Reading nutrition labels is essential to my shopping routine and a tool to guide decision making pertaining to processed foods. Let’s take a look at what we can learn from a nutrition label. 1. Look at Serving Size and Calories, which indicate the amount of energy a product provides. As you do so, ask yourself the following. Does the serving size seem realistic to me? Do the calories align with my goals? Do I need to modify the serving size to align with my goals? 2. Look at the Saturated Fat, this is found in products like butter, lard, ghee, meats, and cheese. A diet high in saturated fat is associated with increased heart and circulatory risk. Based on this scientific evidence, it’s recommended to reduce your intake of saturated fat to protect your overall heart health. 3. Look at the Sodium, another component of the nutrition label related to heart health. A high sodium diet can raise your blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The USDA recommends reducing daily intake of sodium to 2,400 mg and individuals who already are at risk may have more restrictive sodium diets. 4. Look at the Added Sugars, … Continue reading The Basics of Reading Nutrition Labels to Make Better Food Choices