Will knowing the calories in fast food effect your choices?

New York City has again tried to get major restaurants to put their calorie numbers on their menus. Most chains already have this information available, either at the restaurant or on their websites.

Photo courtesy of ebruli

Will having the calories on the patron’s menus result in people changing their minds about what they order?

The major food chains are fighting the measure saying it would clutter the menu boards and irritate customers, but I rather doubt that is the real reason that they oppose this idea. They probably prefer that people don’t know how much fat and calories are in their fast food meals.

From the post How a “Virtual Burrito” can help you Lose Weight and our reader’s reactions--including John is Fit’s Use the Chipotle Calorie Calculator For a Dose of Reality--many people would welcome this menu proposal.

Do you really think you’re going to find healthy and nutritious meals at fast food restaurants? I don’t.

Posting calorie information is consumer friendly, forward thinking. Would it prevent people from eating at that restaurant? I doubt it. Would it help them make more educated choices about what they’re going to order? You bet!

Photo courtesy of danheller

“City officials hope the rule would curb obesity by making people aware of the thousands of calories that can be packed into some of the meals. Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden said Monday he hoped the chains would also respond by offering healthier options.”

According to the article, NYC pushes again to get calories on menus, the regulation would take effect on March 31. I’ll try to follow this story as it progresses, and keep you informed. Because,

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

Comment by Eve on January 31, 2008 at 9:06am: I don't eat much fast food, anyway. Having the calories right in front of me would probably not make a difference for me personally. I already know when I get fast food I'm getting more fat and calories than recommended (by far!) That's one reason I don't indulge often.

Comment by Lisa Newton on January 31, 2008 at 10:00am: Your girlfriend is an example of a mistake so many people make; underestimating the food they're eating. It's so common, and has even been documented in studies. That's why keeping a food journal is so important.

Comment by the shrinking queen on January 31, 2008 at 4:21pm: okay, i know this is gross, but if they had to post how much fecal matter is allowed in "100% ground beef," that may change some people's choices. i know it did mine.

Comment by Mamacita Chilena on January 31, 2008 at 7:49pm: Shrinking queen that is SO disgusting. I don't eat meat, thank goodness, but if I had, i would stop after reading your comment.

Knowing calories wouldn't change my choices. I only go out when I want to splurge. I take probably one or two days off my diet a month, and that's when I say bring on the french fries and buffalo wings. If I ate out on a regular basis it might make more of a difference.

Comment by Eve on February 1, 2008 at 8:30am: Shrinking Queen, I'm going to pretend I never read your comment. I just can't live with that image constantly in front of me. LOL

Comment by Batoul on February 2, 2008 at 12:48pm: Posted calorie amouts would most definately change how I eat. Being in college, late night fast food is a way of life and I indulge in it too often. Sometimes I underestimate the amount of fat and calories something can have in it. If the numbers are right in front of my face, its hard to ignore them, and I'd like to think I would make better decisions when picking out my meal.