A community center is having a health fair. Which of the following main food courses should the nurse recommend as most healthful for a 20-year-old adult whose total cholesterol level is 300 mg/dL?

  • fettuccine alfredo
  • fried chicken
  • grilled cheese sandwich with bacon
  • natural peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread
Number 4 is correct.
A cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL is desirable for an adult without heart disease. At the stated level, this client needs to consume a low-cholesterol diet. Natural peanut butter contains no cholesterol, making this sandwich the best choice. The remaining options are high in fat that will elevate the cholesterol level.