Start the new year with your best foot forward by understanding how to read nutrition labels. These labels tell you what and how much is in your food. Knowing what is in the food you buy helps you find healthy options when strolling up and down the grocery aisles.
A great place to start when learning how to read a nutrition label is the serving size. This information is at the top and the foundation for all the information below. Serving sizes are helpful because what may appear to be one serving, based on the size of the container, can be several servings. All the numbers discussed in the following sections of this blog will need to be multiplied by the number of servings for an accurate measure of an item’s total nutritional content.
Calories are the next important element on nutrition labels. Our bodies use calories for energy. While the number of calories we each need differs, foods with nutrient-dense calories are typically healthier. Nutrient-dense foods are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Other nutrients to monitor are fats, carbohydrates, and protein. These are also important for energy and overall health. Look for labels with low to no saturated fats, high dietary fiber, and minimal added sugar.
Sodium is the next stop on the list when learning how to read nutrition labels. High sodium consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Finding low-sodium options can reduce those risks.
The ingredient list is part of nutrition labels that can be easily overlooked. Ingredients are listed in order of prominence, meaning the first ingredient is the most prevalent. Simple ingredient lists and those with limited artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors are typically the healthiest options.
Now that you know what is in your food, check the percent of daily value, identified as %DV. These values show how much of each nutrient a serving contributes to your daily diet based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet.
Learning how to read nutrition labels empowers you to make healthy choices. Whether managing weight, monitoring sodium intake, or boosting fiber consumption, the label is your guide to better eating.
If reading all the ingredients on each item you buy feels like too much work, try healthy prepared meals. At Fresh Fit Foods, we use our expertise to create healthy meals that are convenient, delicious, and ready to eat in minutes. Contact us or call (239) 595-2503 to learn more.