Nutritionist Lisa Grudzielanek offers tips on reading food labels

Lisa Grudzielanek from Mind-Body Soulutions stops by Real Milwaukee to help you beat the marketing tricks on food labeling. Watch the video above, and read her tips below for more help on beating food labeling tricks. What does “fat-free," "reduced calorie," or "light “ really mean? Here are some useful definitions for you: Fat–free – less than ½ gram of fat per serving Low–fat – 3 grams or less fat per serving Light – 1/3 fewer calories or half the fat of the regular version Reduced – 25 percent less of the nutrient than the regular version Sugar-free – less than ½ gram of sugars per serving High-fiber – 5 grams or more per serving must also meet standard for "low-fat" Trans fat-   less than ½ gram – "Not a significant source of trans fat" Source: Public Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  It's important to remember that fat-free doesn't mean calorie free. In my professional practice I see all too often people over doing low-fat, fat-free and sugar-free products. They are unknowingly consuming the same or more calories than they are burning and gain weight.   Also fat-free or low-fat foods may contain high amounts of added sugars or sodium to make up for the loss of flavor when fat is removed. For example, a fat-free cookie may be just as high in calories as a regular cookie. So, remember, it is important to read your food labels and compare products. For more information on food labeling go to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.  http://www.cspinet.org/foodlabeling/Lisa Grudzielanek RD,CD, CDE nutrition & wellness consultant at Mind-BodySoulutions. For more information: Mind-BodySoulutions.com