If you’re trying to make healthier eating choices. It’s important to be able to read and deciphering nutrition labels and ingredient lists. In this blog post, we’ll provide a guide to understanding what you’re eating and how to use these labels to make informed decisions.
”Nutrition labels are found on most packaged foods and provide information about the nutrient content of the product”
Nutrition labels are found on most packaged foods and provide information about the nutrient content of the product. They include information about serving size, calories, and the amounts of various nutrients like fat, cholesterol, sodium, and fiber.
Ingredient lists, on the other hand, are found on all food products and provide a list of the ingredients in the product in descending order of predominance. This means that the first ingredient listed is the one that makes up the largest proportion of the product. And the last ingredient is the one that makes up the smallest proportion.
So, how can you use nutrition labels and ingredient lists to make informed decisions about what you’re eating? Here are a few tips:
Pay attention to serving sizes:
Nutrition labels are based on serving sizes. So it’s important to pay attention to this information to understand how the nutrients in the product fit into your overall diet.
Look for red flags:
When reading nutrition labels and ingredient lists. Be on the lookout for red flags like added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and sodium. These nutrients can contribute to negative health outcomes and should be consumed in moderation.
Choose whole foods:
In general, whole foods are foods that are minimally processed and are as close to their natural state as possible. These foods tend to be more nutritious than processed foods, and they often don’t have nutrition labels or ingredient lists.
Seek guidance:
If you’re unsure about how to interpret nutrition labels and ingredient lists or have specific dietary concerns. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from a healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
By following these tips and seeking guidance when needed. You can become a savvy label reader and make informed decisions about what you’re eating. So take some time to pay attention to serving sizes, look for red flags, choose whole foods, and seek guidance, and you’ll be well on your way to understanding what you’re eating and making healthier choices.
