New York Calorie Count Law

[JoanieBlon]

I first heard about the New York Calorie Count Law that recently when into force on TV. HERE'S more information about the new law and how people are reacting to it.

I wish that ALL STATES would enact similar legislation and that it would be expanded to include complete dietary information on all menu items ~ calories, carbs, sodium, fat, fiber, etc.

[Jesus]

Smart move. Now peole can't deny the knowleadge.

[roni]

The city of Portland is considering requiring it of all restaurants which are members of chains that have at least 15 restaurants.

That would exempt all of our many fine dining restaurants, but it would include a lot of mid-range places and a bit down the food outlet chain - pizza and fast food joints.

[MaripositaII]

Way to go New York



"Putting the brakes on thoughtlessly inhaling calories is exactly the effect New York City health officials hoped the law would have. They say calorie labels could reduce the number of obese New Yorkers by 150,000 over the next five years, and prevent 30,000 cases of diabetes."

[Rissask]

Good for New York, I wish that was done everywhere. People simply don't know how high in calories some restaurant foods are.
This is good too, 100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories

[MaripositaII]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Good for New York, I wish that was done everywhere. People simply don't know how high in calories some restaurant foods are.
This is good too, 100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories

Thanks for the link

[Flash]

Although I think it's a good idea, and it's a step in the right direction, I feel that this is just a "band-aid" on a larger problem.

Gone are the days where meals were meant to made and enjoyed at home. I KNOW that times have changed. Either both parents are having to work, longer hours at that, or there is the single parent having to provide on a single income. That is not in question.

The bigger picture is how the fast food industry has been able to effect everyone on a global level. Yes, they do provide a service in our ever increasing busy lives. But they have been serving up mostly unhealthy food for a long time, and mostly unchecked. I'm not asking for more of "Big Brother", but just some common sense and getting more educated on the subject.

I'm just as guilty. It's much easier to grab a quick meal instead of having to cook. Moderation is the key. The problem that I have is the parents that are in court sueing these corporations for making their children fat. To me that is over the top.

I'm not trying to step on any toes. But to me, what is going on in NYC is a knee jerk reaction.

If you would like a good read that is quite an eye opener, try Fast Food Nation. It's a pretty good book, and it will make you think twice on some of your fast food selections.

[MaripositaII]

Originally Posted by Flash

Although I think it's a good idea, and it's a step in the right direction, I feel that this is just a "band-aid" on a larger problem.

Gone are the days where meals were meant to made and enjoyed at home. I KNOW that times have changed. Either both parents are having to work, longer hours at that, or there is the single parent having to provide on a single income. That is not in question.

The bigger picture is how the fast food industry has been able to effect everyone on a global level. Yes, they do provide a service in our ever increasing busy lives. But they have been serving up mostly unhealthy food for a long time, and mostly unchecked. I'm not asking for more of "Big Brother", but just some common sense and getting more educated on the subject.

I'm just as guilty. It's much easier to grab a quick meal instead of having to cook. Moderation is the key. The problem that I have is the parents that are in court sueing these corporations for making their children fat. To me that is over the top.

I'm not trying to step on any toes. But to me, what is going on in NYC is a knee jerk reaction.

If you would like a good read that is quite an eye opener, try Fast Food Nation. It's a pretty good book, and it will make you think twice on some of your fast food selections.

The closest I come to fast food is Olive garden. We never eat at junk food places. I'm big on organic foods, and cooking at home. Eating out is a treat and we tend to make the best choices we can, and definitely not at the usual fast food places. Some people know nada about nutrition. My daughter's friend thought "fruit" was eaten from a can She is 18 and has never had fresh fruit in her life. Can you believe that? Her parents go out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their kitchen is a show place, for coffee and microwave junk. I don't think they know better, or even care.

I believe NY made a good move and hoping other states follow. This might force some people to pay attention, and maybe they'll be curious to start learning what is making them fat and unhealthy.

[Debbielasvegas]

I think It will help with portion control.

No one wants to advertise 390 calories on one slice of breakfast cake.

Smaller portions will make better sales.

[MaripositaII]

Originally Posted by Debbielasvegas

I think It will help with portion control.

No one wants to advertise 390 calories on one slice of breakfast cake.

Smaller portions will make better sales.

That's right. Sometimes you buy things to eat and have no idea about calories, sodium content, or fat content. I know that I'm an avid label reader and would put something down if it has too many carbs, fat, sodium etc. and look for a healthier alternative.

[Jacko]

I think most of us know what foods have high calorie counts and how big of a portion we should eat and when the food we are eating has a lot of fat in it...restaurant's publishing these facts are not going to change our challenge. The responsibility and the challenge will remain ours.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I think most of us know what foods have high calorie counts and how big of a portion we should eat and when the food we are eating has a lot of fat in it...restaurant's publishing these facts are not going to change our challenge. The responsibility and the challenge will remain ours.

Sort of agree, and I also think that people who care about they put in their bodies can always make an effort to find out calories counts (they all mostly online as it is already) but some restaurant dishes are marketed in a misleading way, if you read the article there are some examples of this- having the counts out in the open would stop to that, at least.

Some might call it Big Brotherish but I disagree, I think consumers have the right to know these things so they can make educated choices about what they are buying. It's freedom of information.

[SunKneeMarie]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I think most of us know what foods have high calorie counts and how big of a portion we should eat and when the food we are eating has a lot of fat in it...restaurant's publishing these facts are not going to change our challenge. The responsibility and the challenge will remain ours.

I'm pretty sure there won't be people saying "Huh? A half pound cheeseburger with a mound of greasy fries dipped in ranch dressing are high in fat and calories??" so THAT particular knowledge won't be a surprise. But there are some items that are described to sound like healthy choices, when maybe the labeling will reveal what's what. People will still choose unhealthy things, whether frequently or sporadically... I think it would be a Big Brother issue if it was mandated what could and couldn't be served based on what was considered "healthy."

[JoanieBlon]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I think most of us know what foods have high calorie counts and how big of a portion we should eat and when the food we are eating has a lot of fat in it...restaurant's publishing these facts are not going to change our challenge. The responsibility and the challenge will remain ours.

True ~ but I'm certain that there are many people out there who would select a bran muffin as a "healthy choice" and have NO idea that it might have close to 700 calories in it.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by SunKneeMarie

I'm pretty sure there won't be people saying "Huh? A half pound cheeseburger with a mound of greasy fries dipped in ranch dressing are high in fat and calories??" so THAT particular knowledge won't be a surprise. But there are some items that are described to sound like healthy choices, when maybe the labeling will reveal what's what. People will still choose unhealthy things, whether frequently or sporadically... I think it would be a Big Brother issue if it was mandated what could and couldn't be served based on what was considered "healthy."

so do you think the ban on trans fats (in Canada, and Californian and elsewhere) is 'Big Brotherish'? What about the banning of soft drink machines and junk food vending machines in schools by law?

Just curious how comfy with Big Brother you really are, Char.