Cleveland Clinic is committed to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being. Eating well is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Scientific evidence that links eating habits to increased risk of certain diseases and conditions proves that “you are what you eat.”
That’s why Cleveland Clinic dietitians and wellness experts developed Go! Foods® – to give you the green light so you’re sure you’re making the healthiest food selections. Our nutrition experts certify that foods carrying the Go! Foods® label meet national nutritional guidelines. Cleveland Clinic’s Go! Foods® program makes it easier to find the most healthy food choices.
All Go! Foods® meet these nutritional criteria:
- Minimal Saturated Fat: less than 4 grams for main dishes; less than 2 grams for side dishes, soups and desserts
Reason: Saturated fats "harden" arteries and cause high LDL cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and some cancers
- No Trans Fat
Reason: Trans fat has no redeeming qualities! It increases bad LDL cholesterol and decreases good HDL cholesterol, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Minimal Added Sugars and Syrups: less than 4 grams for main dishes and desserts; less than 2 grams for side dishes and soups
Reason: Adding sugar adds empty calories and causes blood sugar to fluctuate.
- 100% Whole Grain
Reason: Whole grains are a vital source of fiber. Fiber has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, maintain blood sugar and insulin levels, assist with regular bowel movements and keep you feeling fuller longer.
- Minimal Sodium: No more than 600 mg in entrees; 480 mg in sides and desserts
Reason: High sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and worsening of kidney disease, heart failure and other conditions.
Additional Programs and Resources
- 5-to-Go!
At Cleveland Clinic, we care about your health. We’ve dedicated our new 5 to Go!™ Program to you — the students and families in our community. Our goal is simple: healthy living, inside and out, for everyone. To achieve it, Cleveland Clinic experts will help you count down to wellness. Look for details on our upcoming school programming — and watch your child take the right steps toward wellness.
- Go! Foods® for You
Based on the principles of the ancient Mediterranean diet, Go! Foods® for You is an expert-guided online program designed by the wellness team at the world-famous Cleveland Clinic. In eight weeks, you’ll learn how to change your life — one small step at a time — by changing what and how you eat. So don’t go on another diet. Learn how to eat right with GO! Foods® for You. You’ll feel better, look better and be healthier!
“The more closely you adhere to the Mediterranean diet, the lower your chance of having disease or disability, the lower your chance of having a health event like a heart attack, and the younger your RealAge. So while you’re enjoying delicious foods such as grilled fish or a tomato and cucumber salad, you’ll know that you’re making yourself younger.”
~ Michael F. Roizen, MD, Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of the Wellness Institute
