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We want to hear the questions people are asking about nutrition. Please send us your question and then visit us again to see if our dietician posted a response! And don't forget to checkout our Q&A Archive to learn something new.
Q&A Archive
Question: How do I use the % daily value?
Answer: The recommended percent daily value is for certain nutrients based on a 2000 calorie diet. So when you see that it reads 45% daily value for calories, you have consumed 45% of 2000 calories. Even if you don't know your specific calorie level you can use the % daily value as a quick reference. If it reads 10% of your daily value for fat then you are probably in a good place. This means for this particular meal you had a fairly low fat intake. If it says you had 80% of your daily value for fat then you have had almost your entire day's fat intake with this one meal. Try the interactive Nutricate Receipt to see how it works.
For more information visit the FDA site.
Question: I am trying to watch my calorie intake. What kinds of changes can I make when ordering in a restaurant?
Answer: One step is to choose baked, grilled, or broiled foods instead of deep fried foods. Also, watch out for the extras! The dressings and sauces can be minimized or even changed to save you hundreds of calories. For instance, you can skip the mayo on a sandwich or ask for half the dressing. You don't have to make drastic changes; small changes make a big difference with your calorie level. Try the interactive Nutricate Receipt to see how it works.
Question: How do I know how much fat to eat in a day?
Answer: Each individual has different calorie and nutrient needs based on their age, weight, and other health factors. A good rule of thumb is to get 30% of your calories from fat. Choose healthy fats from foods like avocadoes, olive oil, and nuts.
