The Language of Labels: Knowing What You’re Eating

If you know how food labels is read, it might be a lot easier to get about the grocery shop. They are a great way to help you make better choices about what you eat once you understand the nutrition facts panel and the list of ingredients of the food. This information is very important especially if you’re keeping track of your health and nutrition.

 

Ways to Read Food Labels

 

 

The Panel of Nutrition Facts

The nutrition facts panel shows you a quick look at how many nutrients are in a product. The first thing to check is how big the serving is. This tells you how many servings are in the box. This one serving is what the rest of the label is built on. Next, check the number of calories. This informs you how much energy one dish will give you. Pay strict attention to important nutrients. You should eat fewer of items like sodium, saturated fat, and added sweets. You should eat more foods that are high in protein and fiber.

The List of Ingredients

The list of ingredients is equally as significant as the nutrition panel. It tells you what your meal really is. The ingredients are listed in order of how much of each one there is. The first ingredient is the one that is most common. You should realize that the food isn’t as healthy as you thought if you see a lot of sugar or salt toward the top. Find foods that have full ingredients that you know. Be careful of large lists of substances that you can’t say. These are usually either preservatives or fake tastes.

 

Conclusion

Reading food labels takes a lot of practice, but if you understand how to read them, you can make better decisions for your body. You may take charge of your health by paying attention to the serving size and seeking for whole foods. It is an easy habit that can make a big difference in how you feel.