Welcome to your guide on mastering the art of deciphering food labels in the UK like a pro! Whether you're on a weight loss journey or simply aiming for a healthier diet, understanding how to read calories and servings on food labels is crucial and I've got you covered with 5 simple tips to help you navigate through the numbers and make informed choices...
Tip 1: Analyse Serving Sizes
Before diving into the calorie count, take a moment to check the serving size on the label. Often, the nutritional information is based on a single serving size, which might differ from what you actually consume. For example, the Greek Yoghurt pot below contains 8 servings yet I could easily nail half in one sitting.
Tip 2: Focus on Calories Per Serving
Now that you're aware of the serving size, shift your focus to the kcal per serving. This information tells you the energy you'll gain from consuming one serving of the product and makes your tracking way more accurate - if you're sticking to the serving size of course ;)
Tip 3: Check the Macronutrient Breakdown
In addition to calories, pay attention to the macronutrient breakdown - carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. There's a lot to think about here which I'll cover in more depth on another post, but getting to know the proportion of each macronutrient can really help balance your diet and meet your nutritional goals over the long term.
Tip 4: Spot Hidden Sugars and Fats
Food labels can sometimes be tricky, with added sugars and hidden fats lurking behind fancy packaging. Look out for alternative names for sugars like sucrose, fructose, or corn syrup. Similarly, keep an eye on saturated and trans fats, often disguised as "partially hydrogenated oils." Being able to spot these hidden ingredients empowers you to make healthier choices.
Tip 5: Compare Similar Products
When faced with multiple options, comparing food labels can be your best friend. Look for products with lower calorie counts, less sugar, and healthier fats to make an informed decision. Don't forget to consider the serving sizes when making comparisons to ensure you're comparing apples to apples (or any other low-calorie, nutrient-rich fruit!).
That's it for today, so thanks for reading and as always please remember that patience and consistency are key when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet so keep practicing these tips, and you'll soon find yourself making smarter food choices effortlessly.
Need help getting started?
Any questions at all just comment below and I'll be happy to help :)
Good luck!
FRANK
your Personal Trainer / Aldi-Connoisseur
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