Bowl of cooked oatmeal.
    • When you do consume fat, opt for a monounsaturated one like heart-friendly olive oil.
      By: margo555
      When you do consume fat, opt for a monounsaturated one like heart-friendly olive oil.
    • Low-fat diets often feature light desserts like fruit and gelatin.
      By: Maksim Shebeko
      Low-fat diets often feature light desserts like fruit and gelatin.
    • Rye bread can be consumed in moderation on a low-fat low-protein diet.
      By: fabiomax
      Rye bread can be consumed in moderation on a low-fat low-protein diet.
    • Low-fat, low-protein diets should provide several servings of high-fiber whole grains and fruits daily.
      By: kentoh
      Low-fat, low-protein diets should provide several servings of high-fiber whole grains and fruits daily.
    • Fruit salad is a low fat dessert choice.
      By: pilipphoto
      Fruit salad is a low fat dessert choice.