Does this sound like you? You are work out 5-6 times a week, burning lots of calories but there is no visible difference in your weight. The answer can be found amongst the endless aisles of wrapped, canned and boxed goods. Let me let you in on, a not so secret, secret; being thin begins in the supermarket--with the nutrition label. This ubiquitous yet obscure information tag is one of the single most powerful devices in a journey of fitness.
There are a few things about nutrition labels you need to know.
Understand the ingredient list. The items are listed by volume, which means the first thing listed is what’s been used the most in the product, second ingredient, next highest volume and so on. If you have vowed to eat less sugar, less sodium, less food coloring or less of those things you can’t pronounce, knowing that ingredients are listed from largest to smallest (volume) can help you keep track of those ingredients that are most important to you.
Watch those serving sizes. The serving size listed on a product is probably less than what you are likely to consume. The serving size is two cookies and you’ve eaten four, now you have to multiply all the values listed by two. Not staying on top of these numbers can be detrimental to your weight loss goal Remember calories in vs. calories out. If you are taking in more calories than you are burning off, ‘you’ll be moving on up to the big time, to a deluxe….’
Nutrients are important. How much of each nutrient to consume varies from person to person for a number of reasons. Fat and fiber are the two I recommend you take the time to read. You want to consume as little saturated and trans fat, as possible, good heart heath demands it. Fiber offers twofer benefits. It not only helps with satiety by adding bulk to your eating plan but fiber also makes sure bulk is not clogging your internal plumbing.
Next time, you are in the supermarket read those labels. Remember these tips and education yourself so you will know the value, if any, of the foods you choose to eat. Your whole body is counting on you to make the right decisions. For losing weight, you have an all access pass to one of the biggest health clubs in the world—the grocery store.
Let’s check out, 
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