DECODE THE LABEL!
LEARN TO READ NUTRITION FACTS LIKE A PRO
WHAT TO CUT BACK ON Some nutrients are better in small doses. Keep an eye on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, as too much can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health concerns. If the % DV is 20% or more, that’s high; if it’s 5% or less, that’s low — so aim low for these! WHAT TO LOAD UP ON Not all nutrients are harmful — some are essential for good health! The average diet often lacks fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These powerhouses support everything from strong bones to better digestion and heart health. The higher the % DV, the better! With these tips, you’ll never look at a nutrition label the same way again. Empower yourself with knowledge, make smarter choices, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet!
Reading a nutrition label might seem like deciphering a secret code, but once you know what to look for, it’s a game-changer for healthier food choices. Let’s break it down so you can shop like a pro and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. SERVING SIZE Before diving into the details, start with the serving size. This tells you how much of the product the nutrition facts apply to. For example, if a bag of chips says 150 calories per serving but contains three servings, eating the whole bag means you consume 450 calories. CALORIES Calories tell you how much energy you get from one serving. The trick is to balance what you eat with what your body burns. If you want to maintain or lose weight, keeping an eye on calorie intake is key. Want to know how many calories you should be consuming
based on your age, height, and weight? Visit MyPlate.gov/myplate-plan to find out!
PERCENT OF DAILY VALUE The Percent of Daily Value (% DV) helps you quickly determine whether a food is nutrient- rich or lacking. Want more fiber? Look for a high % DV. Trying to cut back on sodium? Choose products with a low % DV.
STOP THE STING AND SIZZLE!
Summer Skin Survival Tips
With everything from bugs to the sun potentially damaging our epidermis in the coming months, here are a few reminders — and surprising scientific discoveries to think about — as you explore and enjoy the great outdoors. SUN SMART, SKIN SAFE When the sun starts making its presence known more regularly this time of year, reaching for sunscreen should be as common as grabbing a water bottle. With so many skin-protection products available, choosing the correct cream or lotion isn’t always clear. For example, what do SPF 15, 30, or 50 even mean? SPF is short for “sun protection factor” — the product’s ability to prevent sunburn. For example, an SPF 50 product gives you 50 times the protection from sunburns as wearing no sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen of at least SPF 30, which will block 97% of the sun’s rays from adversely affecting your skin.
pharmacist or medical provider to determine whether your current medications, particularly antihistamines, antidepressants, or certain antibiotics and diabetic treatments, may increase your skin’s sensitivity. BITE CLUES AND CULPRITS Have you ever wondered why some people get covered in mosquito bites this time of year while others, even those right next to the most affected, rarely get any? Scientists have spent years attempting to answer this question, and some evidence points to fascinating possibilities. In a 2004 study, researchers found that mosquitoes were twice as likely to bite participants with Type O blood than those with another type, while multiple studies have revealed that these insects prefer pregnant women — perhaps due to their slightly warmer body heat around their bellies (as mosquitoes are attracted to warmth) and their propensity to exhale more insect-attracting carbon dioxide while expecting. Mosquitoes also love ammonia, lactic acid, and other chemicals emitted in human sweat, which could explain why runners who break a sweat on sunny days find more bug bites on their bodies than those who prefer dry time in the shade.
In addition to applying the right products, you must focus on what you put inside your body. Before summer is in full swing, consult your
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