Individuals who have problems with gallstones will often be prescribed a fat-free or low-fat diet by their primary care doctor. In order to follow a fat free diet for gallstones, you will need to read nutrition labels, eliminate fried foods and consume high quantities of fat free proteins, dairy, and plant-based foods.
Why Follow a Fat Free Diet?
The gallbladder is the storage organ for bile, a digestive secretion which breaks down fat from the diet. When you have a gallbladder attack or are having problems with gallstones, your gallbladder will not be able to secrete bile. As a result, anytime you consume dietary fat, the gallbladder will be stimulated, thus causing enormous amounts of pain. By following a fat free diet, you will avoid stimulating the gallbladder and limit the amount of pain you suffer as a result.
Reading Nutrition Labels
The easiest way to find fat free foods and beverages is by reading the nutrition label. Nutrition labels are presented on all packaged foods, and they describe the amount of fat in these foods. Look at the row that is labeled "total fats," because this row includes all types of dietary fats. Keep the total fat content of your foods and beverages as close to zero grams as possible. You can also read the ingredients list for fat-containing ingredients such as oils and butters. These ingredients will also indicate that the food contains fat.
What You Can Eat
Calories come from three sources: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Because you will need to eliminate fats from your diet, you will need to get your calories from carbohydrates and proteins. Carbohydrates primarily come from fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains, and proteins come from dairy, meats and legumes. When selecting these foods, be sure you select lean and low-fat items, such as skim milk, skinless chicken breast and fat-free cheese.
Selecting Healthy Beverages
Although it may not seem like they contain fats, many drinks are high in dietary fat. Specialty coffee drinks, such as cappuccinos and mocha coffees, are made with whole milk and can trigger gallbladder pain. In addition, many fruit smoothies and milkshakes are also made with whole-fat yogurt or ice cream and should generally be avoided. Typically, 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices, water, soda and fruit punch are all made without fat and would be acceptable choices for a fat free diet.
Sample Menu
Breakfast: 2 packets of quick-cook plain oatmeal with 2 Tbsp. brown sugar and ½ c. peaches, 1 c. scrambled egg substitute with 1 oz. fat-free cheese and chopped onions, tomatoes, and peppers, 8 oz. orange juice
Lunch: Sandwich made with 2 slices wheat bread with no seeds or nuts, 3 oz. fat-free luncheon meat, tomato, lettuce, spouts, and mustard, 8 oz. fat-free yogurt, 1 medium banana, carrot and celery sticks
Dinner: 4 oz. grilled skinless chicken breast, 1 c. brown rice with spray butter and herbs, side salad with dried cranberries and fat-free raspberry vinaigrette dressing, 8 oz. skim milk, 1 c. grapes
Member Comments