how to read food labels

How to Read a Food Label

5 Tips for reading food Labels



As necessary as it is, reading food labels can be a little tricky at first. Here are a few tips to get you reading them like a pro.

1. Servings:


2. The total number of calories on the food label:

The next thing you should check is the number of calories. It will tell you how many calories you are consuming per serving. You can easily calculate the number of calories that you have consumed based on the amount of the food product you have eaten. Calories are very important. The number of calories you consume or burn determine whether you are going to gain or lose weight. For instance, if you consume or burn 3500 calories, you are going to gain or lose one pound of weight respectively.

3. Label Nutrients to avoid:


4. Nutrients to focus on:

On the flip side, look for foods that have high amounts of fiber, calcium, iron, proteins, zinc and a variety of vitamins. These nutrients will nourish your body and get you through your day without draining you of energy.

5. Percent Daily Value, or % DV:

This percentage gives you an idea of the number of nutrients that are available in a single serving. If you intend to avoid or limit a certain nutrient like cholesterol, sodium, trans fat or saturated fat. Select food products that show less than 5% Daily Value on the food label. Similarly, if you want to start increasing the protein in your diet, look for food products that contain 20% or more of your daily value.

Keep in mind, if you don’t recognize an ingredient, your body won’t either.