Using Your Nutritional Facts Label

Much has been said about the Nutritional FactsThe Percentage Daily Value These are the daily
Label that comes on every single item of foodrecommendations based on a 2,000 calorie diet
that you can find in the grocery store. Peopleaccording to the FDA. It helps to determine if you
read this nutritional label for so many differentare eating too much, or just the right amount of
reasons. Maybe you are comparing one food toyour daily intake of each of these items.
another, or perhaps you are looking to lower yourFor weight loss in particular you really need to
sodium, or total fat grams and you want to knowtake the time to study each nutritional label to
what the daily value of everything you are puttingfind out if what you are eating is in direct
in your mouth. Whatever the reason is, theproportion to the number of calories, fat, or
nutritional facts label has become the standard ofnutrients that you need to take in. There should
knowing what you eat.be no second guessing in what you are eating
The nutritional data is listed very clearly for youbecause you have it all right in front of you.
on the back of each can, box, bottle, or package.Even when eating out you can still check the
Each label is based on a 2000 calorie diet, as is thenutritional facts through the website HungerAway
daily value (%DV). Included on each label are theon their Nutritional Database. They list over
following nutritional facts:90,000 foods that you can type into the search
The Serving Size Standardized to help comparebox to know exactly what you are taking into
foods, it influences how many calories andyour body. That way, if you must stop by one of
nutrients are in each item of food. Always knowthe many fast food places you can compare
how many serving sizes you are consuming aswhat is in a cheeseburger versus one of the
compared to what is in the entire package.many salad options that fast food restaurants
Calories and Calories From Fat These provide thenow offer. It is a simple way to make eating out
measure of how much energy you are gettingeasier without having the guilt that sometimes
from each serving size. If you are looking to losefollows a dinner out.
weight, the lower the calories the better for you.The nutritional database at HungerAway is
The Nutrients You should separate these into 2excellent for everyday items as well, so before
main groups, what to limit, and what to add moreyou actually get to the grocery store you should
of. Nutrients to limit are the Fat, Cholesterol, andtake the time to make a list that includes the
Sodium and the nutrients to at least get enoughhealthiest foods you find. When you have a list of
of are Fiber, Calcium, Iron, and Vitamins A and C.healthier foods, it helps you to not stray into the
The Footnote It will tell you if the percentage isunhealthy food aisle. With the help of the
based on a 2000 calorie diet, or in some cases anutritional database and the nutritional fact labels,
2,500 calorie diet.you should be taking off those pounds in no time.