Fit For Life Nutrition Facts; Making Informed Choices

Today’s Snack  Guacamole Avocado & Salsa  Baked Chips

Today’s Lesson  Review from last time we met  Nutrition labels

Serving Size  On each nutrition label, a serving size is listed  This amount is important to know as it is what the nutrition facts is based on  Are these sizes the same as our food guide serving sizes?  For example: This label shows indicates that per bar (granola bar) there are 12 grams of protein

Caloric Value  Each nutrition label lists how many “calories” are in each serving  Calories represent how much energy the food will give us  The energy we receive is based on the amount of fat, carbohydrate and protein present in the product

Review  What do Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins do for our body?  We need a variety of these in our diets  However, we typically get enough fat and sugar from our food, so it is important to keep this as low as possible  Our goal is to have high fibre and vitamins and low fat and sugars

Vitamins and Minerals  We need a variety of vitamins and minerals in our diet  Food labels list the amounts of vitamins and minerals along with a percentage value  This number indicates how much we are getting out of how much we need (per serving) per day

Ingredients List  This lists all of the ingredients in the food  Often times there are many foods on the list which we are unfamiliar with. Typically these foods are added to keep the food fresh for longer. These foods are known as preservatives. Try eating foods with minimal amounts

Other Information on the Label  What else do you see on the label?  Are there specific things you have questions about?  What about Cholesterol and Sodium?  To maintain a healthy life we should try to limit both of these intakes

Now it’s your turn…  The last 7 weeks we have spent a lot of time teaching about nutrition. This week, we’re going to have an opportunity for you to ask the questions that are on your mind. Together, the leaders will try to answer your questions, and give you some tips about nutrition.  At your table with your group leader, try to come up with a few questions you would like to ask in-front of the class

So, What are your Questions?

Next week… …come prepared for Jeopardy!