Understand Food Labels..and Read them.

Find out if the healthy labels on your grocery items are loaded with lies or telling the truth.

At the grocery store, you’re bombarded with terms like “whole grain,” “low-fat,” and “sugar-free.” But how can you know if they’re telling you the whole truth? We’ve investigated some popular but misleading supermarket labels to break down what’s really in your favorite foods.

 “Lightly Sweetened”

This term isn’t officially regulated by the FDA, which means it could have anywhere from 1-100 grams – or more – of sugar. Instead of “lightly sweetened,” search for the label “No added sugar.” That label is FDA regulated, and can lead you to foods that will help cut your carb and calorie counts.**Remember keep sugar grams to 50 - 70 max.!

“A Good Source of Fiber”

While fiber is an important part of your daily diet, what’s more important is making sure you’re getting the right kinds of fiber. Packaged foods that use the term “a good source of fiber” sometimes use a fiber additive that’s not as beneficial as the fiber found in natural foods like whole grains and vegetables. While this label is not totally misleading, in order to get the best sources of fiber, make sure you eat fresh, whole, fiber-rich foods too.

“Made With Real Fruit”

More often than not, the fruit that’s advertised is not the fruit that’s actually in the item. While you think you’re getting one set of benefits from what’s advertised, you’re most likely getting something completely different. Not only that, but “real fruit” quantities aren’t regulated by the FDA so the amount could be so miniscule that it won’t have any beneficial effect on you at all. When it comes to fruit, just eat the real thing!

Dr. Oz.