Final answer:
Advise clients to first check the serving size on food labels as all nutritional values are based on one serving. Encourage them to look for higher levels of nutrients like fiber and protein and lower levels of sodium and saturated fats. Lastly, instruct them to read the ingredients list for healthy components and check % Daily Values (%DV) for nutrient intake guidance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When helping a client learn to read a food label, the first thing you would advise them to look at is the serving size and servings per container. This information is crucial because all the nutritional values listed on the label are based on one serving size. Hence, understanding the serving size can help individuals gauge how much of each nutrient they will actually consume if they eat a different amount than what is considered a "serving."
After understanding the serving size, it is helpful to look at the calories per serving, followed by the nutrients that you may want more of or less of depending on dietary needs. For example, it is often recommended to seek out foods that are higher in fiber and protein, and lower in sodium and saturated fats. Lastly, it is important to check the ingredients list to ensure the food contains healthy and unprocessed ingredients, as these items are listed in descending order by weight.
The % Daily Values (%DV) also provide a helpful reference for understanding how much of a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet, based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. It is worth noting that 5% DV or less is considered low for all nutrients, whereas 20% DV or more is considered high. This can help guide clients to make more informed choices about the foods they incorporate into their diet.