QOTD 2/27

minionlover

I saw in the news this morning that the FDA is changing food labeling to make them more accurate and readable.

Do you read labels? What do you think about the new labels?

http://washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/food-labels-to-get-first-makeover-in-20-years-with-new-emphasis-on-calories-sugar/2014/02/26/c8feeb4c-9f08-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html

ramstein1027

I ALWAYS read labels.  DH and I play this game where he names a food and I tell him the calories and fat per serving.  I look at the sugar per serving as well, along with what the first few ingredients are.  I never buy anything with artificial sweeteners, and rarely buy anything with hydrogenated oil.  That said, I don't deprive myself either.  I use real butter and real sugar when I bake, and I eat healthy fats, because fat doesn't make you fat.

I think more transparency with this kind of thing is good.

mrshall1027

I think it's good they are changing the labels.  Maybe it will help people be more aware of what they are consuming.

I always read the labels too and started really paying attention to what the ingredients were a few years ago.  If I can't pronounce any ingredient that's listed, I won't buy it.

brainybrunette

We ALWAYS read food nutrition info. 

I think the change is a good thing as it makes the information a little more clear. However, this won't make people actually read the label if they're not doing so already. I think that a lot of people don't even know what to look for even if they do read the nutritional info. I hope that some sort of "read the label" educational campaign accompanies this change.

ramstein1027

My philosophy on food (I know you all were begging to hear!) is that I try to eat closer to what my great grandparents ate, what came from the land.  Yes, some of it (like lard) was bad.  But their eggs were from their chickens, their fruits and veggies were seasonal and from the garden, their meat was from a butcher or rancher who specialized in meat, bread and other starches had like 3 ingredients tops...etc.  Also, they weren't sitting at a desk all day, so that also motivates me to get moving so I can enjoy some of the richer stuff.

A read the label campaign would be a great way to accomplish this! 

goatlady12

I always read labels.  I think this will be a good change.  Everyone has the right to know what they are consuming. 

DH does not read labels and eats like a fat kid.  Whenever we get groceries the stuff I grab is all fresh and healthy.  The stuff he grabs is like rice-a-roni and mac n cheese.  He only eats healthy when we eat meals together.

ETA  I'm happy they are going to put reasonable serving sizes!!

LDubHawksFan

We read labels. I think they look much better. As long as the portions per container is larger too, it will emphasize how much you are taking in. Good for them!

catwine

We read the labels on certain things because H is really sensitive to additives and other stuff found in packaged food (he gets migraines from it).  Honestly, I've never been concerned with the calorieor fat content, but I know a lot of people are so I'm sure the new labels will be helpful.

MrsH1027

I read labels, but probably don't look at everything I should.  I counted calories a few years ago to lose ~30 lbs.  It worked great, and after we got engaged, I did it to break even.  Now I actually count whenever I'm on an upswing to stay around my goal weight.  I should look at more than I do because I'll still eat unhealthy things.  I think that's the only reason calorie counting worked for me.  I could eat whatever I wanted as long as the calories added up.  I try to eat a lot healthier (cut out fat, etc.) to lower calories and be healtheir overall, but I just had girl scout cookies for lunch.  LOL!  I knew ordering them at work would bite me when they got delivered!

minionlover

I read labels sometimes. When I decide I'm having ice cream I do not read labels. When I am eating heathy that's when I read them. I had started to compare the "low fat" or "light" options for things but when I couldn't pronounce the ingredients, I stopped even looking at them and would by the regular items.

sjs1013

I usually read labels.  It took me a few times reading them to know what I was reading.  They could be clearer.  I hadn't heard of the changed, but I am happy to see they are going to change.  I think proposal 1 looks easier to read than proposal 2.  I look forward to seeing the new labels soon!

Like someone else said, I am too lazy to look back to see who, people who are going to read them will read them and people who don't care won't ever look.

xxjen015

I look at certain things. I definitely try not to use too much sodium. I've been doing a lot more cooking where I'm creating things from fruits and veggies and meat and rice, not pre-packaged stuff. We definitely still eat the pre-packaged stuff on occasion, which we usually avoid looking at the labels to because we know it's not good! I like their 2nd proposal since it breaks down what's good for you and what's not. I also like that it shows total sugars as well as added sugars. I try not to do much added sugar, I prefer it to already be there.  

consciousdear88

I had no idea they were actually updating the labels. I started tracking everything about a year or so before the wedding. It's been one of those things that has carried on after the fact and I will constantly find myself checking nutritional info.