Will Fast Food Calorie Counts Alter Eating Habits?

Will posting calorie counts at fast food restaurants deter people from overeating? How about calorie counts made public having any impact on eating at fast food restaurants altogether? The concept of showing people exactly what they are about to consume is honorable. It opens the door to making smart food choices.

In the end, though, calorie and fat-laden food or not -- I am positive people are going to continue to eat what they want.

Chalk it up to affordability, convenience, laziness or the notion that so many people are hooked on the gratifying pleasure fast food seems to bring -- it appears that for all the negative contention, people are not going to give up fast food any time soon.

No Fan of Fast Food

I have not been a fan of fast food for twenty years. However, I admit I tossed down my share of fast food when my daughters were young. Yes, it was partly due to it being cheap for a family of four to eat out. Yep -- I did not have to make dinner either.

Honestly, back then I was unaware of the health risks connected to fatty food. I probably would not have cared about the nutrition value of the food anyway. It was all about price and satisfaction. I absolutely care now, though.

Energy Zapping Fast Food

There are occasions when I travel, that I have no choice but to grab a bite to eat at a fast food restaurant or food court. At those moments, I certainly appreciate knowing the nutritional worth of on-the-run food. What I end up eating can make or break my energy level for hours after I eat.

It is amazing how a fast-food sandwich can make me feel like going to sleep instead of to work.

If you are stuck in a fast-food pinch, obviously base your order on the least amount of calorie and fat foods listed on a menu. What if there are no calorie and fat counts posted? You simply pass on everything supersized, all extras, and anything fried.

Just Say No to Fat

Hold on to your hat: Two tablespoons of extra chunky bleu cheese dressing is 150 calories. Shockingly, 130 of those are fat calories. That is 14 grams of fat. Skip regular salad dressings. Opt for fat-free, light or reduced fat dressing.

Pass on sour cream, mayonnaise, bacon bits, and cheese. If you skip some or all these food items, you will tally up a nice savings on fat and calories. Learn the calorie and fat lowdown on your favorite fast food restaurants here.

Is Government Intervention a Bust?

For the sake of our health, the government wants us to be aware exactly what it is we are consuming when we eat at a fast food restaurant. Some state and local governments in the U.S. have already put into effect publicly displayed calorie and fat count law.

As well, the health care reform bill calls for all fast food restaurants to eventually, post a calorie count. Will these calorie counts make a difference in the fast food fare you choose? Many say it makes no difference.

Maybe it is true that some people simply do not care what they eat. Why should we care what someone decides to eat in the first place? The skyrocketing cost of health care may help to answer that question.

To Read or Not to Read the Charts

The government can post a calorie count in every fast food restaurant in the nation. It may or may not alter anybody's fast food eating habits. If nothing else, it will give people something to read while waiting in line for their food.

Sources:

John M. Grohol PSYD, "Calorie Counting at the Fast Food Counter," Psyche Central

"Quesadilla Study: Diner's Ignore Calorie Counts," Scientific America