jEanne Angleberger

Today’s food shopping requires nutrition knowledge. So, let’s take a look at some nutrition facts before we food shop the next time.

This chart defines caloric value, fat, sodium, sugar, cholesterol, and fiber content. This criteria is based on FDA labeling and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

If the tag reads [one below], then it has this (per serving):

Low Calorie — 40 calories or less

Calorie Free — Less than 5 calories

Low Fat — 3 grams or less of fat

Fat Free — Less than 1/2 gram of fat

Low Saturated Fat — 1 gram or less saturated fat

Low Cholesterol — 20 mg. or less of cholesterol & 2 grams or less of saturated fat

Cholesterol Free — Less than 2 mg. of cholesterol & 2 grams or less of saturated fat

Low Sodium — 140 mg. or less sodium

Very low Sodium — 35 mg. or less of sodium

Sugar Free — Less than 1/2 gram of sugar

Good Source of Fiber — 2.5 grams or more of fiber

Lean — Less than 10 grams of total fat & (meat, poultry, seafood) less than 4 grams of saturated fat & less than 95 mg. cholesterol

Extra Lean — Less than 5 grams of total fat & (meat, poultry, seafood) less than 2 grams of saturated fat & less than 95 mg. cholesterol

Be sure to read the serving size. Eating two servings will double the calories and other ingredients. Save these nutrition facts in your phone for quick reference. Healthiness starts with the food you buy. So, make it real and nourishing!