Imperfect Eating: A Balanced Path to Healthy Living
Smart Calories is not about the mere counting of calories. It’s much more than that, based on the quality of those calories. The basis of Smart Calories™ lies in combining caloric values with Nutri-Score, a science-backed system from Europe. Nutri-Score gives a comprehensive score to food, balancing both positive and negative nutritional factors, which makes food choices that support health goals much easier to accomplish.
What is Nutri-Score?
Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack food labeling system that allows consumers to make informed healthier food choices at a glance. It was developed in Europe and decides on the score based on the general nutritional value of the foods. The scale has used a simple colour-coded dimension: from A (very dark green) to E (red) with:
A (very dark green): Most healthy foods (eg, fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
E (red): Lowest score for products with the most unfavorable profile; examples include: sugary snack foods, processed meats.
Scoring is balanced between positive and negative factors
Positive Factors-Boosts score
- Fiber: Food increases digestion and maintains long-term health
- Protein: Helps to heal muscles, aids in satiety, supports the overall health of the body
- Healthy Fats: Unsaturated fats- from nuts and seeds, also from fish-will be great for heart and brain health
Fruits, vegetables, legumes: All good sources of vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Negative Factors (Reducing the Score):
- Sugar: Consumed in excess will lead to an energy crash, followed by gaining weight.
- Sodium: Is linked to hypertensive disease as well as coronary artery disease
- Saturated Fats: Raises cholesterol as well as potential for cardiovascular
Considering all this, Nutri-Score facilitates the comparison between food products or even the same products under the same category, say, cereals.
How is Nutri-score Computed
Nutri-Score is quantitatively represented with a points system:
Positive Points: Foods score points based on higher amount of desirable elements such as proteins and fiber.
Negative Points: Foods lose points based on excess amount of lesser desirable elements like sugars and sodium.
The summation of total score decides the letter and color grade given to the food.
A (Dark Green): An ideal choice towards health.
B (Light Green): Good choice
C (Yellow): Moderate Choice
D (Orange): Lesser healthy choice.
E (Red): Avoid the frequent consumption
Nutri-Score Adoption
Nutri-Score is being used across the entire European region and is slowly picking up all over the world. Countries like France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland have taken it as a standard for transparent food labeling. Some global food companies have started using Nutri-Score on their packaging, thus making it easy for consumers to make healthier choices.
Adoption is not universal, though. There are some industries that resist the implementation of Nutri-Score, as this might affect the sales of less healthy products. Despite this, Nutri-Score is considered one of the most effective tools in promoting public health through informed food choices.
Nutri-Score and Smart Calories
Smart Calories takes Nutri-Score a step further by integrating it into a daily caloric framework. Here’s how:
Calorie Adjustment Based on Nutri-Score:
- Foods with better Nutri-Score (A or B) get fewer Smart Calories.
- The food with worse scores (D or E) get more Smart Calories to help discourage over-consumption
Smart Calories Examples
Here is an example:
One apple Nutri-Score A = 1 Smart Calorie
A slice of pizza Nutri-Score D = 6 Smart Calories.
This dual approach allows the user to indulge in their favorite foods while keeping a balanced and health-focused diet.
Advantages of Using Nutri-Score in Smart Calories™
Makes Healthy Choices Easier:
Color-coded system enables quick identification of healthier options.
Promotes Nutritional Awareness:
Encourages users to think not only about calories but also the quality of food.
Supports Long-Term Health:
It guides users towards nutrient-dense foods, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Flexibility with Accountability:
It allows indulgence in less healthy foods in moderation while prioritizing better choices.
Conclusion
Nutri-Score provides the foundation for Smart Calories by transforming the way we evaluate food. By integrating caloric value with Nutri-Score, Smart Calories™ creates a practical and sustainable system for healthy eating. It simplifies decision-making, empowers users to enjoy their meals without guilt, and promotes a balanced lifestyle.
Ready to revolutionize your diet? With Smart Calories and Nutri-Score, making smarter, healthier choices has never been easier!
