Healthy Eating Resources

Fact Sheets for All Food Groups

Most of the nutrition facts information on this website was compiled from the Nutrition Facts labels printed on food packaging. Additional food nutrient facts were taken from various database libraries on the Internet.

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Nutrient Dense Foods

Nutrient rich foods contain higher levels of vitamins and/or minerals. Eating nutrient dense foods gives your body more nutritional bang for your buck. Your body will thank you with improved health. Organic foods have higher levels of nutrients than non-organic foods. See the vitamins/minerals items below for foods listed according to nutrient amounts:

Nutrition Facts Databases on the Internet

food box label

These are just some of the many resources for looking up food information.

Some General Guidelines for Healthy Eating

Motivation for Healthy Eating

Consult your physician to determine your general daily calorie intake standard. Know what your maximum daily calorie intake should be based on your age, height and weight and your specific nutritional requirements and any specific health needs.

Body Mass Index

A body mass index range between 18.5 - 24.9 is considered to be normal. Anything above 24.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese.

BMI equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m2).
Tools on the Internet for calculating Body Mass Index:

A good starting point for determining a healthy weight is one that gives you a normal Body Mass Index for your height.

Measurements for Good Health

Maximum Waist Size

Your maximum waist size should be half your height in inches. Measure at the navel with your stomach totally sucked in because you are measuring for belly fat -- not muscle tone.

Maximum Neck Size

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, extra fat around the neck causes difficulties with breathing when asleep due to body fat constricting the airways. Dr. Oz recommends a maximum neck size of no more than 16 to 17 inches.

Foods Items and Ingredients to Avoid for Good Health

About Fiber Intake

Fiber in the diet lowers cholesterol, is good for digestive health, helps curb hunger, and helps curb cravings for sweets. 
Fiber Recommendation by the American Heart Association

Recommendations for fiber intake range from 25 grams to 45 grams per day.

Fiber in Foods (High to Low)    

Fiber (grams) Information updated: March 30, 2010
29 Flour, Rye 100% stone ground whole grain Quantity: 1 cup, 148gm
20 Legumes, black beans, canned Quantity: 15oz can 425gm
17 Avocado (Florida) raw Quantity: 1 fruit 304gm
16 Flour 100% Whole Wheat organic stone ground Quantity: 1 cup 120gm
15 Peas, canned lesuer (baby) Quantity: 1 can 313gm
15 Pumpkin: canned Quantity: 15oz, 425gm
15 Flour, Barley Quantity: 1 cup 148gm
15 Legumes, lentils, dry Quantity: 1/4 cup dry
13 Lettuce, romaine, raw Quantity: 1 head, 626gm
12 Flour, Buckwheat Quantity: 1 cup 120gm
12 Legumes, navy beans, dry Quantity: 1/4 cup dry
12 Legumes, dark red kidney beans, canned Quantity: 15oz can
11 Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao Ghirardelli Intense Dark Quantity: 1 bar 100gm
11 Pomegranate, raw Quantity: 4" 282gm
10 Cauliflower, green, raw Quantity: 1 small head 325gm
9 Avocado (California) raw Quantity: 1 fruit 201gm
8 Flour, Quinoa Quantity: 1 cup
8 Raspberries, raw Quantity: 1 cup 123gm
8 Spelt, cooked Quantity: 1 cup
8 Blackberries, frozen Quantity: 1 cup 151gm
7 Flour, brown rice Quantity: 1 cup 158gm
7 Cauliflower, white, raw Quantity: 1 small head 265gm
7 Legumes, red kidney beans, dry Quantity: 1/4 cup dry
7 Peas green, raw Quantity: 1 cup 145gm
7 Strawberries, raw organic Quantity: 1 pint
6 Oat Bran Quantity: 1/4 cup 40gm
6 Pasta, Capellini 100% whole wheat organic Quantity: 2oz
6 Pasta, Rotini 100% whole wheat Quantity: 3/4 cup
6 Pasta, Spaghettini 100% whole wheat Quantity: 2oz 57gm
6 Pear, raw Quantity: 1 medium 178gm
6 Peas, frozen Quantity: 1 cup 134gm
6 Yeast, regular Quantity: 1oz 28gm
5 Psyllium seed husks Fiber supplement Quantity: 7 grams
5 Apple, raw organic Quantity: 1 medium
5 Inulin 100% Vegetable Fiber supplement Quantity: 1 tsp 5.8gm
5 Pasta, Egg Noodles, wide 100% whole grain Quantity: 1/4 cup dry 56gm
5 Quinoa (cooked) Quantity: 1 cup 185gm
5 Tomato paste, Full Circle organic Quantity: 6oz can
5 Cranberries, raw Quantity: 1 cup 100gm
4 Oats, rolled, old fashioned or instant Quantity: 1/2 cup 40gm
4 Blueberries, unsweetened frozen Quantity: 1 cup 155gm
4 Broccoli, Green Giant frozen Steamers Quantity: 2 cups
4 Corn, yellow frozen, microwaved Quantity: 1 cup 141gm
4 Dark Chocolate 70% Organic Bittersweet Quantity: 1 bar 35gm
4 Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao Ghirardelli Intense Dark Quantity: 4 squares 43gm
4 Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao Ghirardelli Intense Dark Quantity: 3 squares 38gm
4 Green beans, raw Quantity: 20 beans 1 cup 110gm
4 Mango, raw Quantity: 1 fruit 207gm
4 Potato, Russet (cooked) with skin no salt Quantity: 1 medium 173gm
4 Potato, Sweet (cooked) with skin no salt Quantity: 1 medium 114gm
4 Soy Protein Isolate, GeniSoy Ultra Quantity: 2 oz
4 Strawberries, raw organic Quantity: 8 medium 147gm
4 Tomatoes, canned diced, no salt added Quantity: 14.5oz can
3 Avocado (Florida) raw Quantity: 1/5 fruit 61gm
3 Turnip greens, raw Quantity: 2 cups 100gm
3 Potato, Red (cooked) with skin no salt Quantity: 1 medium 173gm
3 Almonds, raw whole Quantity: 24 nuts 28gm
3 Apple, raw organic Quantity: 1 small 149gm
3 Applesauce, unsweetened Quantity: 1 cup 244gm
3 Banana, whole Quantity: 1 medium 118gm
3 Banana, whole Quantity: 1 small 101gm
3 Beets, canned slices Quantity: 1 cup 170gm
3 Blueberries, raw organic Quantity: 1 cup 148gm
3 Brussels sprouts Quantity: 3 whole 1 cup 88gm
3 Cauliflower, white, raw Quantity: 1 cup 100gm
3 Chili powder, ground Quantity: 1 Tbsp
3 Corn, sweet, yellow cooked Quantity: 1 medium ear 103gm
3 Dates, Medjool, California Quantity: 2 dates 46gm
3 Edamame, organic, frozen whole pods Quantity: 1/2 cup 113gm
3 Flax seeds, organic Quantity: 1 Tbsp
3 Onion, yellow, Organic Quantity: 1 medium
3 Orange, navel Quantity: 1 medium
3 Papaya, raw Quantity: 1 small 152gm
3 Paprika Quantity: 1 Tbsp 7gm
3 Pecans, raw unsalted Quantity: 19 halves 28gm
3 Pepper, sweet green raw Quantity: 1 large 164gm
3 Pepper, sweet red raw Quantity: 1 large 164gm
3 Rice, brown long grain organic (cooked) Quantity: 1 cup 195gm
3 Pistachio nuts, raw Quantity: 49 nuts 28gm
2 Macadamia nuts, raw Quantity: 12 nuts 28gm
2 Plums, dried Sun-maid Quantity: 3 pitted 28gm
2 Avocado (California) raw Quantity: 1/5 fruit 30gm
2 Asparagus, spears Quantity: 6, 7"spears 100gm
2 Beets, cooked Quantity: 2 beets 100gm
2 Black Pepper Quantity: 1 Tbsp 6 gm
2 Broccoli, raw chopped Quantity: 1 cup 91gm
2 Cabbage red, raw, chopped Quantity: 1 cup 89gm
2 Caraway seed Quantity: 1 Tbsp 6gm
2 Carrot, raw Quantity: 1 medium 61gm
2 Cauliflower, green, raw Quantity: 1 cup 64gm
2 Celery, organic Quantity: 1 medium stalk 40gm
2 Cloves, ground Quantity: 1 Tbsp
2 Cocoa, Hershey's dark unsweetened Quantity: 1 Tbsp
2 Cocoa, Hershey's unsweetened Quantity: 1 Tbsp 5gm
2 Cucumber, raw with peel Quantity: 1 (8" whole) 301gm
2 Dates, Deglet Noor Sun-maid Quantity: 2 dates pitted 14 gm
2 Fennel Seed Quantity: 1 Tbsp
2 Figs, raw Quantity: 1 large 64gm
2 Grapefruit, raw (pink or red) Quantity: 1/2 fruit 230gm
2 Lemon, raw Quantity: 1 small 58gm
2 Lime, raw Quantity: 1 small 67gm
2 Mushrooms, portabella caps Quantity: 3 caps 100gm
2 Mustard Seed, yellow Quantity: 1 Tbsp 11gm
2 Nectarine Quantity: 1 medium 142gm
2 Parsley, raw Quantity: 1 cup 60gm
2 Peach, frozen slices organic Quantity: 3/4 cup 140gm
2 Peach, raw Quantity: 1 medium 150gm
2 Peanut butter with flax oil creamy Quantity: 2 Tbsp
2 Peanut butter, creamy organic Quantity: 2 Tbsp
2 Peas, sugar snap, raw Quantity: 20 pods 68gm
2 Pepper, sweet yellow or orange raw Quantity: 1 large 186gm
2 Pineapple, raw Quantity: 1 cup chunks 165gm
2 Soymilk, Chocolate Silk Quantity: 8oz
2 Spinach, baby raw Quantity: 2 cups 85gm
2 Spinach, canned, no salt added Quantity: 1/2 cup 115gm
2 Squash spaghetti, cooked no salt Quantity: 1 cup 155gm
2 Squash summer zucchini Quantity: 1 medium
2 Sunflower seeds: whole, dried Quantity: 1oz 28gm
2 Tangerines, (mandarin oranges) raw Quantity: 1 medium 88gm
2 Thyme, ground Quantity: 1 Tbsp
2 Tomato Juice, V8 Quantity: 8oz 243gm
2 Tomato Juice, V8 low sodium Quantity: 1 cup
2 Turnip, raw Quantity: 1 medium 122gm
2 Walnuts, raw unsalted Quantity: 5 whole 28gm
2 Wheat Germ, raw Quantity: 2 Tbsp 16gm
2 Soymilk, Chocolate Silk Light Quantity: 1 cup 243gm
2 Leeks, raw Quantity: 1 leek 89gm
2 Tomato cherry, raw Quantity: 5 whole 1 cup
2 Dark Chocolate 70% Organic Bittersweet Quantity: 1 square 13gm
2 Cherries, sweet, raw Quantity: 9 whole 70gm
2 Dates, Medjool, California Quantity: 1 date 23gm
1 Rosemary, dried Quantity: 1 Tbsp 3gm
1 Turmeric, ground Quantity: 1 Tbsp
1 Allspice Quantity: 1 Tbsp 5gm
1 Almond Butter Quantity: 1 Tbsp
1 Almonds, raw whole Quantity: 8 nuts
1 Apple Butter, organic Quantity: 1 Tbsp 17gm
1 Basil, dried leaves Quantity: 1 Tbsp 2gm
1 Bean Sprouts, alfalfa Quantity: 1 cup 33gm
1 Bean Sprouts, mung Quantity: 1 cup 104gm
1 Cabbage red, raw, shredded Quantity: 1 cup 70gm
1 Cantaloupe, raw organic Quantity: 1/4 medium 138gm
1 Cashews: raw whole Quantity: 1oz 28gm
1 Cumin, seed Quantity: 1 Tbsp
1 Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao Ghirardelli Intense Dark Quantity: 1 square 10.8gm
1 Dates, Deglet Noor Sun-maid Quantity: 1 date pitted 7gm
1 Ginger, ground Quantity: 1 Tbsp 5gm
1 Kale greens, raw Quantity: 1 cup chopped 67gm
1 Lettuce, romaine hearts organic Quantity: 2 leafs 3oz
1 Melon, honeydew, raw Quantity: 1/8 of 5"melon
1 Mushrooms, brown, whole Quantity: 1 cup 87gm
1 Mushrooms, white, whole Quantity: 1 cup 96gm
1 Nutmeg, ground Quantity: 1 Tbsp
1 Olives, green canned Quantity: 14 whole, 28gm
1 Olives, ripe canned Quantity: 7 large, 28gm
1 Onion, yellow, raw Quantity: 1 small
1 Plum, raw Quantity: 1 whole 66gm
1 Pumpkin seeds, dried hulled Quantity: 142 seeds 28gm
1 Raisins Quantity: 50 whole 26gm
1 Red Pepper Flakes (cayenne) Quantity: 1 Tbsp 5gm
1 Sage, ground Quantity: 1 Tbsp
1 Sesame seeds, whole, dried Quantity: 1 Tbsp 9gm
1 Soymilk, Plain Silk Quantity: 1 cup 243gm
1 Soymilk, Unsweetened Silk Quantity: 1 cup 243gm
1 Soymilk, Vanilla Full Circle Organic Quantity: 8oz
1 Soymilk, Vanilla Silk Light Quantity: 8oz
1 Spinach, frozen, organic Quantity: 1 cup
1 Tomato, raw Quantity: 1 medium 123gm
1 Tomatoes, canned crushed, no salt added Quantity: 1/4 cup 63gm
1 Watermelon, raw Quantity: 1 wedge, 1/16 melon
1 Yeast, quick rising Quantity: 1 packet 7gm

About Sodium (salt) Intake

The maximum sodium intake for one day should not exceed 2300 mg. High salt intake causes high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes heart attack and stroke.   Why Should I Limit Sodium? by the American Heart Association

Kosher salt has the lowest amount of sodium. Sea salt has more sodium than kosher salt, but less sodium than table salt. Table salt has the most sodium and also contains dextrose. Sodium is present naturally in some raw fruits and vegetables in modest levels. However canned, frozen, or highly processed foods (and especially fast foods) more often have added salt. Read the ingredients in processed, canned or frozen foods to find items without added sodium. You might pay slightly more for food with less sodium, but that should be worth the health benefits.

Sodium Content in Foods (High to Low -- 100 mg and Higher Only)

Sodium (mg) Information updated: March 31, 2010
2325 Salt, table Quantity: 1 teaspoon
1872 Salt, sea salt Quantity: 1 teaspoon
1120 Salt, coarse kosher Quantity: 1 teaspoon
911 Peas, canned lesuer (baby) Quantity: 1 can 313gm
733 Anchovies, canned in oil, drained solids Quantity: 5 fillets 20gm
481 Tomato Juice, V8 Quantity: 8oz 243gm
459 Cottage Cheese, low fat 1% milkfat Quantity: 1/2 cup 113gm
440 Turkey Sausage, lean, sweet Quantity: 1 link 91gm
436 Olives, green canned Quantity: 14 whole, 28gm
390 Cottage Cheese, low fat 2% milkfat Quantity: 4oz 113gm
340 Legumes, black beans, canned Quantity: 15oz can 425gm
330 Beets, canned slices Quantity: 1 cup 170gm
320 Tuna, canned in water, white albacore Quantity: 3oz 85gm
300 Legumes, dark red kidney beans, canned Quantity: 15oz can
300 Soy Protein Isolate, GeniSoy Ultra Quantity: 2 oz
257 Buttermilk, low fat cultured Quantity: 1 cup 245gm
244 Olives, ripe canned Quantity: 7 large, 28gm
230 Almonds, raw whole Quantity: 24 nuts 28gm
200 Vegetable Protein Powder Quantity: 2 Tbsp 20gm
155 Ricotta Cheese, part skim milk Quantity: 1/2 cup 24gm
150 Yogurt, Lowfat plain Dannon Quantity: 8oz
150 Yogurt, Nonfat plain Dannon Quantity: 8oz
145 Milk, 2% fat Quantity: 1 cup 246gm
145 Peas, frozen Quantity: 1 cup 134gm
143 Milk, 1% fat Quantity: 1 cup 246gm
140 Tomato Juice, V8 low sodium Quantity: 1 cup
130 Soymilk, Vanilla Full Circle Organic Quantity: 8oz
125 Milk, fat free Quantity: 1 cup 246gm
123 Chicken, roasted with meat & skin Quantity: 1/4 whole chicken
120 Spinach, frozen, organic Quantity: 1 cup
119 Soymilk, Plain Silk Quantity: 1 cup 243gm
110 Peanut butter with flax oil creamy Quantity: 2 Tbsp
100 Celery, organic Quantity: 1 medium stalk 40gm
100 Soymilk, Chocolate Silk Quantity: 8oz
100 Tomato paste, Full Circle organic Quantity: 6oz can
100 Soymilk, Chocolate Silk Light Quantity: 1 cup 243gm

About Cholesterol Intake

Cholesterol is produced naturally by the liver, thus zero cholesterol from food is needed. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plant foods are all cholesterol free. Cholesterol in food comes from animal meat, poultry, and dairy products. The maximum cholesterol intake from foods should be no more than 300 mg per day.

Cholesterol in Foods (High to Low)

Cholesterol (mg)Information updated: March 31, 2010
170 Egg, Brown cage free Eggland organic Quantity: 1 large
132 Chicken, roasted with meat & skin Quantity: 1/4 whole chicken
90 Turkey, ground 93/7 lean Quantity: 4oz
85 Salmon, frozen wild keta (Pacific) Quantity: 4oz 113gm
77 Beef, ground round 85% lean (cooked) Quantity: 3oz 85gm
70 Beef, ground sirloin 90% lean (cooked) Quantity: 3oz 85gm
70 Turkey Sausage, lean, sweet Quantity: 1 link 91gm
65 Beef, ground beef 95% lean (cooked) Quantity: 3oz 85gm
65 Chicken, breast tenderloins boneless skinless Quantity: 112gm
65 Pasta, Egg Noodles, wide 100% whole grain Quantity: 1/4 cup dry 56gm
60 Bison Burger (cooked) Quantity: 3oz 85gm
60 Tuna Steak, frozen Ahi Yellow fin Quantity: 4oz 113gm
59 Beef, steak, rib eye Quantity: 3oz
57 Tilapia, cooked dry heat Quantity: 4 oz 100gm
50 Turkey, ground breast 99% lean Quantity: 4oz
38 Ricotta Cheese, part skim milk Quantity: 1/2 cup 24gm
36 Tuna, canned in water, white albacore Quantity: 3oz 85gm
35 Whey Protein Booster Vanilla Powder, Naturade Quantity: 2 Tbsp 20gm
20 Ice Cream, Breyers All Natural Homemade Vanilla Quantity: 1/2 cup 68gm
20 Milk, 2% fat Quantity: 1 cup 246gm
19 Beef, ground beef 80% lean frozen organic Quantity: 4oz
19 Pasta, Spinach (cooked) Quantity: 2oz 57gm
17 Anchovies, canned in oil, drained solids Quantity: 5 fillets 20gm
15 Cottage Cheese, low fat 2% milkfat Quantity: 4oz 113gm
15 Yogurt, Lowfat plain Dannon Quantity: 8oz
10 Ice Cream, Breyers All Natural Light Vanilla Quantity: 1/2 cup 68gm
10 Ice Cream, Breyers All Natural Vanilla 1/2 fat Quantity: 1/2 cup 68gm
10 Sour Cream, light Quantity: 1oz 28gm
10 Buttermilk, low fat cultured Quantity: 1 cup 245gm
10 Milk, 1% fat Quantity: 1 cup 246gm
5 Ice Cream, Breyers 98% Fat Free Vanilla Quantity: 1/2 cup 68gm
5 Yogurt, Nonfat plain Dannon Quantity: 8oz
5 Cottage Cheese, low fat 1% milkfat Quantity: 1/2 cup 113gm
3 Sour Cream, fat free Quantity: 1oz 28gm
3 Milk, fat free Quantity: 1 cup 246gm

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