FOOD LABELS – tips for choosing healthier food choice

food nutrition tips

Tip 1:  Start with serving size – check out serving size first before looking at specific nutrients

Tip 2 : Opt for “lite” or 5 grams or less of fat/serving

Tip 3: Aim for 3 grams of fiber/15 grams carbohydrate

Tip 4: Aim for less than 6 grams of sugar per serving size

 

Putting carb and fiber info into action:

  • Remember carbohydrate = sugar + starch + fiber
    • Aim for 15 g carb/3 grams fiber; 30 g carb/6 g fiber; 45 g carb/6 g fiber
    •  15-30 grams carb is appropriate for snacks and light breakfast
    • 45-60 grams carb is appropriate for meals
  • Total carbs for the day
    • 130 grams of carb/ is minimum daily intake
    • 150 grams of carb/ helps with weight loss in women
    • 180 grams of carb/ helps with weight loss in men
    • Note: very active people without diabetes, may use up to 400 grams of carb/day

 

Food item

What to look for

No need to worry about

Cracker

  • Fiber
  • Fat
  • Sodium
  • Sugar
  • Protein

Milk

  • MF (2% or less)
  • Sodium
  • Fiber

Yogurt

  • MF (2% or less)
  • Sugar (8 g or less)
  • Sodium
  • Fiber

Bread

  • Fiber
  • Total carbohydrate per serving
  • Sugar
  • Protein

Cereal

  • Fiber
  • Sugar
  • Total carbohydrate
  • Protein
  • Sodium

Juice

  • 100% juice
  • Ingredient
  • Sugar will be high naturally
  • Fiber
  • Protein

Canned soup

  • Sodium
  • Fat
  • Protein
  • Sugar