The 10 Keys to Healthy Eating

Nutrition is often regarded as the first form of medicine. Indeed, it plays a fundamental role in our health! This article presents 10 essential keys to adopting simple dietary habits that can optimize your health and well-being.

1. Have a savory breakfast!

Most of us eat cereal with milk or buttered white toast with jam alongside a tall glass of orange juice for breakfast. But that breakfast is far from ideal in terms of nutrition. Indeed, that kind of overly sugary meal encourages insulin secretion, which should be avoided — especially in the morning.

It’s best to opt for a savory breakfast. Eating protein in the morning promotes the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the mind and jump-starts your motivation. In addition to making you more motivated and alert, consuming protein at breakfast can also help you feel full longer and reduce snacking later in the morning.

Eggs are the perfect solution because they contain extremely high quality protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals. But there are other protein sources you can try for variety:

Animal protein: one ounce of cheese (preferably goat or sheep milk), a yogurt (goat or sheep milk), sardines or a slice of good ham (from time to time)

Plant-based protein: soy-based vegan pudding packed with protein, chia seeds, nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.)

2. Eat at least 2 to 3 fruits and 2 to 3 servings of vegetables a day

A daily intake of 28 to 32 oz of fruit and vegetables is ideal, i.e. 2 to 3 servings of vegetables (17 oz) and 2 to 3 fruits. For lunch and dinner, choose at least one raw and one cooked fruit or vegetable.

After all, fresh fruits and vegetables are very high in fiber, which has an essential role to optimizing our health. It contributes to satiety and therefore plays an important role in weight management, it helps regulate our blood sugar levels, and it also facilitates digestion and helps balance our gut microbiota.

Fruits and vegetables are also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Getting the right amount of antioxidants is particularly important for preventing cancer, degenerative diseases and cardiovascular disease.

Vary the fruits and vegetables on your plate and their colors as much as possible to reap all their benefits!

Warning: fruit juice is not the same as fruit! Juice lacks the fiber that regulates the rate at which sugars are assimilated, so its glycemic index is much higher than that of whole fruit.

3. Eat good fat

The quest to eliminate fat has no scientific or biological basis. In fact, “good fats” are responsible for the proper development of eyesight, brain membranes and neural connections. In addition to being good for the brain, they help reduce cardiovascular risks. So good fat is a crucial ally for good health!

But not all fats are created equal! The problem is not that we eat too much fat these days, but that we eat too much bad fat.

Limit your intake of saturated fats and omega-6, which are currently over-consumed. These fats are found in animal products (meat, butter, cheese, etc.), in some vegetable oils (sunflower, coconut, palm, grape seed) and above all in many processed products (cookies, potato chips, etc.).

On the other hand, make sure you get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids! Omega-3 fatty acids occur primarily in fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc.), certain oils (canola, linseed, walnut), seeds (chia, flax, hemp) and in some vegetables in very small quantities (watercress, lamb’s lettuce, cabbage). Caution: do not consume tuna or salmon more than once a week, as they generally contain high levels of various pollutants, including heavy metals (mercury, PCBs, dioxins, etc.).

Choose products rich in omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids occur in large quantities in olive oil, hazelnut oil, avocado, hazelnuts and almonds. In view of the environmental impact of avocados, we recommend eating them only occasionally.

4. Take the time to chew

Chewing may seem like a trivial step and is often neglected; however, it plays an essential role in our health.

Better nutrient absorption: good chewing transforms food into nutrients that reach our cells more effectively.

Eating less and managing weight: chewing triggers various hormones that send a satiety signal to the brain during the meal.

Improving digestion: insufficient chewing forces the stomach to produce more gastric juice to break down large pieces. This excess acid can irritate the digestive lining and cause acid reflux.

Protecting teeth and gums: chewing helps prevent cavities by stimulating saliva production, which cleans dental plaque and protects enamel from acidity. It also exercises our gums, essential for good dental health.

5. Fill up on antioxidants

Antioxidants are extremely beneficial molecules that are crucial to cell protection. They help guard against various afflictions, such as premature skin aging, cancer, degenerative disorders, cataracts, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

The good news is that these miracle workers occur all around us in our food. Eating generous amounts of fruits and vegetables is usually enough to cover the body’s needs. Here are some foods with particularly high antioxidant properties:

Berries: blueberries, blackberries, goji berries, acai berries, raspberries, strawberries

Other fruits: apples, plums, pomegranates, oranges, kiwis, grapes, figs

Vegetables: artichokes, cabbages, broccoli, spinach, bell peppers

Allium family: onion, garlic, shallot

Spices: cloves, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon

Herb: thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, chives, dill, mint, rosemary, bay leaf

Hot beverages: tea and coffee

Cacao and chocolate: pure cocoa powder, dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao)

You should eat organic versions of these foods because organically grown foods have 20% to 70% more polyphenols (a type of antioxidant found in many vegetables) than conventionally grown foods.

6. Eat mindfully

In our busy lives, many of us eat breakfast at breakneck speed, or gobble up lunch in front of our computers to make the most of our time. We are completely disconnected from our relationship with food.

However, it is important to devote at least 20 minutes to each meal. Mindfulness is about considering a moment in its own right, and paying attention to what we eat.

Applying mindfulness to our eating habits will have several beneficial impacts. First, it enables us to listen to our hunger and satiety signals and ensure that our intake is adapted to our needs. This will reduce the quantities we consume and our cravings for snacks.

Mindful eating also helps develop a preference for healthier foods: when we eat impulsively and emotionally without listening to our bodies, we no longer feel the pleasure of eating, and we are more susceptible to fatty, sweet and salty foods.

Finally, mindfulness also contributes to mental well-being. It allows you to observe your feelings without judgment, and to listen to yourself. Thinking only of the present moment during a meal also helps to still the mind and lower stress and anxiety.

7. Limit your salt intake

Salt is essential to proper body function, but excessive consumption can lead to the development of certain diseases. Today, we consume more than twice as much salt than we really need!

Excessive salt intake increases the risk of high blood pressure. Hypertension itself can lead to heart disease and even stroke. Salt consumption also increases the risk of cancer and stomach ulcers.

There are simple ways to reduce salt intake:

  • Limit foods high in salt: ready-made meals, potato chips, cold cuts, pizza, sauces, cheese, etc.
  • Opt for alternatives to add flavor to dishes, such as garlic, onion, thyme, chives, basil, lemon, pepper, curry, paprika and all sorts of spices.
  • Taste before salting
  • Do not add salt to cooking water
  • Remove the salt shaker from the table

8. Go vegetarian at dinner

It is recommended to prepare a vegetarian dinner, meaning no meat, fish or eggs. This type of meal will help pave the way for a good night’s sleep.

So, for dinner you should opt for plant-based protein rather than animal protein. Indeed, animal protein encourages the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for alertness and motivation. While it is perfect in the morning to rev you up, at night the body needs to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with soothing and sleep regulation.

Serotonin is made from tryptophan, an amino acid found in plant-based protein, such as legumes, soy, brown rice, sunflower seeds and chocolate. The carbohydrates found in legumes and grain products also help optimize serotonin production.

Some foods promote serotonin production, which optimizes sleep quality:

Walnuts and almonds: in addition to tryptophan, they contain magnesium, a lack of which can be linked to sleep disorders.

Carbohydrates (from whole grains and fruits): thanks to insulin secretion, their amino acids will be directed to the brain rather than the muscles. That will make room for tryptophan in the brain, so it is more readily available for serotonin production.

Furthermore, animal proteins and cooked fats are very demanding for the digestive system: they are made up of molecules that can take a long time to digest.

9. Opt for low-temperature cooking

Cooking at high temperatures erodes the nutritional quality of food: it leads to the destruction of certain vitamins and minerals. Some vitamins are very sensitive to heat, and foods can easily lose 50% of their initial vitamin content during cooking. The longer the cooking time and the higher the temperature, the lower the nutritional content of the food.

In addition, browning food during cooking is accompanied by the production of Maillard bodies, compounds which, in excessive quantities, can increase the risk of developing certain cancers.

Opt for low-temperature cooking, i.e. below 210°F. The most useful method is gently steaming your foods.

10. Eat raw foods and avoid processed foods

Raw food is a product that is sold in its original form and has not undergone any
processing: fruit and vegetables, legumes, eggs, fish, etc. Conversely, processed products
are those that have undergone some form of transformation in order to be sold and which do not occur in this form in nature: ready-made meals, fruit juices and soft drinks, cookies, etc.

Ultra-processed foods have problematic health effects: they are often low in nutrients with a high glycemic load. What’s more, they generally contain little fiber and their texture can be too soft to be satiating.

Finally, consuming processed foods throws the gut microbiota out of balance. As a result, the intestinal microbiota has fewer good bacteria, which are essential to proper body function since they fight pathogens (e.g. parasites and bacteria) and perform essential functions to prevent lifestyle diseases.

Here are some tips for avoiding processed foods:

Go with short ingredient lists, meaning no more than 4 or 5 ingredients.

Avoid products whose ingredient list includes items with complicated names (glucose-fructose syrup, hydrolyzed proteins, modified starch, etc.).

Choose products without problematic additives. Of course, you can use Yuka for this!

Eat as many raw, unprocessed products as possible, that you have prepared and cooked yourself.

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  • Hall KD, Ayuketah A, Brychta R, et al. Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake [published correction appears in Cell Metab. 2019 Jul 2;30(1):226]. Cell Metab. 2019;30(1):67-77.e3.
  • Vandevijvere, S.; Jaacks, L. M.; Monteiro, C. A.; Moubarac, J.-C.; Girling-Butcher, M.; Lee, A. C.; Pan, A.; Bentham, J.; Swinburn, B. Global Trends in Ultraprocessed Food and Drink Product Sales and Their Association with Adult Body Mass Index Trajectories. Obes Rev 2019, 20 Suppl 2, 10–19.
  • Nardocci, M.; Leclerc, B.-S.; Louzada, M.-L.; Monteiro, C. A.; Batal, M.; Moubarac, J.-C. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Obesity in Canada. Can J Public Health 2019, 110 (1), 4–14
  • Chambers, Lucy. (2016). Food texture and the satiety cascade. Nutrition Bulletin. 41. 277-282. 10.1111/nbu.12221.
  • Tremblay, A.; Bellisle, F. Nutrients, Satiety, and Control of Energy Intake. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2015, 40 (10), 971–979.
  • Fardet, A. Minimally Processed Foods Are More Satiating and Less Hyperglycemic than Ultra-Processed Foods: A Preliminary Study with 98 Ready-to-Eat Foods. Food Funct 2016, 7 (5), 2338–2346.
  • Fiolet, T.; Srour, B.; Sellem, L.; Kesse-Guyot, E.; Allès, B.; Méjean, C.; Deschasaux, M.; Fassier, P.; Latino-Martel, P.; Beslay, M.; et al. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Cancer Risk: Results from NutriNet-Santé Prospective Cohort. BMJ 2018, 360.
  • Zinöcker, M. K.; Lindseth, I. A. The Western Diet–Microbiome-Host Interaction and Its Role in Metabolic Disease. Nutrients 2018, 10 (3).

Co-Author

Anthony Berthou

Registered nutritionist, specialist in systemic food issues, teacher to healthcare professionals.

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1,821 comments

  1. ed withuski

    Just want say THANK YOU Your Helping my nephew reverse his diabetes

    Reply
  2. Caroline

    Very useful article and a fantastic app. I made a point of having a paid subscription with you because I think you app is a health game-changer and I applaud that you’re not affiliated to any food or products companies – therefore I hope that my subscription goes some way to supporting you as more than ever we need the independents.

    1
    Reply
  3. John

    Very useful article. When I first used Yuka . Nearly Everything I was about to buy was bad for me !! The big advantage of Yuka is that I can immediately see the alternatives. I haven’t changed everything but I am now more in control of my eating . More to do in 2026 . Thank you Yuka

    1
    Reply
  4. gary

    i would be lost without my yuka app . having read ultra processed people three times by chris van tulleken has been a revelation too

    Reply
  5. Jennie

    Thank you for this very helpful article❤️
    I joined Yuka about 6 months ago and it has been life-changing!! I’ve always been really interested in healthy living (thanks to my mother who has just turned 97) and this app makes it so simple to know the best products to buy – not only what goes into our body but also what we put on it.

    1
    Reply
  6. Don

    Question why sports people when they carry a bottle of water and they always end up pinch of sea salt is it good or bad? I find out since I start doing the sign I felt much better. I think less fluid my energy I feel good.

    4
    Reply
  7. Stephanie

    Awesome – love this info and will take note and also send to my friends starting a new year eating healthier!

    Reply
  8. Mar

    I would like MSG added to the system

    1
    Reply
  9. Dani

    Great article. The Yukka app has really opened my eyes to the poison we are being fed in our foods! The food indusrty really need to be held accountable and regulated a hell of a lot more. The app is briliant and we scan everything now.

    2
    Reply
  10. Gary

    Great article and love the Yuka app, definitely worth joining. I use it everyday and has definitely changed what I eat and drink to make more healthier choices.

    1
    Reply
  11. Sue

    I am glad I took the time to read this – learned lots.
    I love the app and have been seriously considering joining Yuka.

    1
    Reply
  12. Susan

    Thank you very much for sharing this information, very helpful.the yuka app is Awesome,it was helpful me be more mindful when shopping. Really appreciated.

    1
    Reply
  13. Patsy

    I find the yuka app has helped me tremendously.
    A lot of things I bought because of the brand were awful 😖 now I check products all the time. Thanks so much.

    1
    Reply
  14. Elizabeth

    I really appreciate YUKA. I’m vegan, and it has really changed the way I shop. I make sure I have the app with me whenever I leave home. Thank you.

    1
    Reply
  15. Tracie

    Thank you for sharing this information. This was very helpful and insightful.

    1
    Reply
  16. Diana

    This is greaat and very helpful information. Thank you for sharing and raising our awareness to the benefits of healthier food selections.

    1
    Reply
  17. Sarah

    Very helpful! Particularly mindful eating. So true! Thank you.

    1
    Reply
  18. Susan

    Thank you for this information. I am classed as pre-diabetic which is worrying, but with your app i will be able to recognise the Goodies from the Baddies.

    Reply
  19. Leah

    Thank you so much for sharing all this information. Still loving using the app when shopping brilliant

    Reply
  20. Riad

    Everything is good

    Reply
  21. Meiling

    Very useful article which I follow all the time, that’s probably why I am never ill, never had flu in my life. My favourite snacks are
    walnuts and dark chocolate and dare I say it a little red wine on rare occasions. Thanks as always for sharing your great info. 👍

    Reply
  22. Carol

    Good advice lots I am aware of but quite a few things I was totally unaware of so thankyou

    Reply
  23. Jon

    Good advice mostly. Chewing and whole grains are the jey maybe . Thanks to new info too….

    Reply
  24. Paul

    I only eat what I make myself i don’t eat seed oils sugar or refined carbs now that I have Yuka i can see what they put in the food i buy thanks

    1
    Reply
  25. Teresa

    Brilliant. Lots of essential information to guide you through the healthy diet. I just wish more of the healthy products were cheaper to buy for families. The supermarket chains should increase buy one get one free of healthy options .

    Reply
  26. Chris

    Hi. A big thank you for your good advice over the past few months. I was introduced to Yuka by a friend and initially used it to help me make better decisions about my food however I have started to use it for my beauty products which is amazing 🤩. Thank you again and keep up the good work.

    Reply
  27. Amanda

    A friend told me about Yuka, and now I use it all the time. Have recommended it to lots of people, including strangers in supermarkets. Very helpful and informative. Like the way you recommend healthier alternatives too. Thankyou!

    Reply
  28. Gayla

    Thank you for all you do to keep me updated and inform about how and what to eat .soooo very greatfull. 😊😋

    Reply
  29. Ian

    Am I on a vegetarian forum. This is very anti meat. Meat contains everything you need for an healthy life. Do we really need all this fiber in our food. What studies actually prove this where did that come from?

    Reply
  30. Barbie

    A great article re ten tips for healthy eating. We all need to be more aware of what’s in our food and be responsible for our own lifestyle. I love the app and recommend it to all of my friends and family. Keep up the good work 🏆

    Reply
  31. Joyce

    I started using the Yuka app in April 2025, and I love it. I refer people to Yuka all the time, even to strangers in an aisle debating what they should buy. I have subscribed to the premium version and have found it such a great help when searching for particular products. Thank you and keep up the good work! Now to get the US on track with European guidelines. 🙂

    3
    Reply
  32. Karen

    I joined last year and Love this app, use it all the time cannot recommend it highly enough
    please keep up the great work your information is life changing
    Thank you

    Reply
  33. Penne

    Great article thank you

    Reply
  34. Christina

    I don’t add salt to cooking and steam veg
    Salt like sugar is very addictive

    Reply
  35. Nik

    Brilliant! And good advice 😊
    Yuka is so good for helping with this.

    Reply
  36. Maz

    Hi, great article but just to point out that (under item 8) eggs are vegetarian.

    1
    Reply
  37. Sean

    This is becoming a bit much now. I use the app (and I love it) to stay away from the additives, E numbers and chemicals they put in our food but if I follow the above there is little point to life! Don’t salt water? Have you ever tasted unsalted boiled pasta? Ever looked at how appealing boiled chicken breast is with no colouring on it? Eat certain fish BUT only once a week? Limit butter, but that a good fat in comparison to chemically induced margarine/’low fat’ spreads!
    You need to start focusing more on the real issues: Processed foods and the bigger killer, Ultra processed foods, the chemicals in our food and sweeteners. The shift the focus to fresh veg, fruit and salads, then the one day a week vegetarian, etc etc. You are starting to get the messaging wrong.

    12
    Reply
    1. Ian

      I think yuka is run by vegetarians as they push you away from meat. Nothing good was said about meat.
      Meat contains everything we need for a healthy life.

      3
      Reply
      1. Sandra

        Are you a butcher?

  38. Susan

    Loved this article… always good to have a reminder of what foods to eat and how best to prepare and eat them. Thank you!

    Reply
  39. Ann

    A straight forward way to aid our health which makes sense!! Love Yuka

    Reply
  40. Esi

    Love the education !!! Can you explain the point, do not add salt to cooking water?
    Why not and when should it be done.
    Thank you

    Reply
    1. Agi

      I think bc even if want to add the salt later, it’s just one way to reduce adding salt that may be unnecessary. That’s why it says “taste before you add” or something along those lines in the article.

      Reply
  41. Helen

    Great advice, thank you. Absolutely love Yuka and have even got my grandchildren “Yukaing” things which is great for teaching them healthy eating

    Reply
  42. Sue

    Yuka is brilliant. My nephew gave to my sister and I. I love it. Thank you

    Reply
  43. John

    Excellent interesting content , thank you I love Yuka for its none complicated, science based advise …. I use your app regularly even as I am now on holiday in Spain such great coverage

    2
    Reply
  44. Cat

    Informative article- and I love your app. It’s the thing that keeps my husband and I nutritionally safe since we moved to America, thank you!

    Reply
    1. Naomi

      Small correction. My husband and me, not my husband and I. If you take the word husband out you wouldn’t say “that keeps I nutritionally safe”, you would say that keeps me nutritionally safe, that’s how you know. Sorry, I’m just anal about these things.

      Reply
  45. Robert

    Extremely helpful guidance in living a healthier lifestyle, can’t imagine how we managed without YUKA.

    2
    Reply
  46. Lesley

    A very useful and informative article, and love the app which is really helpful in making good choices of both food and cosmetics.

    Reply
  47. Peter

    Some great advice here, I agree with all of them, I would perhaps ad an extra key of eating fermented food for a better guy health which affects you physical and mental health

    Reply
  48. Paul

    You do a great job enforcing what we have always tried to achieve. We use your app extensively, and are constantly amazed by the results thank you

    1
    Reply
  49. Margaret

    This is extremely useful and very information.
    Mrs Conrad

    Reply
  50. Mike

    Brilliant advice, thank you. Yuka is my go-to app for buying food. Just scan the bar code: it couldn’t be easier.

    Reply
  51. Trish Graham

    I find that the app etc are all very useful – I find that the hints are all useful – Thanks 👍

    Reply
  52. Lynn

    Yuka has enabled me to ear more healthy food and I no longer suffer from reflux and cholesterol levels getting better since watching intake of saturated fats.
    Thank you

    Reply
  53. Tracy

    Thank you, a very helpful timely reminder 😊

    Reply
  54. Anthony

    Love this app,had for about 3 years now and never go shopping without using it,game changer.

    Reply
  55. Linda

    Yuka has been so helpful to me, changing to a more healthy diet and being able to check what I’m buying is good or bad, also offering an alternative is great, I’m feeling the benefits and no longer need the prescribed medication. I love Yuka !

    Reply
  56. Tania

    Yuka is my favorite app.

    2
    Reply
  57. TJ

    I recommend to family friends and complete strangers shopping. You’re totally brilliant, thank you xxx

    1
    Reply
  58. Rowena

    This is brilliant, thank you. It confirms what I know and what I have been learning recently from What’s Up Docs podcasts, as well as a few new things.
    Thank you for this.

    Reply
  59. David

    Really useful article.

    Reply
  60. Margaret Sharp

    Has my membership finished do I have to renew each year?

    7
    Reply
  61. Ali

    Thanks Yuka, such a brilliant valuable app

    4
    Reply
  62. Lachlan

    The dietary guidelines from your sources that you refer to are outdated and obsolete

    (Krauss RM, Eckel RH, Howard B et al. AHA Dietary Guidelines: revision 2000: A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association. Stroke. 2000;31:2751-2766.)

    I’m finding animal protein, animal fats, minimal carbohydrates, no highly processed food of any type, no seed oils, no fruit and sparingly vegetables and salads are doing wonders for me. I’ve been on this for over seven months, eating a huge breakfast, two meals a day and lost 15 kilograms of weight without even trying to

    1
    Reply
    1. Mooma

      But rapid weight loss isn’t usually a sign of good health. And animal proteins have a proven link to Alzheimers. I think you’re following a dangerous path, but obviously it’s your choice. Good luck 🙂

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      Reply
    2. J

      Agreed. Recommending seed oils and vegetarian? Really poor advice.

      I too have removed carbs and increased healthy fats. No seed oils, fruit and no processed food at all. Not quite carnivore, more a modified keto diet. And weight has dropped off me too.

      Looks like things are changing. Those food pyramids will be laughed at in a few years.

      Reply
  63. Jeff carlson

    Thank you for those 10 tips to better diet !

    Reply
  64. John

    I enjoy reading about the food items that you talk about as I am still modifying and experimenting with the different foods around.

    Reply
  65. Olanike

    I love Yuka and I have introduced it to lots of women in my circle. Yuka is a blessing. Thank you Yuka.

    1
    Reply
  66. Necia

    I am thrilled to be able to use your Yuka App, as I can now make informed decisions on purchasing products from the supermarket. I look forward to more people becoming aware and getting involved with healthy choices, so the manufacturers will become more responsible and hopefully feed us food not trans fats and chemicals.

    Reply
  67. Elizabeth

    I would just like to thank you for the valuable information that has helped change my gut problems. My diet always been healthy however Yuka app has highlighted foods that don’t support gut and now understand why the reason.

    Reply
  68. Simone

    I use the Yuka app so often, especially when purchasing skincare, body care and even dental products. Previous skin care and make up labels that mark themselves as natural were one of the worst ratings, which I found fascinating. I love taking my app around the supermarket and I’m learning all the times. I always share products with my friends that they tell me are healthy and when I see them and scan them, they are quite shocked.
    Keep up the great work.

    1
    Reply
  69. Lynda Sunley

    Our body needs healthy salt i.e. Celtic, sea salt or Himalayan, as opposed to regular processed table salt which is bad for us.

    Salt must not be demonized.

    5
    Reply
    1. Lachlan

      I 100% agree Lynda.

      1
      Reply
  70. Jan

    I find your advice so logical, easy to follow. I am 84, my husband 82, eating well is so important to us.

    Reply
  71. Ursula

    My husband and adult kids have eaten a plant-based diet for over ten years now, and I am so grateful that you always include plant-based options and that I can filter for vegan foods. I would say we know more about nutrition than most lay people because we really researched when converting to a plant/based diet, but I am always surprised by how much I DON’T know, so thank you for your insightful and practical eating tips! And that you include so much Australian product! I have also completely changed all my personal care and beauty products since using Yuka- love it.

    1
    Reply
  72. pennie

    Some excellent advice however grass-fed saturated fats are essential for brain development and nerve functioning. Highly processed canola oil is a poison originally designed as a lubricant for machinery, not for humans.

    Eating blueberries and other berries is now a serious health hazard as they are bombarded with toxic chemicals which are very harmful to small children due to the proportionality of consumption.

    Salt comes in many forms and not all salts are deleterious. Marine salts contain many minerals and elements not found in processed salts.

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    Reply
  73. Amy

    Love the app and science base advice
    Thank you

    Reply
  74. Carolyn

    I absolutely love this app, since I was told about it. I don’t eat much processed food, but checking items’ barcodes and finding out the truth of some so called healthy foods has been eye opening. For this reason I’ve changed from some products.
    I also didn’t know about #8. I sleep well but will pass thin on to a friend.
    Many thanks Yuka.

    Reply
  75. Mary

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Very informative. Lots of things I’m already trying to thanks to Yuka.

    Reply
  76. Edwin

    Can Yuka update its barcode reader so it can read the new barcodes now used progressively more across the product range by Woolworths in Australia?

    3
    Reply
  77. Mary

    Excellent health information, thank you to the Yuka team 😍

    Reply
  78. Robbie

    My favourite app EvErrrr 🫶🐾

    I would love a section that if I typed in a product say healthy ice block it provided a list which includes only excellent plus the percentage. Ok plastics I know but I’m sure all Yuka users do our best x

    Keep up the amazing work and how do I donate a second time as I didn’t realise how useful I would find this app 🫶🐾🐕

    2
    Reply
  79. Paul

    Ta
    Very helpful app
    Simple to use

    Reply
  80. Diane

    I love Yuka ❤️ it gives me the right decision to allow me to eat better. Thank you 😊 🙏

    Reply
  81. Fred

    Excellent been eating healthy for a while now .

    Reply
  82. Brian

    Thank you very impressed.

    Reply
  83. Jenny

    Thank you so much. I am aware of many items of healthy food, but l still have learnt so much in the detailed in this information.
    The Yuka app has saved me many times from buying food, labelled as healthy but often loaded with sugar. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    1. Kevin

      Maltodextrin is much worse than Sugar ” some info – there is no requirement to label it on food. 10 times worse than sugar . FDA and CDC classify as GRAS = Generally Regarded As Safe. Read about it. https://8fit.com/nutrition/what-is-maltodextrin-side-effects-and-dangers/

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      Reply
  84. Julie

    Thank you, Yuka, for all the health tips and advice. You’ve made life healthier by helping to understand what our bodies need to stay well.

    1
    Reply
  85. Pamela

    Thank you for sharing all your great information. It is very helpful/ precise.
    There is one problem for me however.
    I am not an advocate for Canola oil. It’s a toxic oil. You have mentioned it as being ok to consume?
    Olive oil and Avocado oil have not been mentioned, yet these are, to my mind excellent oils.. I will not purchase foods containing Canola oil.. and it seems to be in everything! I’m interested in the information you have regarding Canola oil to deem it as ok ?
    Many Thanks
    Pamela

    4
    Reply
    1. Robbie

      Olive oil was mentioned at end of 3 fat section and I feel was covered in s positive way.

      The Avocado effect on our land I will learn NOW as just planted three I grew from seed and hope I’m doing the right thing 🫶🐾

      1
      Reply
    2. Christine

      I agree with you Pamela. I do not like eating anything with Canola oil and yet there is soooo much canola oil in everything even things like almond milks and yet states that it is excellent. Would like to see more breakdown of items without canola oil.

      2
      Reply
  86. Vera

    I love the Yuka app, it is helping in making healthy choices when shopping. The healthy eating information is also helpful , knowledge is power, thankyou.

    2
    Reply
  87. Lucia

    Enjoyed reading!
    Thank you 🙏

    Reply
  88. Robyn

    Chocolate

    Reply
  89. Brian

    Great advice

    Reply
  90. Danielle

    Very good advice to keep healthy

    Reply
  91. Mike

    Concise and informative Thanks

    Reply
  92. Wendy

    Excellent summery of the basics for good foods to include in daily diet

    Reply
  93. Maria

    Great article. Thanks for all this valuable information!! I can never learn enough but this is a perfect understandable guideline I can easily refer to.

    2
    Reply
  94. Vanessa

    The concept of eating a vegetable-based meal in the evening is new to me (as is cooking at lower temperatures).
    While this is practical at weekends when we’re all likely to be home together to have a sit down meal at lunch time, this isn’t an option in the week when out at school/college/work.
    Besides, while my husband and I would happily sit down to a vegetable-based dish, I don’t imagine our teens would be crazy about it!

    2
    Reply
  95. Derek

    Good information about daily eating habits. Easy to understand and pass on yo others for better shopping and eating choices. Brilliant.

    Reply
  96. Honor

    I enjoyed the article and also learned a lot

    1
    Reply
  97. Millie Trepanier

    Thank you for sharing . It makes a difference in my eating habits.

    Reply
  98. Almaz

    Thank you for sharing

    Reply
  99. Maria

    I was aware of all this except for #8 (focus on eating serotonin rather than dopamine foods). I learned something new. Perhaps this is the answer to my insomnia. Thank you so much for all the helpful tips.

    Lastly, this is very much in line with the most recent food pyramid except your article provides a lot more detailed information. Thanks again!

    2
    Reply
  100. Kim

    Thank you for all the tips. So important!

    Reply
  101. SHAWN

    You are my Hero!

    Reply
  102. Mike

    Excellent advice , people’s busy lives dictate sometimes their eating habits , but getting this advice out there is so important

    Reply
  103. Shanna

    Great advice for all

    Reply
  104. Faith

    You suggested eating avocados only occasionally due to the environmental impact. Can you tell me more about this environmental impact and what is involved?

    24
    Reply
  105. Jill

    Thanks for the essential reminders re all around good health. #9 in the list – cooking at low temperatures – this I hadn’t heard and need to look at further, especially since many recipes include browning meat before putting in a slow cooker.

    4
    Reply
  106. Titin

    I have read all your information. Thank you . This app does improve my shopping list and not wasting my budget. All the cosmetic I purchase were alarming my health. I dont know if those lipstick did effects my tyroid. Because the sympton did mentioned will caused. Now I am in severe pain that I have to do biopsy. I have been using this lipstick for quite sometime.

    Reply
  107. Janet

    I love my Yuka app. Have been trying to loose weight and the app has helped me in making wiser choices especially when shopping. I was not aware of the content of some of the previous products I had been purchasing. I am down 10 lbs. Thank you!

    Reply
  108. Carol

    I learned a lot from this article. keep them coming.

    2
    Reply
  109. Hannah

    This is a really helpful article! Thank you so much!

    1
    Reply
  110. Kay

    Thank you for all you do!

    These are great reminders for me – most of it i already follow when i remember or have time (slow cooking, chewing more, eat savory breakfast). I’ll make these higher priorities going forward.

    I truly appreciate your app and your articles <3

    1
    Reply
  111. Sue

    Very informative article. Thank you.

    Reply
  112. Joyce

    I very much appreciate your information, app, and work. And pleased you are expanding. Valid and reliable information is so sorely needed in these chaotic times. Your work is valuable.

    1
    Reply
  113. Sandra

    Thanks for the option for low-temperature cooking.

    Reply
  114. Lise

    Great article with lots of usefull information.

    Reply
  115. Denise

    I was surprised olive oil was not listed as a healthy fat. Most things I have read do not recommend canola oil. I would love your feedback.

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    Reply
    1. Rose

      The article said: “Choose products rich in omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids occur in large quantities in olive oil, hazelnut oil, avocado, hazelnuts and almonds.”

      1
      Reply
  116. Vicky

    Living with Herpes simplex was depression for me even with my doctor’s advice and medication. My name is Vicky Moore I live in Chicago, Illinois and this is my story. I browsed the Internet in search of remedies or something but unfortunately nothing new, all still had the same results. Sadly I almost quit on myself, it was around 7:30 in the morning when my therapist called me over to her house, at first I was skeptical, but I went anyways on getting there she was smiling and said there’s living proof now, she showed me a lady who also suffered from herpes simplex 3years back and now she is cured by a doctor who also studied natural herbs. I was amazed and lost for words I even doubted but showed me a doctor’s report test. So I contacted the doctor and weeks later, I was cured. So I would love to use this medium to say a big thank you to my therapist and Dr. Chalopa. This story is shared to others like me out there. However, he also treats other illnesses.

    Email (drchalopa@ gmail. com)

    1
    Reply
    1. Kevin

      It is only the approx 100 yrs that Pharma has been around. There a thousand natural medicine / food / herb / plant cures that has served the human race since time began. No one can put a patent or an exclusive use on a Natural cure. Pharma has to make synthetic medicine to enable an exclusive patent. They know what a natural mdicine does so they try to mimic the same however our bodies treat synthetic as foreign to our body. Our body reacts and this is called a side effect.. often the Doctor has another synthetic drug for the side effect. Do you get the idea?

      Reply
  117. Don

    I had Yuka app on my phone and really loved it. One day it quite working just going around and around and not giving me an answer. So I removed it and then wanted to reinstall the app on my phone and my phone says not available. What do you think is the problem?

    Reply
  118. Dawn

    Wonderful information, thank you 😊

    Reply
  119. Louise

    This was a very good article learning new things
    I few things that I read was shocking about chewing food what it can do
    I’m considering becoming a member in the future

    Reply
  120. Nancy Watts

    I found this article very informative, I’m very pleased that I kind of apply these rules to my life already, but it’s always good to have further verification.

    Reply
  121. Brenda

    Thank you for a great article.

    Reply
  122. Diana

    great information which I will use!

    Reply
  123. Carolee

    Excellent information!

    Reply
  124. coco

    Good one. I was off the track during Christmas time but now I back to my good habits.

    1
    Reply
  125. Donna

    Thank you for your healthy food articles!!!! I am that teacher😩. So lunch feels like 2 minutes when you have 23 first graders. I will eat a healthier lunch from now on.

    Reply
  126. Dawn

    GREAT tips and things to remember! Much of this was also reviewed during a nutritional diabetes class that my husband and I sat in on.

    1
    Reply
  127. Virginia

    Great article and thank you! Not only is it informative, a reminder of how to eat and what to eat, it is also a public service in the best way possible.

    Reply
  128. Peter

    Excellent article. It’s perfect to remind me of my bad eating habits and get back on track with good eating habits again.

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    1. Kathy

      I agree!

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  129. Linda

    Enjoyed your article and reinforced information that I feel is important. Thank you.

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  130. Sharon

    Excellent! This well-written article is packed with accurate and helpful information. I didn’t know that eating vegetarian evening meals helps you sleep better. I plan to give it a try!

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  131. Joni

    This is the BEST app and upgrading is totally worth the extra charge. Using the scanner to check ingredients has totally changed how I choose both food and body products. I particularly love how you list why the item is bad and also love how you recommend better choices. That is a time savor and I use it frequently. You’re doing an amazing job, thank you! I’ve shared this app many times with friends and family.

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  132. Helen

    I’ve found this really helpful. The 10 steps to eating healthy are clear and easy to follow, and I’ve already learned something practical about breakfast; I usually have one Weetabix and look forward to it, but I’m now switching to eggs instead.
    I’ll definitely be taking on board the rest during my next food shop. The advice feels realistic and achievable, and I really love the app. Highly recommended.

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  133. Yvonne

    Thank you! This is an amazing app. I have made many changes within the last couple of weeks. Many of my hair/body products were rating “bad /poor”, and I immediately put them all in the trash. I spent a great deal of time at the grocery store making better choices. Actually, I’ve started to sleep better. Suppose it’s the veggies. Also, I’ll watch my salmon portions. At some point I’ll gladly become a member. Starting a new budget, presently. I’ve shared the app with many friends. Keep educating us, you are the professionals, and thanks again!!!

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  134. Mary

    I use my Yuka when I grocery shop. I feel I am making healthy choices . If I am not sure of a product , I scan it before I put it in my grocery cart. I have been educated through Yuka to live a healthier life style. I have also shared the app with people in the grocery store when they see me scanning, Thank you Yuka!

    Reply
    1. Nancy

      What do you mean by saying browning foods during cooking is bad? Sometimes I brown a roast on the stovetop to seal in the juices prior to putting it in the oven. Is this bad nutritionally? Also is crockpot cooking good or not so much? Enjoyed your article immensely!

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  135. John

    Absolutely LOVE the app and the information in your emails!!! It has made a difference in what we choose to buy and eat. I have shared it with many friends and relatives. They have all been excited (and astounded) at the results of their food buying habits. Thank you so much!!

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  136. Christopher

    Awesome app! My wife and I use it all the time. The only thing I wish it had the capability of doing, is tweaking the settings to our preferred diet. We don’t believe every human body thrives on the same things. We are unique in many ways as individuals. I don’t care what the science says this year. We’ve followed the Weston A. Price Foundation diet for over two decades and we thrive on it. Straight from the farm as intended. Unprocessed saturated fats and salts are promoted. Raw dairy and veggies. If you’ve never had raw milk you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s one of the most nutrient dense foods you can consume along with raw butter, cheese and yogurt. The pasteurization process kills all of the micro organisms in dairy. It’s the processed dairy that is bad for you. And plenty of eggs from our own free range chickens. Works for us. We’re headed towards 60 and pharmaceutical free.

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  137. Jurod

    My family’s food choices have changed drastically since using the YUKA app to shop for our food! I love knowing what we are putting in our bodies! This will make generational changes as well because we’ve shared the app with our children, and they use it to make better selections for our grandchildren! Thank you for doing all of the hard work for us!

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  138. Samantha

    LOVE LOVE THE APP gamechanger in the supermarket. thanks for sharing

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  139. Elizabeth

    Thanks 🙏Yuka for Alllll this goooood information help me a lot I’m sooo grateful ♥️🙏

    Reply
  140. Ruthie

    Thank You, thank you

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    Reply
  141. Kim

    Love this app, can’t imagine food shopping without it

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  142. Sue

    Just received this app from a friend. Amazing what I had that was bad so I’m more mindful now when I shop. Thanks Yuka for this. Helps enormously

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  143. Barbara

    This app has been so helpful in finding excellent choices while shopping. I really like that healthier options are shown. Using the app has been eye opening! I have also used the feature that allows me to ask manufacturers to change their products to make them more healthy.

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  144. Pam

    I use the Yuka app in the grocery stores on a regular basis. So many times I have been saved from making a poor product choice. I love that you offer alternatives. What a great app.

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  145. Richard

    Great article! What would be a good soy-based vegan pudding? And don’t forget, in addition to never adding salt to your food, buy foods with no added sugar and reduce sugar consumption. And drink a lot of water every day….. 8 8oz. glasses of water.

    Reply
  146. Victoria

    The Yuka app is amazing. I love all the information I obtain from using it. The Yuka app has improved my eating habits along with selecting healthy personal care products. Also, I have shared this app with many friends and neighbors which all have responded with a thank you for introducing them to the app. I just finished reading the email on health food choices. My philosophy in life is to alway surround myself around goodness and the Yuka app is a perfect example of goodness. THANK YOU!!!!

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  147. Trudy

    Excellent article. Nice to have it in January to get back on the train…. 😁
    Thank you.

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    Reply
  148. Daniel

    I love the Yuka app. I follow it in the grocery store all the time a year ago I broke my neck. I have 22 screws in my neck. What is the best thing to relieve the pain in my hands without taking drugs at night when I go to sleep, they hurt the worst.

    Reply
  149. pratap

    I am 85 years old. Your app has changed my shopping and eating habits. I look forward top a few more years of healthy living. Thank you.

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  150. Darlene

    Yuka has been a game-changer for me at the grocery store. The clear ratings and explanations help me quickly choose healthier products, even when I’m in a rush. I’ve discovered great new brands I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. Thank you for making nutrition easier!

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    1. Joe

      Great info! I love it. Thanks so much!!

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    2. Kevin
  151. Larry

    Great suggestions!

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  152. Teresa

    I’ve been using the app at the grocery stores… very helpful in making good choices instead of poor ones ;))) thx !!

    Reply
  153. Rosemary

    I must say that I am very impressed with your app. Because of this app, I am eating HEALTHIER, and making better choices. I love this app and will continue to share it. I wish I could have scan vitamin. Thank you, for putting this app together it’s a blessing.

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  154. Charles

    very informative. great info!!!!

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  155. Allen

    I’m sending this to RFK Jr and the OZ…. Good stuff!
    Thank you!

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  156. Patti

    Thoroughly enjoyed this article and will put it to good use regularly.

    Can you recommend a flavorful and nutritious pizza? GF

    Reply
  157. Kazz

    Great article. Very easy to understand. Wondering why you say avocados have a big environmental impact? I haven’t heard of this. Great app. I always recommend to friends

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    1. marg

      Ask Google…lots of info on the environmental impact of avocados. I had the same question and and looked it up.

      Reply
  158. Donna

    Verybinteresting

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  159. Bonny

    I love the Yuka app. It’s been very helpful, I like when it shows me an alternative choice, sometimes I can’t find the alternative option in the store I’m in. It would be more helpful if I knew where to find it or who sells it.

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  160. Trish

    You did mention that we should too slowly I eat so fast sometimes I don’t realize to stop when I’m full if ideas are really helpful thank you

    Reply
  161. Greg

    Good stuff! Even though I may only skim a little off the top, it increases my overall awareness of food choices.

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  162. Ira

    Very good advice.

    Reply
  163. Gary

    Excellent article on keeping healthy. By following these guidelines and sticking with it will add years to your life. Thank you so much for this article.

    Reply
    1. Kevin
  164. Sylvia

    Great and useful information. Thanks!

    Reply
  165. Jim

    Really enjoy the App. I make better choices and can honestly say I know I am eating healthier thanks to the app. I have shared the app with many friends and relatives. Thanks for all you do.
    Jim

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  166. Jennifer

    Love Yuka. Take you to the store with me every time I shop!

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  167. Julie

    Wonderful article!! Very easy to read and useful, practical information. Thank you so very much!

    Reply
  168. Rebecca

    I really appreciated this article. It validated my eating habits for the past 5 years. I reversed my type II diabetes, lost over 80 lbs and have kept it off!!
    I continually learn new things and this article was wonderful. I use the app all the time when grocery shopping. Thank you.

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  169. Cindy

    I love this app and I especially love the articles and research you put into all emails. Thanks for watching out for all of us.
    Cindy

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  170. Judy

    Great and very useful information! Thank you!

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  171. Ruth

    Very good information that should be taught in every school.

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  172. Frank

    I’ve been using Yuka to avoid the additives and it seems to make a difference. Thank you.

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  173. Terry

    Excellent article. I’m throwing out the grape seed oil and back to olive oil. Please give vegetarian dinner options.

    Reply
  174. Owen

    What about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030?
    In a reversal of the traditional pyramid, meat, eggs, fish, dairy, etc. are at the top and plentiful, while grains are at the bottom and restricted.
    One would hope this document is evidence based!

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  175. Roni

    Great information.
    I’ll keep this for future references.
    Will you ever bring supplements into your line up? I take them on a regular basis, the quality is very important to me.
    Thank you
    Roni

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    1. Kevin

      Suscribe to Consumer Lab in the USA

      Reply
  176. Dale Reporto

    I pretty much do all that’s in the article but yuck has helped me immensely in choosing the right products at the grocery store I’ve been using the app for about six months and I know I’m eating better quality food than I was before. So thank you for your app and I have shared it with all my friends.

    Reply
  177. Gaby

    Great tips!! The new one for was the cooking the veggies at lower temperatures… I will keep that in mind!

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  178. Vicki

    Thank you for the reminder – great starting off this new year. Love Yuka…it helps me make better decisions when shopping for groceries.

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  179. Debbie

    Very informative. There were a few things I had to google because I thought they might be wrong. Soy, coconut oil, salmon, canola oil are a few of these items.
    Looking forward to more healthy info.
    Also need help losing some lbs. ugh!

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  180. Sue

    Very good article, it’s always good to reinforce good eating habits.

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  181. Glenda

    Thank you for your help in choosing more nutritional options in our food. It has been so helpful in my choices!

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    Reply
  182. David Lynema

    Thank you 😊.

    Reply
  183. Laurel

    I would appreciate sample vegetarian dinners as I tend to plan the menu around the meat.

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  184. Soon Kang

    I appreciate all the tips you’ve sent, which are similar to the diet I’m currently following.

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    Reply
  185. Adrien

    Great information and I’m pleased to say my son and I are at 80% of these recommendations and still trying to do better.
    Thank you!
    Adrien & Chris

    Reply
    1. Kathleen

      Thank you for your insight on eating healthy. I have the apt and I use it when shopping. And I definitely love the recommendations for other foods that are good for you.

      Reply
  186. Marie

    “ In view of the environmental impact of avocados, we recommend eating them only occasionally.”
    WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?????

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    1. Debbie

      Good question.

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      Reply
    2. Ruth

      The environmental impact of avocados includes significant concerns related to water usage, deforestation, carbon footprint, and soil degradation, driven by their rising global demand.

      Reply
      1. jon

        Couldn’t you say that about every item raised on a farm?

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  187. Lorraine

    Great tips that I think most of us know but it helps to be reminded to follow these guide lines & keep it up every day. Higher prices on food have made it easier to stay away from the processed items as they are nothing but “junk” food. Once you’ve made the switch to eating more fruits & veggies going back to a bag of chips for a snack tastes horrible. Think it’s about changing your taste buds as well. You can get in the groove of eating right, it just takes a little time. I’ve also found that a lot of organic items taste even better & hold up longer. Red peppers are my new “go to”. They are so refreshing to munch on.

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  188. Doris

    I try to eat like this everyday. Good to know I am doing it right. Good article

    Reply
  189. Robin

    Great article, thanks. I will eat less meat at night for dinner.

    Reply
  190. Kevin

    Thank you!

    Reply
  191. Laura

    Very good suggestions and very understandable for lay persons. Very doable!!

    Reply
  192. Christine

    Thank you. Very informative article.

    Reply
  193. Joe

    Thank you!

    Reply
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