A nurse is planning care for a client who is to have a mechanically altered diet following a stroke. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend to include in the client's diet? (Select all that apply.)

A. Limit egg yolks to five per week: Egg yolks are high in cholesterol, which can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease if consumed in large quantities. While limiting egg yolks can be beneficial, most current guidelines suggest a more flexible approach. Restricting them to five per week may not be the most accurate advice for a general heart-healthy diet.
B. Limit meat intake to 10 oz per day: 10 oz of lean meat a day is generally considered an acceptable amount for a heart-healthy diet however the recommendation could vary depending on the type of meat and its fat content. Instead, the focus should be on choosing lean proteins and limiting processed meats, rather than setting a strict limit on all meat consumption.
C. Choose oily fish for two meals each week: Oily fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering triglycerides, reducing inflammation, and improving overall heart health. Consuming oily fish twice a week is consistent with current dietary guidelines aimed at promoting cardiovascular health.
D. Choose ground beef that is 70% lean: Ground beef that is only 70% lean is considered too fatty for a heart-healthy diet, as it is high in saturated fats which can increase cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. It is more beneficial to choose leaner options like 90% lean ground beef or plant-based alternatives, which are lower in unhealthy fats and better for heart health.

A. Keep total fat intake at 25% of calories per day. It is recommended that total fat intake be between 20% and 35% of daily calories, with an emphasis on healthy fats such as unsaturated fats from plant sources. Keeping fat intake around 25% supports cardiovascular health and balanced nutrition.
B. Limit cholesterol intake to 500 mg per day. The current recommendation is to limit dietary cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day. Excess cholesterol intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in individuals with other risk factors.
C. Consume 50% of daily food intake from protein. Protein should make up 10% to 35% of total daily calories. Consuming 50% from protein is excessive and may displace other essential nutrients like carbohydrates and healthy fats.
D. Restrict sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day. Recommended sodium intake for healthy adults is less than 2,300 mg per day. Lower limits are suggested for individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, or other related conditions to help manage blood pressure and fluid balance.