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 |
