Step One: Understanding Serving Sizes
First things first. Let’s look at serving sizes. This can be found at the top of the nutrition label. It’s important because it’s based on the amount of food that is typically eaten at one time. You may be surprised to learn that what you thought was a single serving is actually two or three.
Step Two: The Nitty-Gritty on Calories
Next up, calories. This tells you how much energy you get from a serving of that food. Many of us consume more calories than we need without meeting recommended daily intake for vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.
Step Three: Knowing Your Nutrients
The middle section of the nutrition label is all about the nutrients. This part tells you the amount of each nutrient in a single serving. Some, like fat and sodium, are things you’d want to limit, while others like fiber and various vitamins are things you’d want more of.
Step Four: The % Daily Value
The % Daily Value (DV) helps you understand the nutrition information in the context of a daily diet. The DV column doesn’t tell you how much of a nutrient your food contains. It tells you what percentage of the daily requirement is met by one serving of the food.
Putting It All Together
Reading nutrition labels can seem like a daunting task but it’s a key component to healthy eating. Remember, the goal isn’t to count every single calorie or nutrient, but to make balanced and informed decisions about the food you eat.
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