Hey all! I am a guest in one of our Parent Meetings at Head Start later this morning! Parents are interested in learning more about how to read food labels. I will be doing a live walk-through/demo with real foods, but since I put together this handout for them, I figured why not share it here, too... in case any of you could benefit! I'll start out by explaining the basics: Calories are the energy your body uses like fuel; macros (protein, carbs, and fats) are the main nutrients that help your body build, move, and think; and fiber is the part of plants that keeps your gut healthy, helps you stay full, and balances your blood sugar. Knowing how to read food labels can help you feel more empowered and in control of choosing foods that give your body what it needs, not just what fills you up. Reading Food Labels Made Simple Guide: 1️⃣ Start with the Basics · Check the serving size — all the numbers on the label are based on this amount. · Compare serving sizes between similar foods. 2️⃣ Calories · Calories are the energy your body uses like fuel. Too little and you’ll feel tired; too much, and your body stores the extra energy. 3️⃣ Macronutrients (Macros) · Protein: Builds and repairs muscles, keeps you full. · Carbs: Give you energy — choose more whole grains, fruits, and veggies. · Fats: Support your brain and hormones — choose healthy fats like nuts, olive oil, and avocado. 4️⃣ Fiber · Fiber comes from plant foods. It keeps your digestion healthy, helps you stay full, and balances blood sugar. · Aim for about 25–30 grams a day. 5️⃣ Added Sugars & Sodium · Added Sugars: Try to limit — less is better. · Sodium: Watch for high numbers, especially in packaged foods. 6️⃣ Ingredients List · Ingredients are listed from most to least. · Shorter lists usually mean less processed food. · If you can pronounce most of the ingredients, that’s a good sign! Simple Summary: Calories are fuel; macros (protein, carbs, fats) help your body build, move, and think; and fiber keeps your gut healthy and your energy steady.