| |
Healthy
fast food
Frozen food nutrition
Shape
Up America!
(follow links across top for free information on nutrition and fitness)
Larry
McMurtry’s Dream Job
Fat
in America
Denton
Rocks!
Connecting
People and Pets
|
|
|
Managing
your frozen food intake by understanding those pesky nutrition labels
Frozen dinners
and other convenient foods linked to the fast-paced lifestyle are
OK, but you need to read the nutrition labels to determine how much
energy  they
add to your daily total.
- First,
it's important to have a rough understanding of how many calories
you need to maintain your weight. On average, most people require
about 2,000 calories a day. (For a more accurate idea of your
personal caloric needs, go to a free web
site sponsored by the U.S. surgeon general.)
- When
reading nutrition facts labels, consider your fat intake. Look
for foods that are truly low in fat, containing 5 grams or less
per serving. Your total fat intake should be 30 percent or less
of your daily caloric intake. For an individual consuming 2,000
calories per day, that translates to 65 grams of fat.
- Fiber
is another consideration. It keeps you from getting hungry so
soon and so often. Scientists recommend that you consume 25 to
30 grams per day to maintain optimal health.
- Also
be aware of sodium or salt intake. Diets high in sodium are associated
with an increased risk of high blood pressure. You should only
consume about 2 to 3 grams a day.
- What
else to look for on a nutrition label? The vitamins and minerals
most Americans don't get enough of: Vitamins A and C, iron and
calcium. Choose foods that offer these important nutrients.
|
|
