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Decoding Calories and Calories from Fat on Food Labels

All food labels list the number of "calories" in a given serving of food. This information is typically displayed directly below or around the serving size. The calorie is a basic unit of measuring the amount of "energy" the body obtains when…

Understanding Serving Size Values on Food Labels

The "serving size" of a packaged product is always shown at the very top of the Nutrition Facts label. This is essentially the amount of food recommended to account for one serving. Serving sizes are typically listed in pieces, grams, ounces,…

Interpreting Total Fat and Types of Fat on Food Labels

The Nutrition Facts label lays out the "total fat" in addition to the different types of fat contained in foods. Determining the type of fat can help you decide whether or not a food is rich in 'healthy' and/or 'unhealthy' fats. Trans fats and,…

Understanding Cholesterol, Sodium and Potassium Values on Food Labels

You can find the cholesterol, sodium and potassium content of packaged products in the middle of the Nutrition Facts label. These values are always listed in milligrams (mg) and it's important to monitor your intake of each. Now, I must point…

Using Food Labels to Track Your Intake of Carbohydrates

A section denoted "carbohydrates" can be found directly in the middle of the Nutrition Facts label. The amount of carbohydrates (carbs) per serving of a food is always listed in grams and typically followed by 2-3 additional lines containing…

Translating the Ingredients List of Food Labels

The "ingredients" list of food labels is where the food industry deceives unknowing consumers the most. You've probably heard this in some way before, but I'll just reiterate: If the ingredients listed on a package don't sound familiar, sensible,…

Simple Strategies for Deciphering Food Labels

As a healthy lifestyle blogger, shopping at Costco is by far one of my favorite pastimes. Not only is it a great way for me to stock up on affordable whole foods for the family, but it’s also an opportune time for me to observe the general…

Seven Food Labeling Tactics That Are Making People Sick

For well over 20 years the eyes and ears of dieters, health enthusiasts and the general public have been continuously bombarded with confusing and oftentimes misleading packaging and labeling information courtesy of the food and beverage industry.…