How to Evaluate a Food that is Good or Bad for You
A quick way to evaluate a food is the 20 / 5 % rule. When you look at a food label, and see that the fat, sodium or cholesterol are under 5%, THAT'S GOOD.
If any are over 20% you should seriously consider an alternative. But, for total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, a DV of 5% or lower is BAD; a DV of 20% or higher is GOOD.
This rule also works great when you are looking at recipes in magazines or cookbooks that list nutrition information.
Keep in mind that some foods will be naturally high in one macronutrient or another. Butter is not bad for you even though it is almost all fat. Choosing your foods and ingredients is about balance. More on this later.
Take some time and grab a few cans and boxes from your pantry. Look at them using this guide to test yourself, and you'll be ready any time you go to the grocery store.
If any are over 20% you should seriously consider an alternative. But, for total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, a DV of 5% or lower is BAD; a DV of 20% or higher is GOOD.
This rule also works great when you are looking at recipes in magazines or cookbooks that list nutrition information.
Keep in mind that some foods will be naturally high in one macronutrient or another. Butter is not bad for you even though it is almost all fat. Choosing your foods and ingredients is about balance. More on this later.
Take some time and grab a few cans and boxes from your pantry. Look at them using this guide to test yourself, and you'll be ready any time you go to the grocery store.
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