Once upon a time, I used to only be concerned about the number of calories in a food. The awesome thing about this was I knew that if I managed my calories, I was managing my weight and it worked without a glitch. Then I reached a stage in learning my body, where I realize that the sources of those calories were crucial for my health. However, the problem was every time I picked up a package and looked at the label, I had no clue what any of the numbers meant, except of course the total calories. lol
Well I did some research and finally figured it out. The labels contain some very helpful information. It is not something I look at then stress over but instead I just take mental notes and the more labels I look at, the more I can gauge and make better choices on foods this body will appreciate . So to help you figure it out, I broke it down based on how I understand it. Yeah, yeah you can thank me later. Lol. Really though, if you find this information valuable, Please share using one of the links at the end of the post and like us on facebook. As always, lifestyle change, not crash diet. Let’s do this!
Interesting. I have a fair understanding of food labels, but sitll mostly care about the calories.
Thanks for stopping by Astrid! I know exactly what you mean. For me the total calories are oh so important but it’s kind of cool to know what is in the food:)
This is so good to know. Thanks Makkoy
“Natural flavoring” is a short way of saying there are other ingredients like carmine which is “natural” as in derived from a bug. Food labels are misleading.
You are so right Meridith, that is why for me it was important to know what the nutrition facts actually meant. I am also working on a post that highlights what those food claims like low cholesterol and low fat really mean. So we are definitely on the same page. thanks for commenting:)
I think ingredients and nutritional labels are equally important. I feel like a lot of stuff that is “low fat or low calorie” is loaded with corn by-products and other garbage. I actually got into reading food labels because I have a dog with severe food allergies. I give him a coconut oil supplement, which is of course all saturated fat, but like you pointed out, it is good fat.
I read the nutritional guidelines on frozen dinners and they have low calories and carbs, but nothing actually healthy to eat in the box! This is an easy chart for people who have no clue what the heck is in their food.
They are definitely both important. That is so interesting that you got into food labels from trying to understand your dog’s food! Glad you were able to find something that worked. Thanks for visiting Jacqueline!
Thanks for the info! We definitely need to be aware of what is going into our bodies. I feel so much better when I eat whole and clean! 🙂
Hello Angel! Isn’t it amazing that you can actually feel the difference? That’s one of my favorite things about treating my body well. Thanks so much for visiting:)
Thank you for the information. I am starting to read my labels before buying my product and some of it seems like gibberish but I am slowly understand it.
Anytime Celeste:) I know exactly what you mean. The cool thing is once you understand the basics, the more labels you look at, the more sense they make and the more reference points you have. It is definitely worth it to know whats in your food. Thanks so much for visiting:D