Do You Know What You’re Eating?

Did you know that the Nutrition Facts label, aka the “food label,” was introduced in 1994 to give consumers an idea of the nutritional value of their food purchased in grocery stores?  And, it hasn’t been updated in 20 years. 

Last week, on the fourth anniversary of the Let’s Move! campaign, First Lady Michelle Obama, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg made a historic announcement.  The food label, as we know it, will never be the same.

According to www.LetsMove.gov, the label will be updated to “reflect the latest scientific information, which ties diet to obesity and chronic diseases.”

What are the proposed changes?

• Removal of the declaration of “calories from fat” because science supports that the type of fat is more relevant than overall total fat intake.
• Requirement of a statement of “added sugars” and if they are natural sugars or how they were derived.
• Update which essential vitamins and minerals should be included as nutrients of public health significance.
• Better highlight the key information on the label, such as calories and serving sizes.
• Update serving sizes to reflect how people realistically eat.

“Our guiding principle here is very simple: that you as a parent and a consumer should be able to walk into a grocery store, pick an item off the shelf, and tell whether it’s good for your family,” Mrs. Obama said.  “So this is a huge deal, and it’s going to make a big difference for families across this country.”

Nutrition is a key component of overall health.  In addition to a healthy diet, people need to institute a healthy, active lifestyle – which includes a consistent exercise regimen. 

Visit www.FitnessForHealth.org to learn how Fitness for Health can help you create a fitness plan customized to assist you in reaching your personal goals.