Calorie Count-should it be on the menu?

Calorie Count-should it be on the menu?

Topic Author: Malorie Maddox

Posted: 10:27 AM Apr 28, 2008

Replies Posted: 6 comments

Save

Email

Print

Yahoo

digg

Recent Blog Topics

Calorie Count-should it be on the menu?

When the Rodeo Rolls into town

Spring Planting...any gardeners out there? Suggestions needed!

What Is Our Winter Breaking Point?

We've Run Off Another Meteorologist!

Post Your Comments

Calorie Count-should it be on the menu?

NY chain restaurants are being forced to add extra info to their menus. Calorie counts. A federal judge believes this will help reduce obesity in America.

The new rule applies to restaurants in the city that are part of chains. The chains have to have at least 15 outlets across the country. Included...Olive Garden, McDonald's, and T.G.I. Fridays. These restaurants have to make the changes by June 3rd. Chipotle and Starbucks are already complying by posting their calorie counts.

Hearing this mandate took me back to a story on the Today show last March. It reminds us one plate of food can pack a whopping 2000 calories, or more. Most of us eat between 1600-2800 calories per day, so one meal can take our entire calorie count!

For example, MSNBC listed these products.

Ruby Tuesday's Fresh Chicken & Broccoli. 2,060 calories. 128 grams of fat

Chris' Outrageous Cheesecake, The Cheesecake Factory. 1380 calories, 33 grams of fat.

On the Border's Club Quesadilla. 1860 calories, 52 grams of fat.

The NY Department of Health and Mental Hygiene estimates the New York Calorie mandate will prevent 130,000 New Yorkers from becoming obese and will stop another 30,000 from developing diabetes over the next five years. But do you think it matters?

Many of us eat out for relaxation, good company. Do you think we should know the calorie count, too?

Posted by: lindsey Location: omaha, ne
I watch my weight and exercise and I think half the fun of eating out is not knowing how many calories I am eating! I know generally if what I am eating is healthy or not, and that is enough for me. I will be discouraged from eating out if I have to feel guilty every time I know how many calories I ate.

Posted by: Laura Location: omaha
I don't think it should be MANDATED, but I appreciate when restaurants list the calorie count, as well as fat, carb and fiber grams. Generally, I know what to order in a restaurant if I'm "watching it"...broiled or grilled versus cooked in butter, veggies instead of some butter-laced rice or pasta dish, etc. Every now and then, though, I'm going to throw caution to the wind. I really don't want to know how many calories are in those thick, brick-like dumplings at the Bohemian Cafe...I just know I have to have them at least once a year!

Posted by: Grace Location: Omaha
I like the idea of the calories and fat being listed on the menu. I don't know if restaurants should be "forced" to place this information on there. For my health purposes, it's nice to see that information on there. As it is now, I do check the internet before we go out and get some idea of what I want to eat before we go out. This allows me to stay within my calories and still enjoy eating out.

Posted by: Jay Location: Omaha
I like to know the calorie and fat amounts, but I think it should be optional for them to include it in the menu. Many establishments already have healthy items listed in a separate section of the menu with nutritional information included. I agree with Lee! The new hairstyle (with bangs?) is very nice. Funny how viewers notice these things. Didn't you do a holiday commercial with curly hair once? You should surprise us with that again sometime! Keep up the good work! The morning show is great!

Posted by: Lee Location: papio
Hi Malorie, Just want to tell you how great your new hair style is; you are even more beautiful! I really enjoy the Daybreak Crew and especially the inter-action with Jim. You guys are the best; keep up the good work!

Posted by: Mike Location: Omaha, NE
I'm against forcing a restaurant to comply with these kind of laws. Unless the government is prepared to declare an X amount of calories as dangerous and the FDA wants to prohibit meals with that amount or more, then they need to keep their hands out of private businesses. People understand that certain foods are unhealthy and choose to eat them...why? Because they're going out for a night out or just need to get something quick. Being beaten over the head by how unhealthy a meal is won't stop the people that eat it too often, but it will stop the people that view it as "a treat" from enjoying the meal that they will only have occaisionally. Perhaps the real question should by why a matter such as this is taking up time in a federal court and how much money was wasted in determining that sometimes the food in restaurants isn't healthy. That money could have been used in school lunch programs where the government actually should have a say in what is served and how healthy it is.