Page 187 - How to Be a Conscious Eater - Making Food Choices That Are Good for You

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HOW THE HECK DO I

READ A FOOD LABEL?

et’s say you’ve got a food product in your hand, and you’re
Ldetermined to evaluate its merit. Here’s how.

STEP 1: START WITH THE NUTRITION FACTS PANEL.
WHAT’S LISTED ON THE PANEL

Serving size: The amount of the product typically consumed at
once

Calories: The number of calories, or energy, provided by a single
serving. A total of 2,000 calories is the daily amount recom-
mended for the average American. To check the number
recommended for you personally, use an online calorie calcu-
lator. I like the one provided by the Mayo Clinic.

Percent Daily Value: The Daily Value is how much of a given
nutrient you should either aim to reach (for example, dietary
fiber) or keep below (like sodium). Knowing how much of that
amount is in a given food can help you keep track.
Nutrients: Carbohydrates and cholesterol, fats and protein, plus
certain vitamins and minerals

INFORMATION TO PAY THE MOST ATTENTION TO
(numbers listed are the daily amounts for an average American adult)
Calories: Most people should shoot for approximately 2,000 a day.

Saturated fat: 20 grams at the most. It’s natural to focus on keep-
ing your total intake as low as possible, but give equal concern

176 how to be a Conscious Eater

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