How to Determine Caloric Value of Foods
Calories provide our bodies with the energy that we need to get through the day. Eating too few calories will leave us feeling tired and weak. If we eat too many calories, we may experience unhealthy weight gain. So how do we know how many calories we are eating? At first glance, nutrition information may seem confusing, but with some basic information, you will be well on the road to a balanced, healthy diet.
Instructions
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Check the label. The Food and Drug Administration requires most foods to be labeled with a Nutrition Facts label. The Nutrition Facts label displays all of the nutrition information.
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Start at the top of the label. This is where you will find the serving size information, as well as information pertaining to the amount of servings in the container.
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Check the calories. This information is immediately below the serving size information. Calories are the unit of measure used to measure the energy value of food.
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Look at the percent daily value information. This is located to the right of the label, and states the percentage of your daily calories you will be consuming by eating a serving of this food item. This calculation is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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Check the Internet for calorie amounts in fresh foods, as fresh foods do not typically have a Nutrition Facts label. There are many free calorie counters on the web that will provide serving size and calorie information on fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood.
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If you are going to a restaurant, go to the restaurant's website. Many restaurants are now providing calorie information to customers on the web. This allows you to avoid overindulging by planning ahead. Also be sure to check the menu. Some restaurants may have a "light" menu that lists the nutritional value of healthier options.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember, the number of calories on the Nutrition Facts label applies to a single serving. For example: The serving size information on a frozen pizza may say that half of a pizza is one serving. There are 300 calories in a single serving. If you eat the entire pizza, you have eaten two servings, for a total of 600 calories. The United States Department of Agriculture website provides resources for determining your individual caloric needs.
Check with a doctor before attempting any diet program.
