For both fitness and health conscious people, nutrition labels found in products they buy at the grocery stores are as important as their regular dietary regimen. These labels are the foundations of their diet, be it for medication or weight loss. The benefits they get from taking note of the nutrition labels of the products they are about to consume are guaranteed and balanced nutrition intake depending on their needs. It is justifiable to consider these as tools in successful planning for a balanced and healthy diet.
The nutritional fact label is required by the United States Food and Drug Administration, so almost all packaged food and beverages have these.
The label must at least contain detailed information and list of the amounts of total fat (saturated fat and trans fat), cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates (dietary fiber and sugar), protein, calcium, and other minerals and vitamin contents. Some get discouraged by having to read the label tediously because they don’t understand how it works, but in fact, reading nutrition labels is as easy as going over your shopping list. So, here are the basic tips on how to read nutrition labels for weight loss.
There are 4 major contents you have to look into:
- Serving size and serving per container (found on top of the label). The serving amount mentioned here is the recommended serving size for this product, which serves as a guide for your intake so you won’t have to consume so much.
- Below this label are the amount of calories and calories in fat. These factors are very important for those who want to obtain weight loss. Remember that our body only requires at 1200 calories a day to compensate with our activities. Add up all the calories you consume in a day and make sure to not to go overboard.
- Limit that amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and sodium. A more than 20% daily value of these elements is detrimental to weight loss practice and overall health management.
- Vitamins, minerals, and fiber contents. Products that contain loads of vitamins and minerals are best options. In fact, Angie Frederic, RD, LD, CDE, an educator at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, says that we should get enough of these nutrients to maintain a healthy nutrition. Meanwhile, the fiber content must be at least 25 to 30 grams in each package.
See how easy and convenient to read and learn nutrition fact labels are. Always remember that if you keep track on the amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and total calories you consume, then you are more likely to obtain your desired weight loss.
