Unit 5

Label Reading

A little Exercise in Nutrition

• Total dietary intake of 2400 calories
• Goal:
  • Carbohydrates  at 55 %
    • 2400 x .55 = 1320 kcal / 4 kcal = 330 grams
  • Proteins at 15%
    • 2400 x .15 = 360 kcal / 4 kcal = 90 grams
  • Fats  at <30%
    • 2400 x .30 = 720 kcal / 9 kcal = 80 grams

Interpreting Food Labels

• new labels must contain certain information
• serving sizes are more realistic - be sure to check closely
• “fat free” means < 0.5 g fat/serving
• “low fat” means < 3 g fat/serving

Calculating Macronutrients

Use the Wheat Thins label at the right and the calculations below to see how easy it is to assess important nutritional information from food labels.

• Calories from Fat:
  • 6g x 9 kcal/g=54 kcal
  • 54 kcal/140kcal=39%
• Calories from Carbohydrate:
  • 19g x 4 kcal/g=76 kcal
  • 76 kcal/140kcal=54%
• Calories from Protein:
  • 2g x 4 kcal/g=8 kcal
  • 8 kcal/140kcal= 6%

How does this snack cracker fit into our guidelines for fat intake?

Is this food a good source of protein?

What might be a better choice for a snack cracker?