Coming Soon to Your Local McDonald’s: Calorie Postings!


By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

You might have heard about calorie postings on fast-food menus in New York City, and elsewhere, and wonder if it will hit our region anytime soon. The answer is a definite YES. McDonald’s is taking a bold step in posting the calorie counts of all menu items, along side the prices. This will be in all restaurant locations across the nation. If you think this will make the signage a little cluttered, you’re right. Although it’s a lot of information to “digest,” it is very helpful to becoming an informed patron. 
Opinions vary widely about this new policy. Advocates say it empowers consumers who want easy access to this information. Opponents find it to be a waste of time, especially when no one wants to know this information. 
I say it’s a step in the right direction and can only help those who want to be more mindful. Those who are not interested can just ignore it. And that’s just what focus groups have found.  
What do you think about calorie postings on menus? I’d love to know!

Komentar

Posting Komentar

Postingan populer dari blog ini

The Verdict on Sugar

Gambar
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Americans have a complex relationship with sugar.  The USDA estimates that the average intake per person is 70-100 pounds of added sugars each year. Added sugars are those not naturally present in food. That means you may be eating almost two of those big four-pound bags of sugar every month!  Our biology is hard wired to perceive sweet tastes as pleasant and preferred.  Before there were supermarkets, we foraged for food, and our taste buds helped us stay safe. Bitter foods told us to stay away; ripe fruits (nature’s sugar) tasted good and are full of nutrients. These foods also stimulate the same sweet taste buds. This does not mean we have a physical addiction to ADDED sugars because of a biological preference. It only means we enjoy a sweet taste and are drawn to that for positive nutrient intake for good health – inborn protection.  The added sugars we consume are a huge problem – either alone (sodas, sweetened drinks, candy) or combine...
Baca selengkapnya

Michelle Obama, Burgers, and Fries

Gambar
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Perhaps you’ve heard the recent media outcry that First Lady Michelle Obama ate a hamburger, fries, and a shake. Could this be the same First Lady who has an organic garden, eats her fruits and veggies, and advocates for healthy portions? The same First Lady who is physically active herself (check out those sculpted arms!), and encourages the nation to move more? So, what’s the story here? I think this is just great – and an important lesson in moderation. While the food police find this shocking, I see it as an excellent example of what I call a “controlled indulgence.” Some treat foods, on occasion , are always fun and not off limits. It’s a good way to remove the thinking of “good” and “bad” foods. My motto has always been “no bad foods, just bad portions.” And I stick to this. I don’t find any conflicting messages in Mrs. Obama’s digging in to a burger, fries, and a shake. It’s the summertime, and she’s having some fun with food. It’s not everyday – and it...
Baca selengkapnya

Salt Sense

Gambar
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom You might be surprised to know that most of the salt we consume every day doesn’t come from the salt shaker – it comes from processed foods. These are the conveniently packaged, boxed, and canned products that don’t taste particularly salty, but provide nearly 80% of the salt eaten daily. Only about 10% comes from the salt shaker, with the remaining 10% naturally found in foods. So it’s no surprise that all the messages from health agencies to cut down on salt haven’t really made a dent in the intake of most Americans. While the recommended intake for most healthy people is about 2,400 mg of sodium (one teaspoon) each day, the average daily intake for Americans is 2-3 times that. And most of it is coming from processed foods. That’s why the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) new guidelines advise Americans to cut down on processed foods , rather than cut down on salt. Most people believe they’re following the directive, to “cut down on salt” when they get rid of the...
Baca selengkapnya