Day 59: Read the Labels

Someone seriously needs to push food manufacturers to make food labels more accurate and quit with the phony "serving size" thing.  Take a look at this picture my friend posted on Facebook.  First off, it could possible be accurate ... 10 Calories per 8 fl oz. ... 20 Calories per bottle.  But wait - there's 20 ounces in the bottle.  That would mean 16 ounces makes up 20 calories, what?

Courtesy Rich Engelhardt

Even more frustrating though, at the items that you really think of as a single serving item.  Like those Crystal Light "individual size" packets.  If you just glance at the calories, there's 5 listed.  However, that's 5 calories per serving ... and the packet actually contains 2 servings.  Now, 5 versus 10 calories isn't that much, but other items those calories can really add up.

Bottom line, if you're counting calories, you must always read the label carefully.  Don't just look at the calories, look at the serving size.  Granted, the average amount we usually eat is significantly larger than what the serving size really should be.  Keep that in mind, no matter what you're eating!