Transparency in Nutrition Labeling

  • Posted by Editor
  • July 18, 2008

Posted by Patricia DiGiacomo Eddy on Fit Fare

A number of cities across the country (including my hometown of Seattle) have implemented (or are in the process of implementing) new rules governing the display of nutritional information at chain restaurants. MSNBC reports on how New York City is implementing these requirements. They report that some consumers are shocked at the number of calories some of their favorite foods contain. I can’t say this is big news to me. As someone who has struggled with her weight off and on for years and generally tries to eat healthy and in moderate portions, I am not surprised that meals in a lot of chain restaurants contain more calories than a normal adult woman should consume in a day.

Sausage and Fries

The meal in this picture isn’t from a chain, but I would guess that there are solid 1500 calories on that plate, if not a few more.  If I haven’t worked out, that’s about my goal calorie limit for the day. Throw in an alcoholic mixed drink (like the one I consumed with that meal) and you’re approaching 2000 calories. Wow.

Since I like to educate myself about what I eat, I knew my meal would be high in calories without the menu telling me so. However not everyone has access to the resources I do, or the inclination to use them.

If you saw calorie counts on your favorite restaurant’s menu, would it influence how you ordered? Would it, perhaps, prevent you from dining there entirely if there were no menu options under 1000 calories?



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July 18th, 2008
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Comment Number:
1
Written by:
Zzz
Posted on:
July 19, 2008 at 4:55 pm

.. and fewer Americans will be obese…

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Anita Mueller
Posted on:
July 19, 2008 at 7:26 pm

Hi Patricia,

I think you will love HealthyDiningFinder.com. Our team of dietitians work with restaurants (from fast food to upscale) to help them offer and promote a selection of menu items that are less than 750 calories, 25 g. fat, have a lean protein and a fruit, vegetable and/or whole grain component to the meal. When visiting HealthyDiningFinder.com, you can type in your zip code and find the restaurants in your area that have joined the Healthy Dining Program to help customers have a great meal without too many calories. Let me know how you like the site. Thanks!

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
Stacey
Posted on:
July 20, 2008 at 1:37 pm

No it probably wouldn’t stop me. I go to restaurants to eat things I don’t normally make, things high in fat & calories. Plus the names are dead giveaways “Bacon Spinach Alfredo Fettucini” - not on anyone’s diet. I only go to restaurants 1-2 time a month & allow myself the indulgence at those times, usually skipping the appetizer and/or dessert.

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
Willie
Posted on:
July 21, 2008 at 4:18 pm

I rarely dine at restaurants because I want to have control over what I eat. For me it is not only the calories but the potential for MSG. We can thank modern day processing for MSG coming under at least 25 different names so you really don’t know when you are eating it. That is why people get so addicted to certain foods. Better to stick to organic and make your own meals.