EatingWell recipes are as good for you as they are delicious.
Our recipes start with healthy ingredientsmainly nutrient-rich, minimally processed whole foods.
A dietitian reviews all recipe analyses as well as other published nutrition content.
How We Test Our Recipes
Each ofour recipesis thoroughly tested in theEatingWell Test Kitchen.
We create healthy, delicious recipes that are easy for anyone to cook at home.
Analyses are given in whole numbers.
Nutrient values less than 0.5 are rounded down to 0; 0.5 to 0.9 are rounded up to 1.
Recipes are tested with iodized table salt unless otherwise indicated.
Kosher or sea salt is called for when the recipe will benefit from the unique texture or flavor.
Butter, brines, breadings and marinades:Butter is analyzed as unsalted unless salted is specified.
Alternative ingredients:When multiple ingredient options are listed in a recipe, we analyze the first one suggested.
Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in our analyses.
Added sugar: EatingWell calculates the grams of added sugar in every recipe using nutrition data from the USDA.
For example, suggested servings for meat, poultry and fish are generally 3 to 4 ounces, cooked.
A recommended portion of a starch-based side dish, such as rice or potatoes, is generally 12 cup.
Vegetable side dishes are a minimum of 12 cup.
Portion suggestions are intended to help people eat in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Numbers in parentheses indicate the maximum amount per serving of recipes in that category.
Our health and diet tags help readers quickly identify recipes appropriate for specific eating plans and health conditions.
The only tags that apply to drink recipes are Allergies, Vegan, Diabetes-Appropriate, and Gluten-Free.
All of the nutrition and health consideration tags can be found with each recipe onEatingWell.com.
Allergies
Dairy-Free: Contains no dairy products or ingredients that have been derived from or contain dairy.
We review the ingredients of each recipe using an established dairy-containing ingredient list fromFood Allergy Research & Education.
We review the ingredients of each recipe using an established egg-containing ingredient list fromFood Allergy Research & Education.
It is recommended that individuals with tree-nut allergies talk to their allergist before consuming coconut.
While some manufacturers may begin labeling for sesame sooner, they are not required to do so.
We review the ingredients of each recipe using an established sesamecontaining ingredient list fromFood Allergy Research & Education.
Soy-Free: Made without any form of soy or soy-containing ingredients.
We review the ingredients of each recipe using an established soy-containing ingredient list fromFood Allergy Research & Education.
Drinks with this tag will avoid added sugar and alcohol.
Conversely, alcohol and added sugar have been shown to negatively impact gut health.
A recipe that alone delivers 25 g protein is also eligible for the Healthy Aging tag.
These are the nutrients identified as nutrients of concern for this population by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Recipes that contain less than 6 ounces per serving may still qualify as pregnancy-appropriate.
For combination meals, this would be a minimum of 20% DV of potassium (940 mg).
For entrees, this would be a minimum of 15% DV for potassium (705 mg).
The DV for added sugars is 50 grams per day based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.
Low Carbohydrate
Any recipe with 14 g of total carbohydrate.
The current Daily Value for carbohydrate is 275 g, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Low Fat
Recipes that provide 4 g total fat.
Mediterranean Diet
TheMediterranean diethas impressive science-backed benefits, helping to improve a number of health conditions.
These recipes may still include eggs, egg products, butter and milk or other dairy-containing ingredients.
They also meet our parameters for either high-fiber or high-protein or both.
Fiber and protein help you feel full and satisfied for longer after meals.
Reducing the fat content of meals may also be indicated for individuals who have had their gallbladders removed.
Not everyone who chooses to follow a heart-healthy diet is also aimingor needingto lose weight.
Therefore, calorie restrictions for this tag are not indicated.
Individuals who want to lose weight are advised to look for recipes that are also tagged as Low-Calorie.
Individuals who are deficient in these nutrients may also be immunocompromised.
These nutrients, however, have not been shown to enhance immunity when consumed in excessive quantities.
As such, recommendations are intended to help individuals meet the recommended intake levels without promoting excessive intake.
The only established guideline for intakes of omega-3 fatty acids is AI, or Adequate Intake.
However, the benefits of ALA independent of EPA and DHA are not well documented.
For these reasons, recipes high in plant-based omega-3s do not currently qualify for an Omega-3 tag.
), added sugars (e.g., icing, baked-good mixes, etc.)
