My dictionary includes "healthy" as one (but not the primary) definition of "healthful," but when it comes to discussing usage of the words healthy, healthful, and wholesome, it confirms what I had believed to be the case, specifically that healthy and healthful are not exactly synonyms. Something that is healthy possesses health or promotes health (my dictionary cites a "healthy climate"), while something that is healthful is conducive to physical health. So when it comes to food, if it's good for you, it's healthful, but if it's healthy, it's still alive.
Things that are "wholesome" have some freshness or purity, and are beneficial, either physically or morally. When it comes to food, "wholesome" and "healthful" are synonyms. But who says "wholesome" anymore?
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