Written By: Kirby Stanton, RDN, LDN Food City Dietitian 

August is National Wellness Month; this is a great time to take stock and think about how everyday habits have an impact on health. It can be easy to feel bombarded by the latest healthy eating trend or buzzworthy ingredient. But good nutrition is about consistently choosing healthy foods and beverages. Eating for wellness emphasizes foods that provide nutrients to optimize and even improve every function of the body. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium rich dairy, lean protein, and heart healthy fats. 

Food City Pick Well program analyzes nutrition labels and food ingredients to tag “better for you” choices both instore and online. If working to add more wellness into your eating routine look for these Pick Well tags: 

· Including more essential nutrients can help support health at any age. Shop Dietitian’s Pick tag to find wellness promoting food choices. These picks must have a good serving of at least one essential nutrient, including protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These picks also contain less sodium, cholesterol, saturated fat, and added sugar.  

· Focusing on wellness does not mean giving up foods you love, instead try to make smart swaps. Shop No Sugar Added tag to take steps to reduce added sugar intake. Products with this tag are produced without the use of added sugar.

· Most adults need 25 to 30 g of fiber per day. Adding more whole grain foods can increase fiber intake. Shop Whole Grain tag to add more fiber filled whole grains, items tagged must be 100% whole grain or provide at least8g of whole grain per serving. 

· Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day. Eating a sodium, or salt, controlled diet can help with managing blood pressure. Managing blood pressure can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.  Shop Low Sodium tag to find foods with no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving, or less than 10% of recommended daily value. 

· Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Heart risk can be impacted by diet and lifestyle changes. Following a heart healthy diet includes selecting choices with less saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar. Shop Heart Healthy tag for picks that align with heart healthy eating recommendations.  

For more information visit www.foodcity.com/pickwell