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Decoding Food Labels: Step 1 -- Check the serving size. When scanning the label, the first thing to check is the serving size. It is always the first item on the label. Step 2 -- Calories per serving are key. It is very important to look at the number of calories in a product. They're what really matters when it comes to losing weight. Step 3 -- The nutrients take center stage. The heart of the food label has information about saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. This information is important for any specific dietary concerns you have. Step 4 -- Vitamins and minerals complete the picture. Calcium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin A amounts are always on food labels. They are nice to know, but they are very minor compared to other info on the label. Don't use the vitamin or mineral content as a basis for buying a product unless everything else is equal.
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