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

A Guide on Supplements

  A Guide on Supplements Brandon Partin NASM - CPT, VC brandonpartin95@gmail.com - 931-434-6880 What exactly are Supplements? Supplements are defined as something used to supplement a diet and will likely include one or two of the following: vitamins, minerals, herbs etc. Supplements themselves are intended for the use as the name suggests in that they are used to be supplemental. They are not considered a foundation component of a diet. Supplements are usually delivered orally through capsules, liquids, etc. much like medications. One thing to keep in mind when searching for supplements is that they are not regulated by the FDA so they can vary in quality due to them being unregulated. What types of Dietary Supplements are there? They are often classified in two different categories and these are known as either health supplements or performance based supplements. What are Health Supplements? Health supplements are simply supplements used to improve overall health and well being....
Post a Comment
Read more

Macros - A Simple Guide

  Macros A Simple guide What are Macros? Macros are essentially the nutrients your body needs in large quantities, they play a critical role in keeping our bodies healthy. There are three macros and these are known as fats, carbs, and proteins. How can you track Macros? There are various ways that you can track Macros. When tracking macros it can be based on primarily your weight and height through calculating your BMI. Each macros has various recommended intake. In the following pages it will be discussed further what is recommended. Protein Protein is essential for muscles, bones, organs, hormones, enzymes, hair, skin. Protein can not be stored in our bodies for a long time so it is essential to be aware of the protein intake. Protein can be used to build muscle, maintain and lose weight as well as consuming your body is mostly fat tissue rather than the muscle for energy. Protein helps to build muscle mass as well as helping you stay fuller longer, which can not only be a benefi...
Post a Comment
Read more