Totals Values are calculated using a system developed by the nutrition team at Tesco Diets. Totals Values take the nutritive value of a food as well as the importance of that food in a healthy diet into account. In this way, smart choices are rewarded as healthier options have relatively lower Totals values than unhealthier alternatives. This means that when you make healthy choices, you’ll enjoy a nutritious and satisfying diet.
But what are those healthier choices? Based on the Totals food pyramid and healthy eating guidelines, fruit and vegetables are strongly encouraged in this plan. Whole grain carbohydrates are preferred over refined carbs and unsaturated fats are encouraged instead of foods high in saturated fat. High salt and sugar options are discouraged and foods which can actively promote health are promoted with lower Totals values.
Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) are a guide to the amounts of calories, sugar, fat, saturated fat and salt you should try not to exceed every day to have a healthy balanced diet.
GDAs for a typical adult are Calories 2000 kcal, Sugar 90g, Fat 70g, Saturated fat 20g, Salt 6g.
Remember that GDAs are only guidelines, not targets. They’re not the same for everyone. For example, they’re higher for active men and lower for inactive women and children
Food Pyramid
