Cracking the Nutrition Label Code

Heading to the grocery store can seem daunting when you are pursuing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I think of deciphering a nutrition label similar to cracking a code in a top secret investigation!  However, once you get the hang of it, you immediately become a top nutrition detective!



Start Here: Serving sizes are standard among similar food products.  This is in attempt to make it easier for you to compare nutrition facts from one brand to the next. Pay attention here, you will sometimes be surprised by how many servings per container some products have. Example; sodas, cereals, or crackers.

Calories: In general, 40 calories is low, 100 calories is moderate, and 400 calories or more is high, based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Always be aware of this section.  Calories in versus calories out, it is the name of the game!

Percent Daily Value: This helps you determine if a food is high or low in a certain nutrient. The percent values are based off of a 2,000 calorie diet. 5% percent or less is considered low and 20% or more is high.

Limit these Nutrients: Eating too many of these may increase your risk of disease such as; heart disease, cancer, or high blood pressure. Try to aim for low percentages on these nutrients.

Get Enough of These: Our bodies enjoy these nutrients. Eating enough of these will potentially improve your health and prevent illness. Love that!

Footnote: These values do not change from product to product because it shows recommended dietary advice for everybody.

Ingredients: The basic components of a product are listed by decreasing weight. Meaning the first ingredient is the most dominate by weight.

Have fun with deciphering nutrition labels, it will make a huge difference in the long run. You are what you eat!