Reading nutrition facts labels is an important part of making healthy food choices. Knowing what’s in the food you’re eating can help you make informed decisions about what to put on your plate. Here’s an essential guide to reading nutrition facts labels so you can make the best choices for your health.
Serving Size: The first thing to look at on a nutrition facts label is the serving size. This tells you how much of the food is in one serving. It’s important to pay attention to this because the rest of the information on the label is based on this serving size.
Calories: The next thing to look at is the number of calories in one serving. This tells you how much energy you’ll get from eating the food. It’s important to pay attention to this number if you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight.
Fat: The next section of the label tells you how much fat is in one serving. This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats. It’s important to pay attention to this number if you’re trying to reduce your fat intake.
Carbohydrates: The next section of the label tells you how many carbohydrates are in one serving. This includes both simple and complex carbohydrates. It’s important to pay attention to this number if you’re trying to reduce your carbohydrate intake.
Protein: The next section of the label tells you how much protein is in one serving. This is important for those who are trying to build muscle or maintain a healthy weight.
Vitamins and Minerals: The next section of the label tells you how much of certain vitamins and minerals are in one serving. This is important for those who are trying to get enough of these essential nutrients.
Ingredients: The last section of the label tells you what ingredients are in the food. It’s important to pay attention to this section because some ingredients can be unhealthy or even dangerous.
By reading nutrition facts labels, you can make informed decisions about what to put on your plate. Knowing what’s in the food you’re eating can help you make healthier choices and reach your health goals.