The FDA Announces New Nutrition Label Requirements - Are They Effective?

The (FDA) Food & Drug Administration announced changes to the nutrition labels on food products today, proving that the FDA does indeed function - people work there and they clock in and they make graphic changes to the food labels for a purpose.

I can't quite discern the purpose. There is an emphasis on updating serving sizes to be more realistic, which is indeed a good thing, but mainly the emphasis is on emphasizing the calories. So the serving sizes may increase slightly, and the calories will be printed larger and more dominantly, but what is this all suppose to prove again?

I guess these are good changes all in all, I just have very little doubt that this will effect most American's decision making when it comes to reducing intake. People who are concerned with nutrition labels are already making smarter choices, it's a lack of caring that affects most Americans.

Here is a breakdown of the changes that will be featured in the new nutrition label as mandated by the (FDA) Food & Drug Administration:

• The redesign would change how serving sizes are calculated and displayed.
• Percent daily values would shift to the left, making them easier to read. Some package sizes would be required to show both "per serving" and "per package" calorie and nutrition counts.
• Vitamin D and potassium counts would be required. Vitamins A and C would be optional.
• Calorie counts would be more prominent, and the existing "Calories from Fat" line would be removed.
• The new design would require information about added sugars.

Our 3 Favorite Aҫaí Berry Treats

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There has been a lot of hype about the aҫaí berry – the so called super fruit – with claims that the fruit can cause weight loss and cure diseases, and it has even been highly endorsed by Oprah Winfrey! Although scientists cannot confirm that this fruit is super, they can confirm that it is loaded with antioxidants, containing more than strawberries, pomegranates, and other colorful berries that are known for their antioxidant value.

The benefits of eating foods with high antioxidants are many, so we try to include the aҫaí berry in our diet whenever possible! Below are our 3 favorite aҫaí berry treats!

Bom Dia Aҫaí +10 Superblend

We love the sweet taste of Bom Dia (Portueguese for Good Day) Aҫaí drinks! They are a great opportunity to make a healthy choice when you are suffering from that 2:30 feeling at work. Don’t grab a coffee or an energy drink, treat yourself to a beverage that gives your body the natural energy that it craves – and happens to be delicous!

Brookside Dark Chocolate Aҫaí with Blueberry

For those moments that you have to give in to a little chocolate bliss, you will love Brookside Dark Chocolate Aҫaí with Blueberry! These dark chocolate covered fruit bites are sure to tickle the fancy of even the pickiest of dark chocolate connoisseurs! It is hard to believe that something so sweet and delicious could be packed with so many healthy antioxidants!

Häagen-Dazs Reserve Brazilian Aҫaí Berry Sorbet

Another blissful way to enjoy the benefits of the aҫaí berry is with Häagen-Dazs Reserve Brazilian Aҫaí Berry Sorbet. The sweetness of the aҫaí berry and the silky smoothness of the sorbet is a delectable way to mix nutrition and guilt-free snacking!

Amy’s Kitchen – Our Answer to Microwaveable Dinners

We try to avoid eating microwaveable dinners because we know that nothing beats fresh – in taste or nutrient value! We also know that with many microwaveable dinners, there are preservatives and who knows what else in them that damage our bodies over time! But we do understand that a busy lifestyle demands sacrifices, and sometimes quick is on the menu for busy office lunches and late night dinners!

Don’t let the need for speed ruin your opportunity to make a healthy choice! We have found a microwaveable dinner that is healthy, organic, and absolutely delicious: Amy’s Organics! They have Indian and Mexican inspired dishes that are absolutely to die for and portions that never leave us craving for more just as soon as we put our forks down!

Amy’s Organics do tend to be a little pricier than other microwaveable dishes in the frozen food isle, but you really can’t find anything better and it is still cheaper than a trip to your favorite fast food restaurant!

If you are already a fan of Amy’s Organics, tell us your favorite dish or what you like about the Amy’s Organics brand! If you haven’t tried an Amy’s Organics entrée, we challenge you to do so and share your thoughts with us!