Use your enlarged copy of the food label as a visual aid during discussion.
Also, have empty food boxes or bags
available to use as needed. The “Fun Things” suggestions make for
a lively presentation.
Serving Size
• Discuss that serving size on the label may or may not be your average portion. However, if you eat more than this size, consider reducing how much you eat.
Calories
• Share this easy math: weight in pounds x 10 = the fewest calories most people should consume-even when
trying to lose weight. So, if a person weighs 150 pounds, a minimum of 1500 calories a day is needed. And the more active someone is, the more calories they need. A 150-pound person may need about 2000 calories a day if moderately active.
Dietary Fiber
• Explain that fiber is a type of carbohydrate-a healthy type. And since it's not absorbed by the body, it provides zero calories! So, it's good for digestion, regularity, and weight loss.
• Emphasize that most Americans don't get enough fiber. Ask participants to compare labels to determine which foods have dietary fiber and how much fiber is in each food.
Vitamins/Minerals
• Discuss that there are hundreds of nutrients,
other than vitamins and minerals, found naturally in plant foods
that are needed for good health.
• Ask participants to come up with some examples of deep-colored fruits/veggies. Usually, the deeper the color, the more nutrients the fruit or veggie contains. Examples include blueberries and other berries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and dark leafy greens.
• Have participants share interesting ways to get more colorful fruits or veggies into meals or snacks.
• Ask participants to come up with some examples of deep-colored fruits/veggies. Usually, the deeper the color, the more nutrients the fruit or veggie contains. Examples include blueberries and other berries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and dark leafy greens.
• Have participants share interesting ways to get more colorful fruits or veggies into meals or snacks.
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