Lehigh Valley Hospital: When It Matters Most
lvh.org home page Careers at LVH Education @ LVH For Professionals working with LVH

Healthy You Archives

Eating Healthy

Have You Read Your Label Today?

Don’t ignore the “Nutrition Facts” label—it’s your guide to better health!

It’s easy to overlook on a splashy packaged food or beverage, but that plain-Jane little “Nutrition Facts” label is the most valuable part of the package. The label’s designed to help you make more nutritious food choices, and that’s a key to better health.

Understanding the label is easy, once you know what to look for. Here’s a sample from a
package of macaroni and cheese.

1. Serving Size
Pay attention to serving size, especially how many servings are in the package. Then, be honest about whether you’re consuming a serving (1 cup of macaroni and cheese) or more than that (the whole package is twice as much!).

2. Number of Calories
Keeping track of calories is the very best way to lose, gain or maintain your weight. Many of us consume more calories than we need. Remember: The number of servings you consume determines how many calories you actually eat!

How many calories do you need? To maintain weight, a woman needs about 12 calories for every pound she weighs, and a man needs about 14-15 calories per pound. To lose weight, trim 500 calories a day.

3. Risky Nutrients
Go easy on these nutrients to reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer and other health problems. Experts recommend keeping your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol as low as possible.

4. Good Nutrients
Eat plenty of these nutrients to improve and protect your health. For example, getting enough calcium helps stave off osteoporosis, and fiber promotes healthy digestion.

Want to Know More about reading a Nutrition Facts label? Call 610-402-CARE.

This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
ARTICLE TOOLS:

email this article to a friend print this article    Del.icio.us   Stumble It!






hon cod ©2008 Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
LVH Info Line: 610-402-CARE
Cedar Crest & I-78, P.O. Box 689, Allentown, PA 18105-1556

Lehigh Valley Hospital has campuses in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pa. and serves the Pennsylvania communities of Easton, Doylestown, Quakertown, Hazelton, Lehighton, Perkasie, Pottstown, Pottsville, Reading, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Stroudsburg, and the Poconos and also Phillipsburg and Flemington, N.J., and western New Jersey. You don't have to travel to Philadelphia or New York for quality health care.

 
Increase the Size of Text by clicking here. Descrease the Size of Text by clicking here Email this story to family and friends. Print this story formatted for your printer.