Making healthy food choices is important, and understanding nutrition labels can help! A balanced diet is key to staying healthy. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest that:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Half of your plate should be filled with these tasty foods.
• Whole Grains: At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains.
• Protein: Pick lean options like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils.

How to Read Nutrition Labels:

1. Serving Size: Check the serving size on the label. Sometimes, the amount listed is smaller than what you actually eat.

2. Calories: Keep track of how many calories you’re eating. Most adults need about 2,000 to 2,500 calories each day, depending on how active they are.

3. Nutrient Breakdown: Look for the daily values (%DV) based on a 2,000-calorie diet:

   • Dietary Fiber: Try to eat at least 25 grams of fiber each day.
   • Added Sugars: Try to limit added sugars to less than 10% of your total daily calories. That’s about 200 calories or 50 grams if you’re on a 2,000-calorie diet.

4. Fat Sources: Choose healthier fats, like unsaturated fats, and keep saturated fats to less than 10% of your total calories. It’s best to avoid trans fats completely.

By learning how to read nutrition labels, you can make better food choices that match the guidelines for a healthy diet. This will help you feel better and stay healthy!