What do you think about requirements for restaurants to show calorie counts on their menus? Do you use them?
As of May 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stipulated restaurant chains with 20 or more locations must serve essentially the same menu items with calorie counts and do business under the same name. Written nutrition information stating total carbohydrates, added sugars, fiber, and protein must be available for those who request it.
Before requirements were initiated, I often drove through Wendy’s drive-thru for their Frosty when shopping or running errands. Their refreshing drink perked me up. When I noticed the calorie count on the menu board, I was shocked. Now I love Frosty, but it’s no friend to maintaining a healthy weight. It had to go. It wasn’t easy to stop this delightful treat, but it was better than the extra exercise needed to get rid of added weight.
Americans consume about one-third of their daily calorie intake from food and beverages consumed away from home. These items contain more calories, sodium, and saturated fats than most home-prepared foods. The average person who eats one meal away from home each week will gain about two extra pounds over the course of a year. To abate the problem of extra calories when eating out, consider these three suggestions adapted from FDA.
- Know your calorie needs. While 2,000 calories a day serves as a guide, needs vary according to sex, age, and physical activity. See the Estimated Calorie Needs Table to determine your needs.
- Check calorie and nutrition information of menu items. Find information on menus or menu boards next to the name or price of the item. Deli counters, bulk food items in grocery stores, food trucks, airplanes/trains, and school lunches are not required to list calorie counts. Foods with two options or with a side will be listed with a slash―200/300. Multiple food items of three or more choices or different flavors (think ice cream) will be shown as a range of calories―200-300 calories.
- Choose what is best for you.
- When you choose an entrée, check the available sides and choose those with fewer calories.
- If servings are more than you usually eat or want, don’t hesitate to ask for a to-go box.
- Order salad dressings, gravy, and cream sauces on the side to limit what you consume.
- Choose foods that are baked, roasted, steamed, grilled, or broiled.
- Avoid those described as creamy, fried, breaded, battered, or buttered.
- Try water with lemon for a refreshing beverage with your meal and avoid or limit sweetened beverages.
Eating out should be a pleasant event, not a time of restricting your diet and enjoyment. These simple guidelines will help you choose wisely while enjoying your dining experience.
Share your thoughts with other readers about inclusion of calorie counts on menus and menu boards.
FOOD FROM THE GARDEN 