Deciphering Food Labels

As we all continue on this journey toward better health, I have been trying to understand what nutrition labels actually mean. There's so much information there... just what should I focus on? Parents ask us questions like this all the time but none of us on staff at da Vinci is an expert so we are learning right along with all of you. We know that it's important for kids to eat healthy foods and we are concerned about childhood obesity rates (1 in 3 American children is considered obese!) so that's why we chose to center our charter school around that very issue. Here are some helpful resources I have come across on the web.

How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label from the FDA
As stated on the website, this resource will "make it easier for you to use nutrition labels to make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet." Each section of the labels is clearly described and tells you which nutrients to limit and which you should increase.

Food Labels, Decoded from Real Simple Magazine
This resource helps you translate common label terms to help you make the wisest choices. It includes health implications and things to keep in mind.

Understanding Food Labels from PBS Kids
This page walks kids (and adults) through the label on a popular snack - hot and spicy crunchy cheese snacks (Flamin' Hot Cheetos, I think) and points out just why snacks like this are not good for you. For years, I've seen kids eating entire bags of these for their morning snack. :(

Dictionary of Nutrition from the American Heart Association
"If you are looking for information on common nutrition terms, you’ve come to the right place.  This dictionary from the American Heart Association will help you make heart-healthy decisions at the grocery store and in your kitchen."

Organic and Other Environmentally Friendly Foods from Kids Health
"So you may be wondering if organic foods are healthier and safer for your child, and worth the extra money if they cost more than conventional foods. How do they taste? And what do labels touting foods as "sustainable," "natural," "free-range," "grass-fed," or "fair trade" mean?"

Secrets from Inside Nutrition Facts Labels from Web MD
Still confused? Not sure what to focus in on? Try this resource to help!

Child Nutrition: Simple Tips for Busy Moms (and Dads!) from Web MD
This is a great article - consider printing it out to bring with you to the store. "The simplest tip to help your family get more of the nutrients they need – and fewer nutrients that contribute to disease and weight gain -- is to serve more whole foods and less processed food. Eat fruits and vegetables with every meal. Serve your children healthy, lean protein at most meals."

For teachers:
Kids Health in the Classroom
Nutrition Explorations
Dairy Council of California
Nourish Interactive