Can You Spot Healthy Foods?

What you eat affects your health. Yet many kids—and adults—fall short in getting the important nutrients they need. Studies show that children tend to eat a lot of highly processed foods. Processed foods, like potato chips and frozen pizza, are packed with added ingredients. Most kids get too much sugar and sodium and not enough vegetables and whole grains. 

“A healthy diet gives you energy,” says Alexis Wood. She is a children’s nutrition expert. “It helps your body and brain grow.”

What you eat affects your health. Yet many kids fall short in getting the important nutrients they need. Many adults do too. Studies show that children tend to eat a lot of highly processed foods. Processed foods are packed with added ingredients. Some examples of these are potato chips and frozen pizza. Most kids get too much sugar and sodium. They don’t get enough vegetables and whole grains. 

“A healthy diet gives you energy,” says Alexis Wood. She is a children’s nutrition expert. “It helps your body and brain grow.”

Currently, about 5 percent of the packaged foods you see in stores are labeled “healthy.” Companies can add the word to their product only if it meets the government’s criteria. 

But the FDA says its existing definition, written in 1994, is outdated. For one thing, it doesn’t include limits on added sugars. Yet scientists know that downing too many sweets can lead to type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, and more. That’s why most sweetened foods would no longer qualify as “healthy” under the new proposal. 

So what would be considered “healthy”? Unprocessed, natural foods like nuts, beans, fruits, and veggies would be on the list. Whole grain pasta, eggs, and fish would qualify too. So would certain low-fat yogurts and cheeses.

Currently, about 5 percent of the packaged foods you see in stores are labeled “healthy.” Companies can add the word to their product only if it meets the government’s criteria. 

Its existing definition was written in 1994. The FDA says it’s outdated. For one thing, it doesn’t include limits on added sugars. Yet scientists know that downing too many sweets can lead to type 2 diabetes. It can also cause tooth decay and other problems. That’s why most sweetened foods would no longer qualify as “healthy” under the new proposal. 

So what would be considered “healthy”? Unprocessed, natural foods like nuts, beans, fruits, and veggies would be on the list. Whole grain pasta, eggs, and fish would qualify too. So would certain low-fat yogurts and cheeses.

Many nutrition experts agree that more Americans need to start eating healthier foods. But what’s even more important, they say, is eating a variety of foods. That helps ensure that you’re getting the different types of vitamins and nutrients your body needs. 

So does that mean you have to give up cupcakes or chips entirely? Wood says no—there’s nothing wrong with enjoying treats every now and then. Just be sure to eat healthier foods too, like veggies with hummus or yogurt topped with berries.

“Focus on balance,” Wood says. 

Many nutrition experts agree that more Americans need to start eating healthier foods. But what’s even more important, they say, is eating a variety of foods. That helps ensure that you’re getting the different types of vitamins and nutrients your body needs. 

So does that mean you have to give up cupcakes or chips entirely? Wood says no. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying treats every now and then. Just be sure to eat healthier foods too. You can try veggies with hummus or yogurt topped with berries.

“Focus on balance,” Wood says. 

1. According to the article, what are processed foods? What are some examples?
2. What does the FDA mean when it says its existing definition of “healthy” is outdated?
3. Share two facts you can learn from the sidebar, “Read the Label.”

1. According to the article, what are processed foods? What are some examples?
2. What does the FDA mean when it says its existing definition of “healthy” is outdated?
3. Share two facts you can learn from the sidebar, “Read the Label.”