How to Read Nutrition Labels to Lose Weight
Posted: February 22, 2021 in Healthy Eating by Craig Primack MD FACPHow to Read Nutrition Labels for Weight Loss
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Start at the top. Some of the most pressing information about an item is found at the top of the nutrition label. This includes the serving size, number of calories, and how many servings are in one container. Never assume one bag, box, or bottle is one serving—this can cost your diet several hundred calories a day, if not more.
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Scan the nutrients. There are some nutrients you’ll want to avoid, like sugar, fat, and cholesterol. The middle of the nutrition label will tell you the number of grams per serving. Remember, the less the better. The nutrition label can also tell you information about nutrients that you want to add to your diet. For example, protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.
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Read the percentages. The percentages on the nutrition label tell you how much of each nutrient you should consume. These are average daily values and based on standard calorie allotments. Your weight loss doctor will tell you how much of each nutrient you should consume. So these percentages as rough guidelines.