Pick of the Day: Nutrition Labels: Reading Between the Lines (DVD)

Nutrition Labels: Reading Between the Lines. DVD. 21 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning Seed. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55740-619-4. $89.
Gr 7 Up–This effective and valuable program explains how to read nutrition labels on food packaging. Many consumers think that they are eating healthy when then see words like “natural” or “real” on a food package, so they mistakenly purchase products that are actually quite unhealthy or fattening. The production is divided into three chapters that cover serving size and calories; percent of total daily requirements of nutrients and vitamins in a serving; ingredients listed on food labels; and claims about calories, sodium, sugar, fat, etc. An explanation of calories will make viewers ask themselves: How do I decide on portion size when counting calories, especially if I want a larger portion than indicated on the label? In a realistic scenario, two people try to decide how much cereal to eat and realize that ¾ of a cup is not nearly enough to satisfy them. Ingredient lists are explained, and the importance of eating foods rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals is highlighted. Viewers are also given important information about hidden sources of unwanted fat and calories in foods. The online teacher’s guide offers pre- and post-viewing activities, short answer and fill-in-the-blank quizzes, a glossary, Standards, Internet resources, and more. A solid purchase for health curricula at the junior and senior high school levels.–Pamela Schembri, Newburgh Enlarged City Schools, NY