Go-Slow-Whoa food choices | SIU Healthy Dose

Written by Laura Bottom, SIU Center for Family Medicine

With so many food choices, it’s sometimes difficult to know which are the healthiest foods. SIU Center for Family Medicine registered dietitian and diabetes educator Gayle Jennings says a great way to remember is to use the ‘Go-Slow-Whoa’ chart below as a helpful reminder.

“The chart is designed for children but can be used by anyone interested in better nutrition,” Jennings says. Most people want straightforward guidelines, and I think the color coding helps.”

How often can we indulge in foods from the “WHOA” column? “Unfortunately, I don’t have a great answer,” Jennings says. “We all have our favorite foods, but I believe in variety and moderation to promote healthy eating.”

*Though some of the foods in this row are lower in fat and calories, all sweets and snacks need to be limited so as not to exceed one’s daily calorie requirements.
**Vegetable and olive oils contain no saturated or trans fats and can be consumed daily, but in limited portions, to meet daily calorie needs.

This chart is adapted from CATCH: Coordinated Approach to Child Health