Understanding Nutrition Labels

Whether you are trying to become more aware ofnutrition label contains the Daily Values for a 2,000 and
what you eat, want to establish healthier eating habits,2,500 calorie diet. This section also provides the
or want to cut down on calories to lose weight,recommended dietary information for nutrients like fat,
nutrition labels are printed on food packages in order tosalt or sodium, and fiber.
easily inform you about the food you are buying andWhen you read a nutrition label, start by determining
to help you make healthier food decisions. The Unitedthe serving size of the product and how many
States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasservings come in the package. This can help you
provided consumers with information about nutritiondetermine the nutritional value of foods you are
labels to help the public make wiser food choices.comparing. The serving size often influences the
According to the FDA, the information in the mainnumber of calories listed on the nutrition label. Pay
section of a nutrition label usually varies with eachattention to the serving size and ask yourself if you
product you purchase, and will contain informationare sticking to the serving size on the label or it you
specific to that product, including serving size, calories,are eating more than one serving.
and other nutrient information. The bottom part of a