Patient Education Heart Surgery | Page 50

Fats Fats are another source of fuel for the body, as well as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Eat 3 to 4 servings each day. A serving is: • margarine – 1 teaspoon • oil – 1 teaspoon • mayonnaise – 1 teaspoon • light mayonnaise – 1 tablespoon • cream cheese – 1 tablespoon • salad dressings – 1 tablespoon • avocado – 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) • olives – 8 large • nuts – 1 ounce Choose monounsaturated fats such as olive or canola oil and nuts or polyunsaturated fats such as salad dressings or light mayonnaise. Avoid saturated fats such as butter, bacon, or lard, as well as trans fats found in some baked goods, stick margarine, and other processed foods. Variety The body needs more than 40 nutrients for good health. Eat a variety of foods to promote healing and recovery. No one food contains all the nutrients that your body needs. 49