There is a study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that is performed each year. Along with many health and disease parameters, the study generates data about what, how much, when and why Americans eat what we do.
NHANES 2005-2066 and two studies published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Assocation were just completed and here is some information they found:
- People that read food labels, on average, consume less calories, less total fat, less saturated fat, less cholesterol, less sodium, less sugar, and more dietary fiber.
- 61.6% of respondents to NHANES said they read the nutrition facts panels, 51.6% examine the list of ingredients, 47.2% read the serving size and 43.8% review health claims at least sometimes when deciding whether to buy a food product.
- Food packaging labeled with healthful nutrition labels has potential to increase purchase of healthy foods versus less healthy food choices.
- Reading food labels is associated with improved dietary factors and healthful eating patterns.
So, reading the full nutrition label, the ingredients list and the health claims on the packaging of foods you buy and eat can help you develop healthy eating habits. This will hold you accountable to what you know you should eat, so you will buy and eat foods that are better for you.
Compare products in the grocery store by holding the food labels of two packages side by side.
By paying attention to the numbers on food labels, you’ll also keep better tabs on the total calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium you are eating.
Now, just reading food labels alone is not going to magically make you change your eating habits and behaviors. But it can help improve your health day to day by improving the nutrition that you eat. And long term, it can help you lose weight along with exercise, portion control, and healthier choices throughout each day.
Stay well informed and know what you are putting into your body. You don’t need to be preoccupied and worried about the labels, but reading and paying attention will naturally help you make better choices. And this will increase the nutrients you eat, help you lose extra weight and maintain your healthy weight.
Let us know your ideas on how to improve food labels. What information would you like to see added or taken away? What can be clarified on the labels to make more sense to you? Do you think you would purchase healthier foods if the prices were lower than the less healthy versions?
Let us know what you think!
Tags: Buying Food, Food Labels, Healthy Choices, JAMA, NHANES, Nutrition Facts Labels, Reading Food Labels, Weight Loss, Weight Management