Channel: Lee Health

Category: Education

Tags: minimally processed foodslow sodiumpronounce ingredientshealthy eatinglow fatvegetablesadded sugarsfoodgrocery storeminimally processed whole foodsnutritious foodshalf the plateregistered dietitiannutritionistfruitspackaged foodsingredientskeep it simpleproduce sectionwhole foods

Description: Modern-day grocery stores can be tricky. Lee Health registered dietitian and nutritionist Erika Graziani said it’s best to keep things simple, “You want to try to spend the most time in the produce section.” The focus should be on purchasing minimally processed whole foods. “When we have a meal we really want half of our plate to be fruits and vegetables, and then we want to include maybe healthy whole-grain things like beans sweet potatoes that kind of stuff,” said Graziani. When buying packaged foods, look at labels and go with the least amount of added sugars. “That’s the key because we don’t need added sugars, when they’re natural in the food they affect us completely differently, it’s the added ones that are not going to do us any benefit,” said Graziani. Also, try to buy things low in saturated fat and sodium. Graziani said the percent daily value on the label can help, “Just using it as a quick guide for sodium 5% or less will be considered low 20% or higher will be considered high.” Remember the products’ ingredients are listed from greatest quantity to least. “If there’s a whole laundry list of things and half of those you can’t even pronounce then I would always say should we truly be eating that?” said Graziani. Simple tips to help you feel better and live longer. View More Health Matters video segments at LeeHealth.org/Healthmatters Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries. Lee Health - Caring People. Inspiring Care. Visit LeeHealth.org