Skip to main content

A Guide on Food Labels

 

A Guide on Food Labels

Brandon Partin - NASM - CPT, VC

brandonpartin95@gmail.com - 931-434-6880

What is the Nutrition Facts Panel?

The nutrition facts panel is simply a label on food products that provide information on the nutrients in a particular food item and is required to be labeled from the guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The panel includes information on serving size, calories, and the amounts of various nutrients, including total fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins and minerals. The panel also includes a list of ingredients used in the product. The nutrition facts panel is intended to help consumers make informed food choices and to promote public health.



What does the serving size mean?

Serving size is the reference amount based on the quantity of the product that consumers are typically thought to consume in a single sitting.



What exactly are calories?

A calorie is a unit of measurement for energy and primarily refers to the energy contents in food and beverages. The body uses food to convert into energy to help with various functions such as breathing, thinking and physical movement.


What does “Saturated Fat” and “Trans Fat” mean under Total Fat on the food label?

Saturated fat itself is primarily found in meat and dairy products and can also be found in some plant based oils. Saturated fats are labeled to be unhealthy because they can raise LDL which is known as bad cholesterol. Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that has been chemically altered. For example, changing a vegetable oil liquid into a solid form.


What is “Dietary Fiber”?

Dietary fiber is a substance that is often found in plant based foods that can not be absorbed and digested in the body. There are two types of fiber and they are insoluble and soluble fiber.


What is Percent Daily Value?

Percent Daily Value or (%DV) is a reference value that is found on food labels. This is essentially a way for you to understand how much of a particular nutrient you are getting from a serving of a food or beverage. These daily values are often represented under a 2,000 Calorie diet. If a food label says that a particular food item has 10% Vitamin C, then that means that food has a 10% daily value of the recommended serving of Vitamin C.



Questions to consider when reading food labels


  • Is the serving size appropriate for me?


  • Do I want more or less of this specified serving


  • Does the calorie count seem exceedingly high for the specified serving size?


  • How does this fit in the context of my diet and goals?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

  Brandon Partin NASM - CPT, VCS The Importance of Sleep and Recovery Introduction When it comes to any specific goal, recovery plays an essential role and helps to lead you to reach your fitness goal whether it be for muscle gain or fat loss, sleep has a significant impact and influence on your fitness journey. How to create a better sleep routine? Stick to a consistent sleep schedule Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Create a relaxing bedtime routine Develop a set of relaxing activities that you do before bedtime to help signal to your body that it's time to wind down. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises. Create a sleep-conducive environment Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool, and that your mattress and pillows are comfortable and supportive. Avoid us...
Post a Comment
Read more

Fundamentals of Resistance Training

  Fundamentals of Resistance Training Brandon Partin - NASM CPT, VC Introduction When it comes to resistance training having a systematic approach is essential to adapt to stress that is placed on the muscles, having a well designed, strategic, safe and effective approach. Adaptive benefits of Resistance Training Improving the cardiovascular efficiency and improved endocrine and cholesterol adaptations. It will also increase your bone density and metabolism. Resistance training programs are specifically designed to produce due to various changes in adaptations. Stabilization is the body's ability to provide dynamic joint support to maintain correct posture. Stabilization training can be a great benefit of resistance training to help stabilize your core and joints. Muscular endurance training is the ability to maintain force production. It is an essential part of any fitness program. Strength based resistance training and Power based resistance training. Strength focuses on prod...
Post a Comment
Read more

Flexibility and Stretching

Flexibility and Stretching Brandon Partin - NASM CPT, VCS Proper flexibility exercises help increase blood flow to muscles and prepare them for physical activity. This reduces the risk of injury by improving the elasticity of muscles and tendons, making them less susceptible to strains and tears. Flexibility workouts enhance the range of motion in your joints, allowing you to perform exercises with better form and efficiency. This can lead to improved performance in various activities, whether it's weightlifting, running, or sports. Stretching and mobility exercises wake up dormant muscles and activate them for the upcoming workout.  Activating these muscles can improve muscle coordination and balance, optimizing your overall performance. As you stretch and warm up, blood flow to your muscles increases, delivering more oxygen and nutrients. This not only aids in performance but also helps with muscle recovery post-workout. Flexibility workouts can serve as a mental preparation for ...
Post a Comment
Read more