Topic: How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label

[Skhilled (OP)]

Here it is, straight from the government! This will help keep you healthy!

http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/ucm274593.htm#overview

[Ken]

These links are coming at just the right time for my healthy living efforts.

[Skhilled (OP)]

The most important thing is not just the amounts (I.E., sodium) but the serving amount! A one cup serving is a lot more than a teaspoon serving. Most people just read the label for the main amount and do not take into account the serving size. For instance, if you have 500mg of sodium in a product per tablespoon and you are using 2 tablespoons in a serving you are doubling that! It can make a huge difference! Then you'll need to think about how much you should have per day. 1000mg+ is almost a daily requirement for people on BP meds or have those type of issues. That little snack then turns into what you should have eaten all day...sodium-wise.

[Ken]

Serving/portion size has always been my downfall... as in, to much of a good thing. 

[Skhilled (OP)]

I hear ya! It's probably everyone's downfall. LOL

Lealer kept buying larger plates and forks and spends lots of money over the years on diet products. I kept telling her but she never listened. Now she has to take insulin shots for diabetes.