There is no blanket definition for what constitutes healthy food, but there are characteristics that most healthy foods have in common. For example, healthy foods generally provide vitamins and minerals, are a source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and provide minimal empty calories. Added sugar and saturated fat would be considered empty calories in foods as they provide calories with minimal (or zero) nutritional value. Unfortunately, some foods that you might think are healthy have a lot more empty calories in the form of added sugars than you’d think.
Marketing claims like keto-friendly, gluten-free, and natural may lead you to think a food is healthier than it really is. Although these claims might mean a food item has a lower carb count or is made without wheat, that doesn’t automatically make a food healthy. Many of these foods end up having higher sugar counts than what you’d expect. Instead of basing your food choices on the advertised claims, compare nutrition facts and ingredient labels for more detailed information
