Comments on: 5 Mistakes of Label Reading http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/ Cooking and eating healthy has never been more easy or delicious - find out more with Food and Health Communications Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:08:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Judy http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-945 Judy Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:06:06 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-945 Hi to all - thank you for your wonderful comments. Here are the results of our contest: http://communicatingfoodforhealth.com/From-the-Kitchen/Best-Label-Reading-Tips Hi to all – thank you for your wonderful comments. Here are the results of our contest:
http://communicatingfoodforhealth.com/From-the-Kitchen/Best-Label-Reading-Tips

]]> By: NANCY ROSA-MEJIAS http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-933 NANCY ROSA-MEJIAS Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:39:22 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-933 I use real labels to distribute among participants, I like the cereal labels, that way people can see how depending on their needs,(i.e., need less sugar, or less salt, some type of disease, like diabetis or high blood pressure), is the kind of cereal they should choose. Also it is interesting to see how the serving size varies on the different cereals depending on weight and not by cup. People emjoy having the label in front of them and discussing about which one is the best choice for them. I use real labels to distribute among participants, I like the cereal labels, that way people can see how depending on their needs,(i.e., need less sugar, or less salt, some type of disease, like diabetis or high blood pressure), is the kind of cereal they should choose. Also it is interesting to see how the serving size varies on the different cereals depending on weight and not by cup. People emjoy having the label in front of them and discussing about which one is the best choice for them.

]]> By: Lynette Kaiser http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-932 Lynette Kaiser Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:58:49 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-932 I love the lesson on label reading and have found that my class participants get the best understanding of what they are eating by seeing it, instead of just reading the information. I use a king size reeses peanut butter cup and a participate to demonstrate what 40 grams of sugar looks like and what 12 grams of fat looks like. They are shocked to actually see what they are putting in their bodies, and after washing their hands they can still feel the film from the fat. It is easy for class members to understand how saturated fat gradually builds up in their arteries to cause clogged arteries and other heart disease. Reading labels has a new meaning. What suprises them the most that we are talking per serving amounts. I love the lesson on label reading and have found that my class participants get the best understanding of what they are eating by seeing it, instead of just reading the information. I use a king size reeses peanut butter cup and a participate to demonstrate what 40 grams of sugar looks like and what 12 grams of fat looks like. They are shocked to actually see what they are putting in their bodies, and after washing their hands they can still feel the film from the fat. It is easy for class members to understand how saturated fat gradually builds up in their arteries to cause clogged arteries and other heart disease. Reading labels has a new meaning.
What suprises them the most that we are talking per serving amounts.

]]> By: Jen Lundy http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-931 Jen Lundy Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:52:46 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-931 I like to have my students compare the food labels from two similar food items to see that small changes in the serving size or a lower-fat version of a food can make all the difference when it comes to the nutritional value. They are amazed! I like to have my students compare the food labels from two similar food items to see that small changes in the serving size or a lower-fat version of a food can make all the difference when it comes to the nutritional value. They are amazed!

]]> By: Jessica Lea RD http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-930 Jessica Lea RD Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:57:50 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-930 One of my favorite tips on label reading is best suited for those with healthy bones top of mind. Rather than being confused with the %DV, simply add a zero to the calcium %DV and you know exactly how many milligrams of Calcium the item will provide towards your daily goal :) One of my favorite tips on label reading is best suited for those with healthy bones top of mind. Rather than being confused with the %DV, simply add a zero to the calcium %DV and you know exactly how many milligrams of Calcium the item will provide towards your daily goal :)

]]> By: Debbie Melvin http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-929 Debbie Melvin Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:44:46 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-929 When reading food labels and teaching about the calcium content of foods, I take my audiences to the %calcium on the label. Since the percentages are based on 1000 mg, I tell them to drop the % sign and add a zero. This will give them the number of milligrams of calcium in a serving of the product. For example, if a serving has 30% of the calcium needed for the day, that’s 300 mg. Really helps when considering food items that have 10%, like cereal bars, orange juice and foods that are fortified with calcium. And they can better understand if they need, say, 1200 mg of calcium daily. They get it! Debbie Debbie Melvin, M.S., C.F.C.S. Extension Agent (Nutrition) When reading food labels and teaching about the calcium content of foods, I take my audiences to the %calcium on the label. Since the percentages are based on 1000 mg, I tell them to drop the % sign and add a zero. This will give them the number of milligrams of calcium in a serving of the product. For example, if a serving has 30% of the calcium needed for the day, that’s 300 mg. Really helps when considering food items that have 10%, like cereal bars, orange juice and foods that are fortified with calcium. And they can better understand if they need, say, 1200 mg of calcium daily. They get it!

Debbie

Debbie Melvin, M.S., C.F.C.S.
Extension Agent (Nutrition)

]]> By: Holly http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-928 Holly Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:41:36 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-928 My tips: - I like to take a label from a popular product that might not seem high in sugar (e.g. vitamin-enhanced water that's made with sugar) and read through the label. I'll get a participant to be my assistant. We'll measure out the number of teaspoons of sugar in a bottle of that product into a clear jar. - When leading a label reading class, I hand out actual food labels/empty packaging. I find that clients learn better from hands-on experiences. I ask them if they look at the label/nutrition facts panel, and if they do, what do they part do they look at? I also like to quiz the group (assess comprehension): e.g. how much fibre is in a serving of your product? How much sodium? - We'll often compare the nutrition fact panels of two related products, e.g. 1% milk vs. whole milk. I'll ask the participants which product would they choose and why. My tips:

- I like to take a label from a popular product that might not seem high in sugar (e.g. vitamin-enhanced water that’s made with sugar) and read through the label. I’ll get a participant to be my assistant. We’ll measure out the number of teaspoons of sugar in a bottle of that product into a clear jar.

- When leading a label reading class, I hand out actual food labels/empty packaging. I find that clients learn better from hands-on experiences. I ask them if they look at the label/nutrition facts panel, and if they do, what do they part do they look at? I also like to quiz the group (assess comprehension): e.g. how much fibre is in a serving of your product? How much sodium?

- We’ll often compare the nutrition fact panels of two related products, e.g. 1% milk vs. whole milk. I’ll ask the participants which product would they choose and why.

]]> By: Carrie Taylor http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-927 Carrie Taylor Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:20:52 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-927 My favorite "ah ha" moment is teaching consumers how to interpret the added sugar content in terms they understand. Once they learn 4 grams sugar is equivalent to 1 teaspoon sugar, they simply don't look at their favorite soda and candy bars the same way. It's hard for them to ignore the fact that their 16-oz bottle for soda is simply water, coloring and 11 teaspoons of sugar. Learning this really opens their eyes for how the Nutrition Facts label can be helpful when shopping for their favorite foods. Healthy Wishes, Carrie Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN Lead Registered Dietitian Living Well Eating Smart Program My favorite “ah ha” moment is teaching consumers how to interpret the added sugar content in terms they understand. Once they learn 4 grams sugar is equivalent to 1 teaspoon sugar, they simply don’t look at their favorite soda and candy bars the same way. It’s hard for them to ignore the fact that their 16-oz bottle for soda is simply water, coloring and 11 teaspoons of sugar. Learning this really opens their eyes for how the Nutrition Facts label can be helpful when shopping for their favorite foods.

Healthy Wishes,
Carrie

Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN
Lead Registered Dietitian
Living Well Eating Smart Program

]]> By: Tanya O'Connor http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-925 Tanya O'Connor Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:26:10 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-925 I really like your "5 mistakes of reading the food label" poster! It hits the major mistakes that most people make (especially the mistake of assuming that the package is one serving). I also like to talk to my students about trans fat and how even if the label lists 0 grams, you still need to look at the ingredient list to determine if the product contains trans fats. Also, I have found that using the %DV of nutrients as a way to determine how the food fits in their overall diet for the day is very helpful to most people. I really like your “5 mistakes of reading the food label” poster! It hits the major mistakes that most people make (especially the mistake of assuming that the package is one serving). I also like to talk to my students about trans fat and how even if the label lists 0 grams, you still need to look at the ingredient list to determine if the product contains trans fats. Also, I have found that using the %DV of nutrients as a way to determine how the food fits in their overall diet for the day is very helpful to most people.

]]> By: Catherine Frederico http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-924 Catherine Frederico Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:08:56 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-924 If a package claims it is made with whole grain, make sure a whole grain is listed in the top three ingredients and not near the bottom of the list. If a package claims it is made with whole grain, make sure a whole grain is listed in the top three ingredients and not near the bottom of the list.

]]> By: Sharol Cripe http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-923 Sharol Cripe Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:37:44 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-923 You included my favorites. Read the serving size. What looks like a single serving size in a container may actually be several servings. You included my favorites.
Read the serving size. What looks like a single serving size in a container may actually be several servings.

]]> By: Caroline http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-921 Caroline Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:08:26 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-921 I always recommend to use the %DV as a comparison tool. If looking for a food that is a good source of the nutrient (fiber, Ca, Vit/MIn) you want to aim close to 20% DV, if you want to limit the nutrient (fat, cholesterol) - aim for 5% DV. Common sense to us, but amazing how helpful it is to clients! I always recommend to use the %DV as a comparison tool. If looking for a food that is a good source of the nutrient (fiber, Ca, Vit/MIn) you want to aim close to 20% DV, if you want to limit the nutrient (fat, cholesterol) – aim for 5% DV. Common sense to us, but amazing how helpful it is to clients!

]]> By: Shirley Blakely http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2010/06/5-mistakes-of-label-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-920 Shirley Blakely Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:05:04 +0000 http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?p=1473#comment-920 I love the top 5 mistakes of reading the food label. It is clever and it gets the message across in a light-hearted way. I work for FDA and truly appreciate what you've done with this. Thanks I love the top 5 mistakes of reading the food label. It is clever and it gets the message across in a light-hearted way. I work for FDA and truly appreciate what you’ve done with this. Thanks

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