How to Read Food Labels

Do you ever wonder what's in the food you eat? You will be surprised when you read the labels on some of your favorite foods.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Common sense
• A food guide that lists preservatives and additives

How to Read Food Labels

1. Watch the way words are spelled. The difference between light and lite is a good example. Did you know that when you see the word "light", it can refer to the amound of coloring add to the product? The calorie or fat content has probably not been changed!
2. A good rule of thumb to remember is "if you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't be eating it."
3. Watch where an ingredient falls in the listing. If sugar comes before fruit, that means there is more sugar than fruit.
4. Look for words that indicate how it was processed. "Freeze dried" or
   "cold pressed" are examples of thise. This will give a hint to the amount of nutritive value left in the food after processing.
5. Watch for words such as, "all-natural" and "organic". Some preservatives are natural but can still be bad for you. Karageenan and monosodium glutamate ( MSG) are examples of this.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn the names of some of the more popular preservatives and find out exactly what they do.
• Look for hidden ingredients. Some things can be legally listed as "natural flavorings" and still be harmful. MSG is one of these.
• Consult your physician if you have any questions, concerning food preservatives and additives.