Do you consider how many serving sizes you’re consuming when you reach for foods like chips, cookies or cereal?
Too often, a manufacturer’s idea of a serving size varies way too much when compared with what a consumer actually eats.
If you think a serving of ice cream means you get to fill up your bowl, you’re probably scoops away from the truth. You should multiply that seemingly innocent fat and calorie count on the nutrition label.
In an effort to help curb obesity, the FDA wants nutrition labels on the fronts of packages (graphic designers everywhere are making faces), and they possibly want to retool how serving sizes are presented. The FDA believes the serving sizes should be more in line with how people actually eat, forcing them to realize just how many calories are in those cookies or cereal.
Another problem is that not many people get out the measuring cup when it comes to pouring the morning’s cereal. Are you getting only 2/3 cup? Probably not.
How do you feel about the FDA’s concern over serving sizes and position of nutrition labels on foods like ice cream and cookies?
While I’d like to think that most adults are wise enough to consider puny serving sizes versus what’s actually being eaten, I know it’s not always the case. Plus, some kids may snack directly out of the bag — a bad idea. However, I’m not sure whether to look at the FDA’s new rules as too much hand-holding of consumers or a slap on the wrist to makers of the junk foods we eat too much of.
For more on the serving size issue, read One Bowl = 2 Servings. F.D.A. May Fix That at The New York Times.
(Image via stock.xchng)