Home > Food > General Nutrition > Nutritional Information > Reading Food Labels
|

Reading Food Labels

As mentioned earlier, frozen and canned items can be convenient and tasty. Just remember to read the labels carefully and keep the following tips in mind:

  • For full frozen meals, always read the label and look for less than 400 total calories, 15 grams of fat, and 800 milligrams of sodium.
  • When choosing soups, avoid the creamy varieties unless you have the option of mixing in your own low-fat milk. Also buy soups that say “reduced-sodium,” “low-sodium,” or “no added salt.” Some nutritious selections include minestrone, garden vegetable, chicken noodle, split pea, tomato rice, Manhattan clam chowder, and the lentil bean combinations.
  • To cut fat, buy sauces that are tomato- or vegetable-based. Check the labels and look for brands that have 3 grams (or less) of fat per serving.
|

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Total Nutrition © 2005 by Joy Bauer. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.


stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

Get on the Path to Parenting Success
Every journey starts with a few small steps, and parenting is no different. Get positive support, tips and tools for helping your kids reach for success! Click here for more information from ParentFurther.

Top 10 Sweet 16 Birthday Gifts
Every girl looks forward to her 16th birthday! Stumped on what to buy her to make it extra special? Take a look at 10 cool gift ideas for her Sweet 16.

10 Nutritious Snacks and Drinks for Kids
"Mom, I'm hungry!!" Sound familiar? Find simple recipes for healthy homemade snacks to help your child power through busy days.