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Restaurant Calorie counts on menus
Published on April 18, 2008 By Locamama In Diet

Well I have to admit that as we get bigger and bigger as a society putting the actual calorie count on the menu's would probably make us face up to our choices.  I still think it would take all of the fun out of eating out.  Do you know why restaurant food tastes so good?  Because it's so fattening.  They use real butter and cream because it tastes better.   I thought it was quite telling when there was a challenge on Top Chef to create a 500 calorie meal and they really struggled because it's not something they generally think about.  They want to cook food that is more delicious than nutritious. 

This is just a rule in NYC but I wonder if other cities will consider it now.  Of course, the restaurant industry is fighting it.  I guess because I don't eat out all the time it isn't as big of a deal but there are people who eat out for almost every meal.   So what do you think?  Do you want to know how many calories are in your dinners?  Would you make a more nutritious choice if you were faced with the info when you ordered?  I do know that I have read that some restaurants are making smaller portions and using smaller plates since food prices have been increasing.  That's great because in general our restaurant portions are two to three times what an actual serving is.  Then you get used to seeing that much on your plate and thinking that's how much you should always eat. 


Comments
on Apr 18, 2008

When I was doing my practicum I barely had time to eat, not to mention take the time to cook a meal.  My boyfriend at the time took me out for dinner because otherwise I usually didn't eat.  It didn't help that I was so stressed out I finally understood firsthand what is meant when things are described "like ashes in one's mouth."  

I always felt tired and never re-engergized even though I usually chose salads or vegetable based meal and some kind of protein.

One weekend was a long weekend and I decided to make some vegetable soup to keep in the fridge so I wouldn't keep bothering my boyfriend (and I didn't really have the time to go to a restuarant anyway, even if I took assignments with me).  

That soup was far more energizing than any meal I'd had at a restaurant.  I felt energized immediately after eating dinner for the first time in weeks.

I really believe that you can choose "healthy" meals at a restaurant but that there's something about the quality or preparation that somehow leaches energy from it.  I can't prove it but there you are.

on Apr 19, 2008

Toni is a great cook who knows how to prepare a delicious AND healthy meal.  Both of us love good food and won't be short-changed on taste for health.  I believe it can be done and I think it is about time the restaurant industry took some responsibility for it as well, by doing things like making meals in realistic proportions and providing nutritious and tasty options.

Having said this, there are plenty of restaurants in Australia doing this already, which is good to know.  Calorie counters on menus might be a good idea for those who don't know much about the foor they're eating.