Why Low in Fat?

Remember how we said you should choose items low in calories? Well, it's also important to choose items low in fat. But why? Here's the scoop: fat is like a super-calorie-packed ingredient. It has a lot of calories in just a little bit of space. Plus, fats that are solid at room temperature, like the fat in butter or lard, can be not-so-friendly to your heart. We want your heart to be happy and healthy!

The Lowdown on Sugar

Another thing to watch out for is sugar. Sweet foods, like candy and cookies, can be high in calories, although not as high as fatty foods. For example, a tablespoon of white sugar has 48 calories, while a tablespoon of butter has 102 calories. Plus, sweet foods can make your blood sugar levels go up, and we want to keep those levels steady.

The Fiber and Water Team

On the flip side, it's good to choose foods that are high in fiber and water. Fiber is like a special kind of carbohydrate that doesn't get fully digested by your body. It fills you up without adding extra calories, which is a win-win! Water is also great because it helps keep you hydrated and feeling full.

Nutrients You Need

Lastly, when you're picking what to eat, aim for items high in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Your body needs these important nutrients to stay healthy. Many of us don't get enough of them, so choosing foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein can make a big difference in keeping you strong and healthy.

In this lesson, we've talked about why it's essential to choose foods that are low in fat and sugar and high in fiber, water, and important nutrients. Next time, we'll put these ideas into action as we learn how to build a healthy meal. So, remember, making good food choices is like giving your body the best ingredients to stay strong and healthy!