Food labels are so critical because they help us understand what we are putting inside our body. They tell us important things about the health of a food. Reading food labels can help us to make good choices to keep our bodies strong and healthy.
What Food Labels Tell Us
I think of food labels as a kind of insider’s code to the food inside the package. They tell us, for example, how many calories there are in a serving, how much sugar or fat it contains, and how many vitamins or minerals you get from it. This also helps if we are thinking about whether a food is good for our body. We can eat foods that help us have all the energy we need to play, learn, and grow by reading the food custom labels.
How to Read Food Labels
Reading food labels can be confusing, but it gets easier when you know what to look for. First, look at the serving size – that is the amount of that food the nutrition facts are based on. Then look at the calories – this helps you know how much energy the food will provide. Next, look at the % Daily Value – this is what shows you if a food has A LOT or A LITTLE of a nutrient. Don’t forget, when deciding on foods, you want more fiber and vitamins and minerals and less sugar, fat and salt.
How Food Labels Contribute to Our Health
The way in which food is labeled can have a big impact on our health. We can keep our bodies strong by eating foods with less sugar and fat, and stave off problems like obesity and heart disease. When we know how to read food labels, we are able to make better choices and feel good about what we eat – both inside and out. Food labels are an instruction manual of sorts that keeps us healthy and happy.
Leveraging Food Labels To Hit Our Goals
To make the most of those labels, it’s essential to have a plan. Begin by establishing some goals for yourself around your diet, such as eating more fruits and vegetables or drinking more water. Then rely on food labels to choose the foods that will fill them. For nutrients you need more of — say, calcium or vitamin C — find the foods that are highest in those nutrients. Organizing your meals and snacks by food stickers and labels lets you stay focused and your body primed for action.