THE MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF READING ALL FOOD LABELS

REMEMBER::  PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE

A very important part of making lifestyle changes is recognizing the importance of reading food labels.
The first thing I look for on a food label is the serving size. This is a very important part, because everything else on that label applies to the serving size. For example, if the serving size is 1 ounce and you eat 2 ounces, you then have to double everything else on the label. If the calories are 150, then doubling them makes the calories 300. If the fat grams are 9, this number would have to be doubled to 18. The nutrition facts on labels provide all the needed information about the product, so a person can make wise decisions if they are doing more than just taking a quick glance.

Doing research on saturated fat and the dangers helps me appreciate even more why it is so important not to skip over words that are unfamiliar or that you do not understand the meaning of. A person can miss a lot of life saving information that can help them safeguard their health. This is the number one reason why I encourage people I come into contact with to educate themselves. I stress to them that there is so much vital information they will miss out on if they do not educate themselves. I further explain to them that lack of education can hinder their progress. Exercise is important; however, without good education to go along with it, the effectiveness of their exercise can be reduced.

Other important aspects on labels are information on sugar, cholesterol, sodium potassium, protein, carbohydrates and fiber. Providing this information on food labels has helped me keep account of all of these items in the foods I eat. Cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates and sugar are what I look for after I examine the fat grams. I have truly seen the value of staying within the recommended daily amounts of these items in order to prevent health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and weight gain.

When I consider the tremendous amount of vital information a label provides, I can truly see how failure to take a closer look can come at a high price. These days, doctor’s visits are very expensive and even if you have insurance, the deductibles and co-payments are constantly on the increase. Depending on your weight and current state of health, insurance companies are now charging higher rates, thus causing more financial burdens for some.

 Visits to the emergency room are even more expensive, due to the out-of-pocket expense that has to be paid. If medicine is prescribed, this is additional money that has to be spent, even if it is just a co-payment amount. If a person is sick and not able to work, they may lose income depending on the employee benefits they have with their present job. When I really took the time to do the math, I found it easily adds up to a hefty price tag. This made me realize just how much time and money I could save by taking a closer look at food labels. It just seems more economically feasible for me to eat right and exercise than to pay out all that money in health care. I highly value the importance of reading food labels, because not only can it help a person avoid major health problems, it can literally save a person’s life!.

AUNT BEE 2 BARBEE FITNESS CONSULTING