Eating healthy begins in the aisle of the grocery store, where you can select items for a healthy pantry. Below are some tips provided by Alicia Buterbaugh, a registered dietitian with Kettering Health Network.
Look at the labels
When reading a label, Alicia recommends starting with the serving size.
“Nutrition information on the label is for the listed serving size,” she explains. “Your typical portion size may or may not be what they list as a serving. If you eat twice the serving size, you need to double all the information on the label, including calories, fat, and sodium.”
Opt for fiber
Adequate fiber is not only important for digestive and heart health, it can also help you reach weight loss goals by making you feel fuller. Choose items such as whole grain crackers, pasta, and breads. For breakfast, choose low-sugar cereals that have at least 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
In general, men should strive for 38 grams of fiber per day, while women should strive for 25 grams of fiber per day.
Limit added sugar
One key area to look for on a label is added sugars. By January 2020, food labels must contain the amount of added sugar in each serving. The American Heart Association recommends men to not exceed 36 grams of added sugar, while women and children shouldn’t exceed 25 grams of added sugar per day.
You can decrease added sugar by avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages and limiting desserts and sugary cereals. Instead, sweeten drinks with fresh fruit like cut-up lemons, strawberries, and limes to create a refreshing beverage.
Be wary of labels promoting natural ingredients
For example, sugar is natural, but you still want to limit how much sugar you consume.
Consider calorie density
Some foods are more calorie-dense than others. Calorie density is determined by the caloric content compared to the food’s volume or weight. Dried fruit makes a great snack but should be enjoyed in moderation, as it tends to be calorie-dense. For example, a half cup of seedless grapes has 55 calories, while a half cup of raisins has 217 calories.
Remember: Your pantry items extend to the refrigerator, so stock up on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Calculate daily values
“Shoppers can use the percentage of daily value to quickly determine is an item may be a healthy choice,” says Alicia. “If an item has 20% daily value of a nutrient, it is considered ‘high’ in that nutrient, while 5% or lower is considered ‘low.’ Look for higher daily values for nutrients you want more of, like fiber, and lower daily values for nutrients like sodium.”
She warns that daily value is based on a diet of 2,000 calories per day, which is typically more than many people need. Alicia recommends downloading smartphone apps that can help you make better food choices. There are apps for food tracking and meal planning, and some apps grade or rate the nutritional value of your selected items.
Reduce sodium
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day—that’s equal to about 1 teaspoon of salt. Adults with hypertension and prehypertension should limit their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day.
Much of our sodium intake comes from processed foods such as canned soups and entrees, salted snacks, and deli meats.
Good-for-you food
To find recipes created by Kettering Health Network registered dietitians, visit ketteringhealth.org/diabetes