Here are critical points to remember when checking your food packages for nutritional facts labels.
To achieve or maintain a healthy weight, what you eat and how much you eat is very important. Paying attention to Nutrition Facts labels can help you reach your nutrition goals.
What is the difference in a portion size and a serving size?
A portion size is how much food you choose to eat at a time. A serving size is the recommended amount of food you should eat. Nutrition Facts labels on packaged food items will tell you the amount of servings contained.
What should I look for on the Nutrition Facts label?
- Pay attention to serving size and calories per serving. As a general rule, 100 calories per serving is moderate and 400 calories per serving is high.
- Look for items low in sodium. Items low in sodium contain less than 5 percent of Daily Value. Items high in sodium contain 20 percent or greater of Daily Value.
- Limit added sugar to fewer than 24 grams per day for women and fewer than 36 grams per day for men.
Click here to see more information about the Nutrition Facts Label.
This information is presented by Health Plus, which provides resources to support the health of Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty and staff.
