Go for Green ® Staff Training Module 2: G4G Color and Sodium Codes Presented by:

Food Cards and Beverage Cards Food or beverage name Code #1–Color: Green, Yellow, or Red Code #2–Sodium: Low, Moderate, or High

Code #1–Color: Green, Yellow, or Red Red = EAT RARELY Yellow = EAT OCCASIONALLY Green = EAT OFTEN The G4G Guide

Green, Yellow, and Red Codes GREEN YELLOW RED ProcessingLeast-processed foods Some processingHighly-processed foods NutrientsWhole foods, nutrient-packed Some healthful nutrients Lowest-quality ingredients FiberHigh in fiberLess fiberMinimal fiber SugarLow in added sugarAdded sugar or artificial sweeteners FatHealthy fatsPoor-quality fatsExcess fats/Trans fats Fried foods

Green-coded foods Most fresh/frozen vegetables Most fresh/frozen fruit Whole grains (brown rice, barley, and oats) Whole-grain products Fish/shellfish Skinless chicken/turkey Plant-based oils (olive and canola) Nuts, seeds, beans, and peas Green-coded beverages Plain and carbonated waters Decaf coffee and tea Herbal teas 100% vegetable juices Skim and 1% milk

Yellow-coded foods Fruit with added sugar or syrup White rice and pasta White bread, bagels, and rolls Pretzels and baked chips Chicken/turkey with skin Ham and roast beef Turkey sausage and bacon Oil (corn and vegetable ) Yellow-coded beverages 100% fruit juices Sports drinks Plain tea and coffee (with small amounts of sugar or cream) Artificially-sweetened drinks (light, diet) 2% milk Chocolate-flavored milk

Red-coded foods Vegetables in cream or cheese sauces Pastries, doughnuts, and biscuits French fries Sugary cereal Chips and buttery popcorn Fried meat and fish Hot dogs, sausage, and bacon Creamy dressings and gravies Red-coded beverages Coffee and tea (with sugar or syrup, whole milk, and cream) Sweetened drinks (soft drinks, sweet tea, fruit punch, and juices) Whole milk

Food Comparison White potato Baked with skin Baked French fries Deep-fried French fries

Code #2–Sodium Code #2 is sodium (salt) content Service members’ sodium needs vary – Too much can be harmful – Too little can be harmful

Low-, Moderate-, and High-Sodium Foods and Beverages Low ModerateHigh Fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, turkey, and beef) Unseasoned grains Oils Milk Some breads, rolls, and biscuits Most snack foods (crackers, pretzels, and chips) Most sauces and glazes for meat Most frozen-meal “starters” Canned, low-sodium foods and broths Canned vegetables, tomato products, and soups Instant noodles with flavor packet Deli meats and cold cuts Sausage, bacon, and hot dogs Cheese Condiments such as soy sauce, ketchup, gravy, and pickles

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE! Activities

Match the Codes: Color Ranch dressing Spinach salad English muffin (made with white flour)

Which Code is Correct?

Food Comparison Plain, non-fat yogurt sugar Flavored, non-fat yogurt fat and sugar (either added sugar or artificial sweeteners) Flavored, full-fat yogurt

Match the Codes: Beverages Fruit Punch Orange Juice Herbal Tea

Match the Codes: Sodium Barbecued Pork Loin Cocktail Sauce Scrambled Eggs Scrambled Eggs Barbecued Pork Loin Cocktail Sauce