(NC)—Have you ever looked at food packages in the grocery store and felt confused about which package of crackers or container of yogurt is best for you? Keep reading and you'll find an easy way to shop for foods that are right for you and your family.

We know that healthy eating can contribute to long-term health. By choosing foods that are healthier and being physically active every day, you can help improve your overall health and that of your family.

Health Canada and Food & Consumer Products of Canada are working together on the Nutrition Facts Education Campaign to give you the information you need to make informed food choices.

Use the % DV when you're choosing and comparing food products. Here's a good rule-of-thumb: 5 %DV or less is a little and a 15 %DV or more is a lot. This applies to all nutrients.

So, how does that help you with grocery shopping? Follow these three steps:

1. Look at the amount of food: You should compare similar amounts of food by weight or volume (usually given in grams or millilitres).

Example: Cracker A has 9 crackers and weighs 23 grams. Cracker B has 4 crackers and weighs 20 grams. These two food products have similar weights so these products can be compared.

2. Read the % DV: This can help you see if a specific amount of food has a little or a lot of a nutrient.

3. Choose: Choose the food product that is the better choice for you by:

• Choosing a higher % DV for the nutrients you want more of – like calcium, fibre, vitamin A and iron; and

• Choosing a lower % DV for the nutrients you want less of – like fat, saturated and trans fats and sodium.

Cracker A Cracker B

Visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/dailyvalue for some fun interactive tools and tips for healthy eating.

For a copy of the % Daily Value fact sheet call: 1-866-225-0709/TTY: 1-800-267-1245 or visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/dailyvalue.

www.newscanada.com