Transparency in Nutrition Labeling
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.
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?
I think awareness is always the first step. People generally know how many calories they need to take in, but no idea how many that are actually taking in. Nutrition info will certainly shift food purchases towards smaller sizes and healthier options.