Welcome to Lesson 3!
Every day, we make countless food choices. This lesson will teach you how to pick healthier options, read food labels, and avoid hidden pitfalls in your diet. Let’s make smarter decisions that benefit your body and mind!
Step 1: Tips for Healthier Food Swaps
Small changes can make a big difference in your nutrition. Here are some easy swaps to improve your meals:
- White bread ➜ Whole-grain bread
- Sugary cereal ➜ Oatmeal with fresh fruit
- Soda ➜ Sparkling water with a splash of lemon
- Fried snacks ➜ Baked vegetable chips or nuts
Step 2: How to Read Food Labels
Understanding food labels is essential for making informed decisions. Here’s what to look for:
- Serving Size: Always check the portion size—don’t assume the entire package is one serving.
- Calories: Be mindful of how many calories fit your daily needs.
- Nutrients to Limit: Reduce saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium.
- Nutrients to Prioritize: Look for fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Ingredient List: The fewer ingredients and the less processed they are, the better.
Step 3: Avoid Hidden Sugars
Sugar sneaks into many foods under different names. Common aliases include:
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Dextrose
- Sucrose
- Agave nectar
Quick Tip: Check for added sugars, especially in “healthy” snacks like granola bars or flavored yogurts.
Interactive Activity: Label Comparison Challenge
Instructions:
- Look at two food labels provided below.
- Identify which product is the healthier option based on calories, sugar, and sodium.
Download Food Labels for Activity
Reflection: Building Smarter Habits
Healthy food choices are about consistency, not perfection. Think about your eating habits:
- What’s one unhealthy item you can replace today?
- How can you incorporate a healthy swap into your routine?
Quick Recap
- Swap unhealthy foods for healthier alternatives.
- Read food labels carefully to make informed decisions.
- Avoid hidden sugars and prioritize whole, unprocessed foods.