The Fat Portion Exchange List: a tool for teaching and evaluating low-fat diets

The Fat Portion Exchange System was developed as a tool for counseling clients on how to follow a diet low in total fat. The system incorporates the use of the Fat Portion Exchange List, which is an extensive list of foods with fat grouped according to food type. Listed is the amount of each food item that provides one fat portion (FP), or approximately 5 gm fat, as determined from food composition tables. The number of FPs to be eaten daily is prescribed according to the total daily caloric intake so that a diet with a specified percentage of calories from fat can be followed. The system emphasizes the tracking of only one nutrient--fat--which contributes to its simplicity, flexibility, and versatility.