We all know the difference between "health" food and "junk" food. That's a no brainer. But what happens when we find ourselves choosing foods that appear to be healthy - based on a quick look of the packaging, or wording on the labels - but are nutritional frauds. It's not that their "bad" for your health, but it's the mistaken idea we have that such foods are a health-plus. We often justify eating them, sometimes in big servings, believing we've made a healthy choice.

Here are some of my favorite tips for making truly healthy food choices, so so you won't be fooled! What are some of your own "fool-proof" ideas?

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Snack Bars: Don't fall for terms like "natural", "contains whole grains" or other buzz words that don't always mean a more nutrition-dense product.. Many snack bars have the same nutritional content of a candy bar. That's not a bad thing, unless you think you're making a healthier choice. Look for calorie-controlled bars (about 100-120 calories) with protein and added fiber.

Granola: Avoid packaged brands that often contain extra hidden fats and added sugars. Make your own by choosing a high-fiber, low sugar cereals, and adding a variety of sliced nuts and dried fruits. Divide into small snack-size bags for an on the go treat.

"Fruity" Chewies and Strips: Fruit is nature's candy, and the best substitute is dried or fresh fruit. Try 100% fruit "leather".

"Fortified" Waters and 100% Fruit Juice: While water is the gold standard for hydration, many of us want a sweet and tasty beverage to help quench our thirst. Whether it's a sugary vitamin fortified water or sports drink, or even 100% fruit juice (plenty of calories, and little nutritional power), you'll want to avoid liquid calories, to avoid excess consumption. Humans don't perceive calories we drink very well, so it's easy to overconsume liquid calories, and not even know it. Dilute 100% fruit juice to 1 part juice and 3 parts water or seltzer (or even equal parts). Look for low-sugar drinks ranging with no more than 10 calories per 8 ounce serving (usually 25-30 calories for a 20 ounce bottle).

Wraps, Breads, and other Grains that Look Healthy: Products like "spinach" pasta and wraps, or "tomato" pasta and wraps don't back a nutritional punch. These only look like they contain significant vegetable content, but really have only a tiny amount of the vegetable, and often some added color. And don't be fooled by "wheat" bread - look for 100% whole wheat bread, even if a bread appears to be darker, and made from whole wheat.

Yogurt: While a great source of protein and calcium, yogurt - both refrigerated and frozen - can be a carrier for extra sugar, fat, and calories. Start with low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt, and try strained (Greek-style) yogurt if you haven't already, which has a thick and delicious flavor. Add your own fresh fruit toppings, with a light sprinkling of nuts or coconut for added flavor. Reading the label for both calories, as well as sugar and fat, is key when it comes to yogurt.

Salty/Crunchy Treats: Salt and crunch are a match made in heaven. While we know that potato chips are an indulgent treat, it's important to know that other vegetable fried chips (yes, potatoes are a vegetable) may sound more healthful, but are not. So, think twice before you polish off a bag of "vegetable" chips, or specialty corn chips, like "organic blue corn". Try some fresh vegetable sticks, sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt (intense flavor allows you to use less). Stick with single serve 100 calorie bags of popcorn. And don't be fooled by non-fat pretzels; fat free doesn't mean calorie free, and the calories add up quickly with little nutrient content, so pay special attention to portion size.