There’s a new trend popping up on menus everywhere. Have you seen it?
The days of having to look up the calorie counts for a specific restaurant are over because it’s right there next to the entree you want to order. And restaurants are even pointing out their low-cal options on the menu. It’s a great thing for people who are calorie conscious and still want to eat out. Things have changed greatly from when we started our weight loss journey.
Do those calorie counts on menus matter? I know when I look at a menu and see the calorie counts, it really does make me think twice ordering something, but I wonder if it is like that for others? It’s like sticker shock when I see things and it makes me want to find something else. Seeing it on the menu really makes me think twice or four times about putting something in my mouth that I may have to pay for later. In this case, seeing is believing.
Don’t get me wrong, there are times to indulge and I do but seeing those numbers put things in a whole new perspective. But does that train of thought vary from restaurant to restaurant? I will more likely not pay close attention to the calories on my cheat meal and I’m sitting down at a restaurant vs. driving up to a fast food place. At fast food establishments, I will likely pass on EVERYTHING all together but if I have to eat something (when road tripping or regular travel) I will go for the least offensive item on the menu.
For some people, they just won’t care. Those are just more numbers on the menu. For some, it might be better to just ignore those numbers and just eat the meal. Some people may not really understand what those numbers really mean. It’s just a matter of personal preference. Are those numbers only there for the people who are health conscious?
I really like this new trend because it helps me better decide on what to get when eating out. It allows me to be social and not stuck in the health hole of only eating a salad when going out. But it also magnifies all the things I shouldn’t even think about eating and puts a bigger spotlight on how few things there are to eat on certain menus. More restaurants are moving toward “healthier” and “lighter” options to choose from too. As much as I like salad, I don’t want to eat it every time I go out. Plus, some salads have more calories and fat than some of the regular menu items.
More restaurants are moving toward “healthier” and “lighter” options to choose from too. As much as I like salad, I don’t want to eat it every time I go out. Plus, some salads have more calories and fat than some of the regular menu items. That’s why it’s always smart to check out the FULL nutritional information on a food establishments website because that WILL NOT be printed on the menu. Calories are just one part of the story.
Do calorie counts on the menu matter to you?
