Food labels help prevent weight gain

How many of us actually read the food labels on the packaging of the products we purchase? This could provide useful information to prevent weight gain.

Habit

Make it a habit of reading food labels, if you are concerned about your weight. If you are the person who is responsible for your household shopping, this is best done whilst in the shop as it allows a comparison of various brands and products. If not, then read the packaging at home and find alternate options for the next purchase, if necessary.

Kilojoule value

So which values should you be wary off? Firstly check the kilojoule value (kJ). This refers to the amount of energy contained in one serving of the food. The label should also reflect how much of that energy is made up of sugar and the amount contained in fat.

Saturated fat

Remember that the lower the saturated fat content, the better it is for your weight and overall health. The Health Society of South Africa suggests that saturated fat should be less than a third of the total fat.

Stay aware of these values and make weight gain a thing of the past!

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