Which Label Do You Read?

When you're looking for healthy packaged food products, it makes a difference which label you read. Each package has 3 labels that you can read:

• the front of the package
• the nutrition facts
• the ingredients list

Which of these 3 is the most important?

Manufacturers want you to read the front of the package. That's where they tell you what they want you to believe about the contents of the box, bottle or jar. Processed food manufacturers often lie about the healthfulness of what's in the food packages they produce. This  is the last place you should look.

Many organizations that give out healthy eating information say that you should read the nutrition facts. They stress the importance of eating foods low in sodium and saturated fats. But this is not the most important thing for you to know about a packaged food before you decide to buy it.

The first place you should look when you pick up a packaged food is the ingredients list. This is the last place that the manufacturers want you to look. They don't want you to know about the harmful chemicals they put in your food to give it a better taste, texture or a longer shelf life. In many cases, they make it hard for you to even see the ingredients list. The print is so tiny and in a color that blends in with the packaging that it's hard to make it out without a powerful magnifying glass. Get in the habit of carrying one with you when you shop.

Label readers eat healthier according to two new reports in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. And healthy eating helps you to live a healthier life. Click here to read more about these studies.

If you're not knowledgeable about food additives, then reading ingredients lists may be a big challenge. But, don't dismay, there's help available. Get started right now with some Free Food Additives Tips.