I couldn't believe it, I stood in front of the counter with my mouth wide open in shock and wonder about what I was looking at in front of me. I think I know a lot about calories because of being a trainer and a body builder. I asses menus and give advice on food choices when eating out but I must admit until you see it you wouldn't believe it. King County, Washington is the county which hosts Seattle, WA. and a popular city for visitors from all over the world. This year they voted and passed a law that all fast food restaurants have to post the number of calories on menus. They list everything from individual items to value meals. I was standing in front of the McDonald's menu when I discovered this new program of "in your face,now make a healthy choice." I have included the picture and you can see it for yourself.
As I said earlier I know a lot about calories but I must admit I don't keep those numbers in my head I just know what I choose when I go to a certain restaurants. I was stunned and found that making a choice when faced with facts was much harder. I found this situation supports my feeling and belief that if you knew what kind of calories you were consuming you might make different choices. I went from one counter to the next finding very little to choose from and being fully awake with the idea that it was even more important than ever to be informed.
I made a wise choice for myself and my family but it wasn't easy. I am curious what would you do? How do you feel about this program and should it be something all fast food places should have to do? I am curious ... what would you do if you knew?
I would most definitely want to know. I usually look for something with a calorie count on it at restaurants. Of course there usually never is. I believe California also does it. I do try to use what little knowledge I have to figure out what is good. I always go with some sort of salad with a non fried protein and dressing on the side. That is usually my no fail meal when I am out. I get a bit scared when I go home and try to look it up and find out I probably made a less then stellar choice but I do try. I find myself going out to eat less and less or at least being pretty choosey about where I will go. Not only for myself but for my kids too. I was just at Chili's, the kids got chicken tenders(OK not the best but not the worst either) I could not believe how greasy it was. Very scary. Won't go back there again. I hate to find out the calories/fat and such on that.
ReplyDeleteI feel that it should be posted I think it may also change some of the meals they serve let alone what people may choose.
Hi Jolene,
ReplyDeleteI stopped eating from drive through windows many years ago. You know that I don't count calories and don't intend to. I look at the value in the calorie. Drive through windows serve shallow calories. Period. That's all I need to know.
In addition to the empty calories, they serve pounds of trans fats which are responsible for heart disease, cancer and many chronic illnesses. I just don't do them. I feel really really bad after I do, so I stopped. I think to myself "Is this worth waking up feeling yucky in the morning?" Nope. So I just don't do it.
Thanks for this awesome post.
Pam
Totally makes sense to me. Seems like a no cost, non intrusive way to help the populace get healthier. And I'd like to see it for all restaurants. It's actually easier to get this sort of info online for places like McDonalds, but I don't know that I could find anything like this for Table. And - between you and me - if I'm going to "blow it" on a high calorie meal every great once in awhile, I'd sure rather blow it on diver scallops than a Big Mac.
ReplyDeleteThink this would fly in Asheville?
That would help people to make better choices when eating out.I try to avoid eating out alot because Iam not at that place where I can make the best choice.
ReplyDelete