Do you read food labels? The Nutrition Facts table provides a wealth of information. Here are the three main reasons to use the Nutrition Facts:

• assess the calories in a product
• compare nutrients in different products
• select foods that are high or low in specific nutrients.

1. Serving Size
   This is not a recommended serving! Compare the serving size to the amount of food you usually eat at a sitting, and adjust accordingly.
   
   
2. Calories
   This tells you how many calories you will get per serving - from fat, carbohydrates and protein. Don’t just look at the fat or carbohydrate content. It only reveals part of the picture.
   
   
3. Carbohydrates
   Look for products with the most fibre. Compared to similar products low in fibre, these will usually have more nutrients and will enter your bloodstream slower. They are the ones to choose more often.
   
   
4. Fat
   Look for foods with the least saturated fat and trans fats. These fats have similar negative effects on your heart health.
   
   
5. Sodium and Cholesterol
   Sodium can elevate blood pressure; dietary cholesterol may raise blood cholesterol. So … less is better.