What's That Mean? Kids Corner

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, July 22 and September 9, 2007
Show 417

If you're having trouble reading your food's nutrition label, you're not alone. Carol Altomare from Kraft Foods is here to help us figure it all out, so you and your kids can make smart food choices.

"Believe it or not, reading the label is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Number 1, what type of food is it? All foods have a food family. So place it in the food pyramid. For example cheese belongs in the milk group. Number 2, the front of the label can give you a lot of information about the food. Look for nutrition benefits like: 'made with whole grain' or 'good source of calcium.'

"Number 3, look at the nutrition facts panel on the package. First, the serving size tells you the typical portion to eat. Choices like Nabisco 100 Calorie packs and Jello pudding cups are pre-portioned so keep them on hand for a quick right-sized snack. The next numbers you should look for on the nutrition facts are 'good for you' nutrients. Ten percent of the daily value means the food is a good source. Twenty percent or higher means it's an excellent source of the nutrient.

"So once you've made sense of the labels, how do you get your kids to actually eat right? Involve them in cooking and shopping. Talk to them about food families. And ask them to find foods with 'good for you' nutrients. So eat, exercise and enjoy," says Carol.