Eating healthy is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Knowing the nutrition facts of the foods you eat can help you make informed decisions about what to eat and how much of it to eat. Here is what you should know about nutrition facts to make healthy eating decisions.
First, it is important to understand the different components of nutrition facts. The nutrition facts label includes information about the serving size, calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, protein, vitamins, and minerals. This information can help you make informed decisions about the foods you eat.
Second, it is important to understand the recommended daily values for each nutrient. The recommended daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet and are meant to provide guidance on how much of each nutrient you should consume each day. For example, the recommended daily value for fat is 65 grams, so if you are eating a food that contains 10 grams of fat, you should be aware that you are consuming 15% of the recommended daily value.
Third, it is important to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats. Unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, are considered healthy fats. Saturated fats, such as those found in butter and red meat, are considered unhealthy fats. It is important to limit your intake of saturated fats and replace them with unsaturated fats.
Finally, it is important to understand the difference between added sugars and natural sugars. Added sugars are those that are added to foods during processing or preparation. Natural sugars are those that are naturally occurring in foods, such as those found in fruits and dairy products. It is important to limit your intake of added sugars and replace them with natural sugars.
By understanding the nutrition facts of the foods you eat, you can make informed decisions about what to eat and how much of it to eat. This can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and reach your health and fitness goals.