1. 1 Low-Calorie Step I Diet NutrientRecommended Intake Calories500 to 1,000 kcal/day reduction Total Fat30 percent or less of total calories SFA8 to 10 percent of total calories MUFA Up to 15 percent of total calories PUFAUp to 10 percent of total calories Cholesterol< 300 mg/day

2. 2 Low-Calorie Step I Diet (continued) NutrientRecommended Intake Protein~ 15 percent of total calories Carbohydrate55 percent or more of total calories Sodium ChlorideNo more than 100 mmol/day (~ 2.4 g of sodium or ~ 6 g of sodium chloride) Calcium1,000 to 1,500 mg Fiber20 to 30 g

3. 3 Calories A reduction in calories of 500 to 1,000 kcal/day will help achieve a weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs/week. Alcohol provides unneeded calories and displaces nutritious foods. The impact of alcohol calories on a person’s overall calorie intake needs to be assessed and appropriately controlled. Low-Calorie Step I Diet (continued)

4. 4 Total Fat Fat-modified foods may provide a helpful strategy for lowering total fat intake, but are effective only if –Low in calories –No compensation of calories from other foods. Low-Calorie Step I Diet (continued)

5. 5 Saturated Fatty Acids and Cholesterol Patients with high blood cholesterol levels May need to use the Step II diet to achieve further reductions in LDL-cholesterol levels; In the Step II diet, reduce saturated fats to less than 7 percent of total calories and cholesterol levels to less than 200 mg/day. All other nutrients are the same as in Step I. Low-Calorie Step I Diet (continued)

6. 6 Protein Protein should be derived from Plant sources Lean sources of animal protein Low-Calorie Step I Diet (continued)

7. 7 Carbohydrate and Fiber Complex carbohydrates from different vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A diet high in all types of fiber may aid in weight management by promoting satiety at lower levels of calorie and fat intake. Some authorities recommend 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily, with an upper limit of 35 grams. Low-Calorie Step I Diet (continued)

8. 8 Calcium During weight loss, attention should be given to maintaining an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. Maintenance of the recommended calcium intakes of 1,000 to 1,500 mg/day is especially important for women who may be at risk of osteoporosis. Low-Calorie Step I Diet (continued)