Could Calorie Counts Help America?
NYC was the first city in the United States to require calorie counts to be posted in near proximity to the cost of food items at chain restaurants. Since NYC made this law 16 states have passed similar laws.
Restaurants that have 15 or more locations must post calorie counts in the same font and format as the other information on the menu board.
Luckily I was at one of those restaurants tonight. The Husband is a pretty big meat eater, so when he said he wanted to eat at Famous Dave’s I complied, due to their yummy vegetable options. When looking over the menu last night we even considered splitting the bread pudding.
That was until we saw this:
720 calories each!!!! NO freakin way! I ran 11 miles today which burned approximately 900 calories. There was no way I was even going to entertain the idea of a 720 calorie dessert.
I know I could have practiced self control, but I had to be honest with myself and say no to the dessert.
Below is a link to a report stating that posting calories does not work.
- Calorie Labeling And Food Choices: A First Look At The Effects On Low-Income People In New York City
However, NYC health officials conducted a conflicting report.
What are you’re thoughts on calorie labels in chain restaurants? Do you think it can help with the obesity epidemic in America?
I imagine that all of the calorie counts I see posted are not accurate especially since reading an article in the New York Times that states that calorie counts are approximately 18% off. Regardless, I think it could at least initiate an awareness of the number of calories consumed or at least a conversation about calories. Any publicity is good publicity and calories need a little more publicity so people learn more about them.
Holy crap!!! 1440 calories?!?!
I do think that it will help. I think it gives people that shock value that they need to see. Kind of like stepping on the scale when they are at their heaviest.
Man, those desserts have RIDICULOUS amounts of calories! I think in situations like that dessert it will definitely help. Calories shouldn’t be all we focus on, but it is a good way to “hit home” with things like desserts.
I think it helps, especially when you just pop into starbucks for a snack….. then you realize that little snack could be 900 calories worth!!! I know I personally wouldn’t be tempted and stick to my normal diet, after SEEING how many calories would be in that little splurge.
OH SNAP! i think that would def help america..ppl have no idea whats in their food!
Calorie counts are one thing but portion size. True portion size I have read should be about the size of your fist. Not a 400 lb man’s fist, ya know. Ever notice how cups, plates, etc in vintage/antique stores are much smaller than the troughs we eat out of today…yes, people understood portion control back then. Cal counts hopefully will help get things back on track!
I think this is brilliant! It will inspire change with consumers as well as restaurants. I bet restaurants will add healthier selections or reformulate existing recipes as a result. I can’t wait to see what happens!
I think it scares some but a lot of people just don’t even look and eat whatever they want. I do think it is a good thing they put the info on the menu- so many places hide it!
I think posting calories on menus will work over time. I look up nutrition info online whenever I can, and I have not chosen certain restaurants because I know the calories/fat/etc. are so high. I think people won’t forget the 1440 calorie dessert. Also, if fewer consumers order the high calorie/fat foods, I would think restaurants will eventually make changes to the menu.
I also read the article that said calorie counts are off by 18 percent. Even so, I think they still help. I’m a total dessert junkie (bread pudding was my favorite until right now!) and I’d be much less likely to indulge if I knew the calories and grams of fat. When there aren’t any nutrition facts listed it’s very easy to think, Oh, I’m sure this isn’t THAT much. Or, it’s a small portion.
I say YEAH for New York! I really think it’s fantastic. I mean, people have no idea how many calories they are consuming at these restaurants. Even you and your hubby, who know more about fitness and nutrition than most people, had no clue how many calories were in that bread pudding! I really hope it ends up making a difference, as far as making our society less obese, or at least more aware of what they are eating!
I had those donuts and ice cream the other night when we went out to dinner, I’m sort of glad the calories weren’t listed. BUT I have a pretty good idea of how many were in them (probably around 800 for both, plus the ice cream). Oh well! I don’t do it often.
It would make a difference for ME if I saw the calorie count at a restaurant, but I’m not sure it would for everyone. A lot of people would go ahead and eat it anyways. And these may be the same people who are inactive on top of it. I think education is a good thing but I feel like there needs to be something more too.
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
PS
Loving the provocative/thought provoking topics lately!!
I love that they have to do that here in NYC because it really makes me watch what I eat! I think it will help those who already live a healthy lifestyle but I am not so sure about people who don’t care what they eat, hopefully it does
I am originally from Oklahoma now in NYC, and I love the calorie counts. It is really just a constant reminder to choose the right things- or if you DO decide to stray, what the penalty is going to be. Whenever I go home and see so many obese people, I often wonder when that legislation will make it their way.
Great article!
I think it would definitely help America see exactly what they’re getting. Or at least it would definitely help me! It’s crazy how many calories are in most restaurant meals. Great article!
I definitely think it helps!