Commonly Prescribed Diets

DIET	WHO IS IT FOR?	HOW YOU CAN HELP
LOW FAT DIET	People with heart disease. Diabetics. People who are overweight. People who have trouble digesting fats.	Butter, margarine and oil are all 100% fat. Use oil sprays, like Pam, for cooking. Offer fat-free salad dressings. Remember, it’s not the bread that’s high in fat—it’s what’s between the slices . . . cheese, peanut butter, mayonnaise, and lunch meats are all high fat choices.
HIGH FIBER DIET	People with heart disease. People who are overweight. People who suffer from constipation. People who have a high risk for colon cancer.	When a high fiber diet is first ordered for a client, the amount of fiber is increased slowly. Too much fiber all at once can upset the digestive system. Encourage clients to drink fluids. Without fluids, fiber can lead to constipation or even a blockage in the intestines.
THE RENAL DIET	People who have been diagnosed with renal disease. People who have some other condition that affects the kidneys, such as an infection or diabetes. People on dialysis.	Serve fluids in small cups and avoid leaving a full pitcher of water within reach. More frequent mouth care may be needed to help with a dry mouth. Encourage your clients to eat all the foods on their meal plan...and praise them when they stick to their diet!
LOW SODIUM DIET	People with high blood pressure. People who are at risk for high blood pressure. People who have had a stroke. People who have a lot of edema.	Don’t keep a salt shaker on the table or get one with really small holes. To remove excess salt, rinse canned vegetables with water before cooking. Discourage your clients from eating fast food—which is high is salt.
DIET	WHO IS IT FOR?	HOW YOU CAN HELP
DIABETIC DIET	People with diabetes. People who are at risk for diabetes.	Remember that every food affects the blood sugar. It’s a question of when: A high fat food spikes the blood sugar in about 6 to 8 hours. A food that is mostly protein will make the blood sugar rise in 3 to 4 hours. A starchy or sugary food (mostly carbohydrates) boosts the blood sugar in about 30 minutes!

MORE TIPS FOR COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DIETS

For all your clients, regardless of their eating plan, remember that portion size is very important. You can help with portion control by measuring foods for your clients. For example, pour salad dressing into a spoon first instead of directly on the salad. Or, put a piece of tape around a glass that shows your client where to stop pouring juice or milk.
Encourage every client to make food choices that provide the most “bang” for the calories. For example, if Mrs. Jones satisfies her sugar craving by drinking a can of Coke, what has she gotten? Just a lot of sugar. No vitamins. No minerals. No protein. A better choice would be a sweet, juicy apple or orange which would give her more nutritional value for the calories.
Help your clients eat a variety of foods. Everyone has favorite foods, but it’s important not to get stuck in a food “rut”. If your clients eat the same foods every day, they may not be getting enough vitamins, minerals, fiber or energy from their diet.
Keep in mind that being on a special diet is difficult. Many people find it a real challenge—especially in the evenings and between meals. They may eat their three meals according to the meal plan, but they lose control at other times.