Weight Loss and Restaurant Menus

Weight loss is a constant subject for many. When it is time for lunch, the choice of a restaurant that will help with weight loss is often encouraged. But, how do people really know what is in the food at local restaurants as far as calories or fat content?

It may be easier to achieve weight loss once restaurants are required to list the calories in foods on the menu. It is thought by some that healthy choices will be more obvious if the menu lists calorie content.

Some restaurants now list items thought to be a better choice for those trying to lose weight. Menus may offer information about points used by those following Weight Watchers. Others list details about menu items that are part of the Atkins or South Beach plan.

It remains to be seen if it is true or false that people will lose weight if they are more aware of what is in restaurant food. Those not frequenting restaurants will not benefit from the calorie info on the menus. No information was found on who is tracking this group in the coming year.

With weight loss being a personal struggle for many, it may be good to know what is in restaurant menu choices. However, previous research claims people don't worry so much about what they are eating when they are away from their home.

Is it possible that eating whatever you like once a day could help with weight loss efforts? Some believe this to be fact. Some diners said they have been skipping breakfast to enjoy a larger lunch. Others stated that usually their dinner is something small because they are still feeling full from their large lunch.

More information about the FDA's involvement and the restaurant changes is available in the Federal Register online. Please see their link below

Sources:

Comments from restaurant diners

www.livescience.com/health/restaurant-posting

Weight Loss info www.usa.today

Federal Register.