Question:
Can anyone please tell me in detail how to read labels correctly & what to look for ?

   — Diane G. (posted on January 5, 2004)

January 4, 2004
I have found a lot of good food label info by searching the internet for "reading food labels". As far as what we as post ops are looking for, my nutritionist says to look for 50% of calories from protein, 30% from fat and 20% from carbs. If any food has those stats it is good to eat but you may need to get a food values book in order to keep that consistent through each day. I found that 20% carbs came from totally incedental carbs found in the dairy or shakes that I was eating in the first 6 months or so. I never added bread, rice, potatoes, etc... The carbs I did have were just in the other healthy foods I was eating. It is a hard adjustment and confusing in the beginning but it becomes second nature once you get in the groove. Lap RNY 1/15/03 277/156/150ish
   — Carol S.

January 5, 2004
Diane, Based on what my nutitionist told me, here's what I just remember the magic numbers. Less than 10 grams fat, 3 grams sugar or if over 3 grams sugars, then I look at the ingrediants to determine the source of the sugar (i.e. good sugars such as fructose vs. bad sugars such as high fructose corn syrup). I also look at the protein content, to find something that is going to give me protein. I don't really look at the carbs, however I do not eat refined breads (i.e. white breads, white rice, etc.) Following this approach has served me well.
   — jmusser