If calories are posted on a menu board, are/were you likely

Melmade

I live in NYC where most chains are required to post calories--such as Starbucks, McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, Chicken places, etc. Was talking to my father-in-law about this and I asked if the calorie listing changed what he would normally order. He laughed and answered "no". He also doesn't live here, so he's really out and about walking when he does order stuff.

I'm not sure where all else requires restaurants to list their calories, but I definitely know it's changed what I order. I only wish the calories were listed everywhere. It'd make life so much easier.:smokin:

godblessourhome

probably no, unless i were looking at two different things that had significantly different calorie counts.

ansonrinesmith

It absolutely affects the way I order!

msmellebelle

i actually read the nutrition menu to order now. i go backwards from nutrition menu to food menu

juliesummers

For the last six years, I pretty much always have checked the nutrition info online before I go to a restaurant (assuming I know ahead of time we're going)

Healthyby30

i actually read the nutrition menu to order now. i go backwards from nutrition menu to food menu

I do this, too

Hbartels

I absolutely change my order when I can see the calories, and go out of my way to find them when they're not listed. We have the same thing here in Seattle and it's a lifesaver!

ChristineMarie89

sheesh i wish everywhere did that

SusanneWhittington

I always try to find out what has low calories and try to make the most nutritious choice. I wish each menu would show all the calories each food has, would make it so much easier. At Mimi's Cafe in San Diego they have the calories behind each food on the menu, I loved that.

cerrajean

I remember my dismay years ago when visiting a Dunkin in NYC right after they started posting the calorie count. I was crushed and felt super guilty!

Here in California it's the same for most chains (TGI Fridays, Chilli's and the like) and fast food. It absolutely affects my choices when I'm eating out now. I tend to remember the calorie totals on my favorites, that way I know how much I'm going to have to work off before or after.

sharonsjones

For the last six years, I pretty much always have checked the nutrition info online before I go to a restaurant (assuming I know ahead of time we're going)

I do the same thing. I'll look at the resturant app on my phone and order the healthiest entree.

shydaisi

I wish that every restaurant would do this!!! It is really frustrating to try to look up the nutritional information before you go, or worse, while you are looking at the menu... Sometimes I have to eat out and I want to make the best decision I can, but I can't do that if I don't have the information readily available to me.

dovesgate

I thought fast food chains in California had to post as well. Then my husband decided he wanted Taco Bell for dinner and we found all the nutritional info was gone. He opted to eat there anyway. I spent my calories elsewhere.

I am definitely influenced by the info.

joseph9

It doesn't change my decisions by much. When I'm not counting calories, I don't care, and when I am counting calories, I can make a pretty close guess. I agree that posting calories, is convenient, and I try to go to places that do,, but I am not sure how often it affects what I choose once I get there.

newarkco05

The Panara here has the calorie counts listed on the menu. I was so excited when I saw that!

pftjill

I usually look on line before I go, but I do usually look at those on the menu. I try to pick from the low cal options.

DannyMussels

I usually check their menu/nutrition info online before eating out, so st would make my life a bit easier, but for the most part, I know what's the healthier option and what isn't.

Nutrition info has pretty much been out forever now, but they used to hide it (under placemats at mcdonalds, in little pamphlets off to the side of the counter)..but maybe having it in everyones face would make them think twice.

Iamfit4life

I don't eat anything without logging it first.



If I eat a 1000 burger, I know beforehand and have made that choice.

LamsieDee

yes, I look at the calories and usually try to stay within my daily goal. If I have extra calories from a big workout I may get something a little more than I usually do. but there are things that I absolutely do not order anymore...like McDonalds milkshakes...with the toppings they're a whopping 55o calories in a small....ouch. I can't "spend" that much on a fake milkshake. remember you can put the MFP app on your smart phone and see the calories immediately before you order. I think of my calories as money ...what I can spend, how much I'll earn and how much I have to workout to replace what I order.

Ange_

I wish they did that. At proper restaurants it is completely impossible to get an accurate idea of calories in something. It is really only possible for chain stores as they info online or in brochures like they do at McDonalds. The way something is cooked massively affects calories. So it might be possible to guess all the ingredients but you'll never know exactly how much oil was used in the pan etc.

The other day i was too tired to cook and my boyfriend suggested we order pizza. Luckily the wait time was really long so i suggested we get a pre made pizza from the grocery store instead. I'm so glad i suggested that because it had nutritional information on it so i could work which was the best one to buy calorie wise and then exactly how much of the pizza i was allowed to have within my calorie limits. i think i shall always suggest we do that now, although generally i'd rather make the pizza myself, or not eat pizza at all!

I live in a town of about 4000 people and there are only about 4 places you can eat out. I generally hate it because i think my food is much better (and definitely healthier) than what you get at those places, plus it's a lot cheaper to make it myself. However it is bit impossible to only cook food at home, unless i want to be a social hermit.

McKayMachina

I love supporting local mom 'n' pops but, heavens, they just don't care at ALL about calories. I've asked at my favorite pizza chains and they haven't the slightest clue. When asked if they have a formula (2 oz. mozzarella, 3 cups baby spinach, 1/2 roma tomato, etc.) they're like, "Not really."

Thanks, guys. From one Sicilian to another.

:laugh:

avsingleton

my food choices have been influenced every since i started counting calories. it's amazing how many calories some of these fast food items have in them...it's enough to take away the desire to indulge.

adjones5

Every time I've been in NY I've chosen healthier at restaurants than if I do when I'm in Texas because NY has the calories on the menu.

Iamfit4life

I love supporting local mom 'n' pops but, heavens, they just don't care at ALL about calories. I've asked at my favorite pizza chains and they haven't the slightest clue. When asked if they have a formula (2 oz. mozzarella, 3 cups baby spinach, 1/2 roma tomato, etc.) they're like, "Not really."

Thanks, guys. From one Sicilian to another.

:laugh:

Hopefully as society changes they will follow suit.

You have to remember at this point as Americans who watch what we eat, we're still a minority.

karenx30

It would help a great deal! I think a lot of people order without even thinking about what they're about to consume.

geekymom57

Restaurants here aren't required to post calories but when I can find the calorie counts it definitely affects where I go and what I eat. When meeting friends for lunch at their favorite places (e.g., Red Robin, TGIFridays, etc.) I always check the nutitional cnotent and know what I will order before I go. My husband and I usually eat at locally-operated places that don't have posted nutritional value, but if I order something relatively unambiguous such as grilled salmon, I can usually estimate the calories using other sources.

One of my daughters has struggled with her weight since she was little (my clone, in many ways) and she was stunned once she learned how many calories were in the staples that she and her friends in high school would order with no thought to the calories. Now as a young adult she's much more conscious of calories and it does influence where and what she eats. She had to learn it from someone other than me for it register, though.

leomentlines

my job posts the calories of our drinks on our menu board, and its an EXCELLENT deterrent (some drinks have 1000+ calories).

If I'm going to a restaurant, I'm either very picky about where we go, or I order a salad/appetizer as my meal and eat later.

jenny95662

when i go to panera and the calories are up on the board it def makes me more aware and i choose better. I usually have to look before i go but it be easier if i could see them while out.

Melmade

I don't eat anything without logging it first.



If I eat a 1000 burger, I know beforehand and have made that choice.

^^That's a good idea. I usually just log after I eat, making sure to measure & write it down first. I might have to try that.

MFPAddict

Prior to my decision to get fit, it wouldn't have had an impact on what I order. Now if the nutritional information is readily available, I do factor it into my decision.