https://thehealthyeaters.com/Straight answers about everyday food https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-counting-apps/https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-counting-apps/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPlateLens is the calorie counting app we would put on most phones in 2026. It takes a meal as a photo, a barcode, a typed search or a spoken sentence, all in one diary, and its free plan never runs out. Premium is $34.99 a year. https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-counting-apps-2027/https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-counting-apps-2027/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTOur pick for 2027 is PlateLens. Whatever the meal, it offers a fast way in (a photo of the plate, a barcode, a quick search or a spoken note), each item stores upwards of 80 nutrient values, and nothing on the free tier expires. Upgrading costs $34.99 a year. https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-tracking-apps/https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-tracking-apps/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPlateLens is the best calorie tracking app of 2026 at every price point we compared. Its free plan already covers unlimited barcode and typed logging, daily photo scans, a weight trend and an adaptive calorie target, and its Premium tier is the cheapest of the major trackers at $34.99 a year. https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-tracking-apps-2027/https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-calorie-tracking-apps-2027/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPlateLens is the best calorie tracking app for 2027 across every goal we looked at. Logging is quick, weigh-ins become a smoothed trend, adaptive TDEE tunes the calorie target to your real expenditure, and fasting, glucose and body measurements live in the same app. The free plan has no end date; Premium is $34.99 a year. https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-food-tracking-apps/https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-food-tracking-apps/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTFor most people who want to eat better, PlateLens is the food tracking app to use in 2026: it records every meal quickly by photo, barcode, typing or voice and keeps more than 80 nutrients per food in the background, so questions about protein, sugar, fiber or salt have answers. Cronometer goes deeper on micronutrients; Lifesum hands you a plan. https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-food-tracking-apps-2027/https://thehealthyeaters.com/apps/best-food-tracking-apps-2027/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPlateLens is our first-choice food tracking app for 2027. Snapping, scanning, typing and speaking all feed one diary, every item carries upwards of 80 nutrient values, and a fasting clock, glucose log and meal planner come built in. You can stay on the free tier indefinitely; Premium is $34.99 annually. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-almonds-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-almonds-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. Almonds are one of the most nutrient-dense snacks, with protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium and mostly unsaturated fat. An ounce, about 23 almonds, has around 165 kcal and 6 g protein. Choose plain or lightly salted, keep to about a handful, and use them in place of less nutritious snacks. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-bananas-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-bananas-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. A medium banana has about 105 kcal, 3 g fiber and 420 mg potassium, plus vitamin B6 and vitamin C, with almost no fat or sodium. Its natural sugar comes packaged with fiber, unlike added sugar. People with kidney disease or on potassium-raising medicines should ask their doctor about portions. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-eggs-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-eggs-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. Eggs are an affordable source of high-quality protein, choline and several vitamins, and for most healthy people they fit a balanced diet. One large egg has about 70 to 80 kcal and 6 g protein. People with high LDL cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease should ask a doctor about how many to eat. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-potatoes-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/are-potatoes-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes, potatoes are healthy when cooked simply. A medium baked potato with skin has about 165 kcal, 4 g fiber and more potassium than a banana, plus vitamin C and B6. Deep frying and heavy toppings are the problem, not the spud. Bake, roast or boil, and eat the skin. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-build-a-healthy-grocery-list/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-build-a-healthy-grocery-list/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTStart with the meals you plan to cook, then list ingredients by store section: produce, proteins, dairy, whole grains, pantry and frozen. Keep a standing list of healthy staples, check labels for added sugars, sodium and fiber, and plan four or five dinners rather than seven so less food goes to waste. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-count-calories/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-count-calories/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEstimate your daily needs, read serving sizes on labels, weigh or measure food for the first couple of weeks, and log everything as you eat, including oils, sauces and drinks. Protein and carbohydrates have 4 kcal per gram, fat 9 and alcohol 7. Look at weekly averages and focus on food quality too. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-cut-back-on-sugar/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-cut-back-on-sugar/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAim to keep added sugars under 10 percent of daily calories, about 50 g or 12 teaspoons on a 2,000-calorie diet. Start with sugary drinks, the biggest source for many people, then read the Added sugars line on labels, buy plain foods and sweeten them yourself, and taper gradually so your taste adjusts. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-healthy-at-restaurants/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-healthy-at-restaurants/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCheck the menu ahead, look for grilled, roasted, steamed or broiled dishes, ask for sauces and dressings on the side, swap fries for vegetables or salad, and choose water or unsweetened drinks. Restaurant portions are large, so share a dish or box half. Enjoy the meal; one dinner does not define your diet. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPlan meals before you shop, build them around low-cost staples like beans, lentils, eggs, oats, rice, potatoes and frozen vegetables, compare unit prices, and cook in batches so less goes to waste. Canned and frozen produce count. Cutting sugary drinks and packaged snacks frees up money for better food. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-healthy-when-busy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-healthy-when-busy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTSpend about an hour on the weekend cooking a grain, a protein and a tray of vegetables, then assemble quick bowls, wraps and salads all week. Stock shortcuts like frozen vegetables, canned beans, eggs and pre-washed greens, keep simple snacks in your bag, and have a default takeout order that is reasonably balanced. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-more-protein/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-more-protein/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe adult RDA is 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight, about 55 g a day for a 150-pound person. The simplest way to eat more is to include a protein food at every meal and snack: eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, lentils, tofu, fish, poultry or lean meat. Spread it through the day. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-more-vegetables/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-eat-more-vegetables/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMost adults need about 2.5 cups of vegetables a day on a 2,000-calorie diet. Get there by adding a vegetable to every meal, keeping frozen vegetables on hand, roasting with olive oil and salt, blending vegetables into sauces and soups, and snacking on raw vegetables with a dip. Fresh, frozen and canned all count. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-start-eating-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-start-eating-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTStart small. Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit, choose whole grains more often, include a protein at each meal, and swap sugary drinks for water. Change one or two habits at a time, keep foods you enjoy, and build from there instead of following a strict diet. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-track-what-you-eat/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/how-to-track-what-you-eat/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTDecide why you are tracking, then choose the simplest method that fits: a notebook, meal photos or an app. Log food as you eat it, note amounts, drinks and extras, and add when you ate and how hungry you were. Review once a week and change one thing at a time. Pause if tracking causes stress. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-avocado-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-avocado-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fat, fiber, potassium and folate. A third of a medium avocado has about 80 kcal and 3 g fiber, while a whole one has about 240 kcal. It is a healthy fat to use in place of butter or mayo, as long as portions stay reasonable. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-cheese-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-cheese-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCheese can be part of a healthy diet in modest amounts. An ounce of cheddar has about 115 kcal, 7 g protein and 200 mg calcium, but also about 5 g saturated fat and 180 mg sodium. Choose strong-flavored or lower-fat varieties, measure portions, and pair cheese with vegetables and whole grains. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-dark-chocolate-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-dark-chocolate-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTDark chocolate with 70 percent cacao or more can be a reasonable treat. An ounce offers fiber, iron, magnesium and cocoa flavanols, but also about 170 kcal, 7 g saturated fat and some sugar. Enjoy a square or two, choose higher cacao, and do not treat it as a health supplement. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-granola-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-granola-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGranola can be healthy, but it is calorie-dense and often high in added sugar. A half cup commonly runs around 200 to 300 kcal. Choose one with whole grains first, nuts or seeds, and little added sugar, then use it as a topping on yogurt or fruit rather than a full bowl. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-greek-yogurt-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-greek-yogurt-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPlain Greek yogurt is one of the healthiest everyday foods. A 6-ounce cup of plain nonfat has about 100 kcal and 17 g protein, plus calcium and live cultures. Flavored versions can carry several teaspoons of added sugar, so buy plain and sweeten it yourself with fruit or a little honey. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-honey-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-honey-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTHoney is a natural sweetener, not a health food. A tablespoon has about 64 kcal and 17 g of sugar, and it counts as added sugar in dietary guidance. It carries trace antioxidants and may soothe a cough, but use it sparingly, and never give it to babies under 12 months old. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-hummus-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-hummus-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. Hummus is a healthy dip made from chickpeas, tahini and olive oil, offering plant protein, fiber and mostly unsaturated fat. Two tablespoons typically have about 50 to 80 kcal, depending on the recipe. Watch the portion and sodium, and pair it with vegetables rather than a mountain of chips. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-oat-milk-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-oat-milk-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTOat milk can be part of a healthy diet, especially if it is unsweetened and fortified with calcium and vitamin D. It is lower in protein than cow's or soy milk, about 2 to 4 g per cup, and some versions carry added sugars or oils. Read the label and get protein elsewhere. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-olive-oil-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-olive-oil-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. Olive oil, especially extra virgin, is one of the healthiest cooking fats, rich in monounsaturated fat and plant compounds. Using it in place of butter and other saturated fats supports heart health. A tablespoon has about 120 kcal, so measure it rather than pouring freely. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-pasta-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-pasta-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPasta can be a healthy staple. A cup of cooked spaghetti has about 220 kcal, 8 g protein and very little fat, and whole-wheat versions add fiber. Problems come from oversized portions and heavy cream or meat sauces. Serve about a cup, cook it al dente and pile on vegetables. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-peanut-butter-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-peanut-butter-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes, for most people. Plain peanut butter offers protein, fiber and mostly unsaturated fat, and it fits easily into a balanced diet. The catches are calorie density, about 190 kcal per 2 tablespoons, plus the added sugar, salt and oils in some jars. Choose a short ingredient list and measure your spoon. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-popcorn-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-popcorn-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes, plain popcorn is a healthy snack. Three cups of air-popped popcorn have about 90 to 95 kcal and 3.5 g fiber, and it counts as a whole grain. The risk is in the toppings: butter, oil, salt and sugary coatings can turn a light snack into a heavy one. Season lightly. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-salmon-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-salmon-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. Salmon is one of the most nutritious proteins you can eat, rich in omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, high-quality protein, vitamin D and vitamin B12, and low in mercury. Three ounces of cooked Atlantic salmon has about 175 kcal and 19 g protein. Aim for seafood about twice a week. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-sourdough-bread-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-sourdough-bread-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTSourdough can be a good bread choice. Long fermentation may make it a bit easier on blood sugar and help minerals absorb, but most sourdough is still white flour with little fiber. A 1-ounce slice has about 75 to 90 kcal. Choose whole-grain sourdough when you can and keep slices reasonable. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-tofu-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-tofu-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTYes. Tofu is a nutritious, minimally processed soy food with complete protein, little saturated fat and, when set with calcium, a lot of calcium. Three ounces of firm tofu typically has about 70 to 120 kcal and 8 to 12 g protein. Eating soy foods in normal amounts is considered safe for most people. https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-white-rice-healthy/https://thehealthyeaters.com/stories/is-white-rice-healthy/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhite rice can be part of a healthy diet. It is low in fat, easy to digest and usually enriched with B vitamins and iron, but it has little fiber and raises blood sugar fairly quickly. Keep portions moderate, mix in whole grains, and fill the rest of the bowl with vegetables and protein.