Core Behavior – Eat more healthy foods, less junk and fast food

Today’s typical American diet is often higher in calories than needed and consists of food and beverage choices that lack nutrient-density. These empty calories are mostly from unhealthy fat and sugar. Similar to a financial budget, food choices can be evaluated by their cost to a daily calorie budget. In these terms, foods high in empty calories are also “expensive” calorie choices that may not fit into a daily calorie budget. Tracking food choices can help determine when and how many calories to spend. To meet vital nutrient needs while staying within a calorie budget, choose more nutrient-dense foods, close to their natural state such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and low-fat dairy, and limit empty calorie foods.