Understanding Good Food Choices
Do you eat for good nutrition? It means more than simply eating an apple a day. Think in terms of your food choices throughout the day, from breakfast to bedtime. All foods, including your favorites, can fit into a healthy eating plan.
Good Nutrition Basics
Remember these four key points, which are the basics of good nutrition:
Balance. Eat a mix of different types of food. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Then fill your plate with one quarter protein and one quarter whole grains.
Variety. Choose a wide range of foods of different colors.
Flexibility. Find an eating plan that fits your schedule and tastes.
Moderation. Avoid too much of any one food.
What’s in a Word?
When reading food labels, it helps to know what words stand for. The terms are based on one serving size.
If a label says . . . | It means . . . |
Low calorie | 40 calories or fewer |
Fat free | Less than 1/2 g fat |
Low fat | 3 g or less fat |
Cholesterol free | Less than 2 mg cholesterol and 2 g or less saturated fat |
Low cholesterol | 20 mg or less cholesterol and 2 g or less saturated fat |
Sodium free | Less than 5 mg sodium |
Low sodium | 140 mg or less sodium |
High fiber | 5 g or more fiber |