"The color-coded “traffic light” system that labels foods green, yellow, or red originated from a university-developed approach; it designates vegetables as freely allowed, assigns moderation to items like pasta, and limits sweets and soda. The method also gives children a tailored daily allowance of red items based on height, weight, and weight-loss goals, and critics argue it is essentially a point system in different clothing that can promote restrictive thinking about certain foods." - Amy McCarthy