How to Use a Nutrition Label Worksheet to Make Healthier Food Choices
Making healthy food choices is not always easy, especially when you are bombarded with a plethora of options at the grocery store. However, with the help of a nutrition label worksheet, you can make more informed decisions about the food you are taking home. In this article, we will discuss how you can use a nutrition label worksheet to guide your choices for a healthier diet.
What is a Nutrition Label Worksheet?
A nutrition label worksheet is a tool used to help consumers make better food choices by analyzing the nutrient content of packaged foods. This worksheet is designed to help you determine the number of calories you are consuming, along with the amount of fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals in each serving.
Analyze Serving Size and Calories
The first step in using a nutrition label worksheet is to determine the serving size and calorie count for the food you are analyzing. The serving size is critical because all the nutrient values on the label are based on that amount of food. Once you have determined the serving size, you can find the calorie count for that serving. If you are trying to lose weight, use this information to make sure your portion sizes are appropriate.
Focus on Nutrients and Ingredients
When analyzing the nutrition facts on the label, focus on the content of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Make sure that the food you are buying has healthy levels of these nutrients. Additionally, take a look at the ingredients list. Make sure the food you are considering does not contain any harmful or unwanted ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors.
Understand Percentages
Another essential aspect of a nutrition label worksheet is understanding the percentages listed. For instance, if a food has 20% of the daily value of fiber listed, that means one serving provides 20% of the recommended daily amount of fiber. The percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, so if you are consuming more or less than that number of calories each day, adjust your calculations accordingly.
Utilize Online Resources
There are many online resources available to help you with your nutrition label worksheet. Choose My Plate is one online tool that can help you plan and track your diet based on USDA recommendations. Some other helpful resources include apps such as MyFitnessPal and Fooducate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a nutrition label worksheet is a helpful way to make more informed decisions about the food you are consuming. By analyzing the serving size, calorie count, nutrients, and ingredients of packaged foods, you can make healthier choices. Remember to utilize online resources such as Choose My Plate and apps like MyFitnessPal to help you stay on track with your nutrition goals. A healthier diet is an investment in your future health and well-being.
