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:
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Balance. Eat a mix of different types of food from each level of the pyramid.
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Variety. Choose a wide range of foods of different colors.
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Flexibility. Find an eating plan that fits your schedule and tastes.
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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.
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If a label says . . .
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It means . . .
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Low calorie
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40 calories or fewer
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Fat free
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Less than 1/2 g fat
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Low fat
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3 g or less fat
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Cholesterol free
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Less than 2 mg cholesterol and 2 g or less saturated fat
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Low cholesterol
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20 mg or less cholesterol and 2 g or less saturated fat
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Sodium free
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Less than 5 mg sodium
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Low sodium
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140 mg or less sodium
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High fiber
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5 g or more fiber
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