October 11, 2008
Calorie count, oh calorie count, how sweet you are…
Written by Cindy Kirk in Jaunty Post
Last week I was in Atlanta attending the Moonlight and Magnolias conference. I had a great time meeting new friends and catching up with ones I hadn’t seen in awhile. While waiting in the airport on the way home, I stopped at one of the airport Starbucks. You’ve been there. You know all the drinks they have to offer. All the sweet choices.
As I was perusing the menu, I wondered what would be my best option if I wanted to get the most taste for the least amount of calories. Unfortunately I had to try to figure that out on my own. Now if I would have been in NYC, the information would have been right there in front of me.
In 2008, New York City’s Board of Health approved a measure the requires restaurants in the city with 15 or more locations nationally to display calorie count information next to menu items. The measure went into effect on March 31.
So, if I’d been in NYC (instead of Atlanta) I’d have known that the Starbucks Venti Java Chip Frappuccino with whipped cream had 600 calories. And that the Grande white chocolate mocha with whipped cream (and 2% milk) has 470 calories. I also would have known that the Burger King Whopper with Cheese (no I didn’t order one) has 760 calories!!! To that, all I can say is WOW
NYC’s website quotes Dr. Thomas Freeden, NYC Health Commisioner as saying that posting the calorie count will help people make more informed choices. I’ve heard–not sure if it’s true or not–that Starbucks has recently added some more “healthier” choices to their menu.
I wish my community would step up to the plate like NYC has done…because I’d like to know the calorie count of what I’m ordering.
What about you? Would having the calorie count posted sway your decision on what to order?
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Buffie Says:
Hey Cindy!
It was so great to meet you at the M&M Conference last weekend. And I am really looking forward to reading your book. You were so sweet to sign it for me
I’m surprised that the staff at the Starbucks did not have a nutritional value sheet that shows you the calories. You probably have to ask for it. I have heard about NYC rule about posting calorie counts. Last week I heard on the radio that the State of California is considering passing a measure where ALL restaurants would have to have the calorie and fat content posted for every item on the menu.
Mary M Says:
Absolutely! I’d like calorie information readily available. And instead of just saying for ____cents or dollars more you can get a bigger size, they should have to say for _____calories more.
Shana Says:
In Houston we often have the calories visible as well. Most places have handouts with the info. Crazy because Houston is always one of the fattest cities when they do those lists. I think it’s helpful to have that info when you go out to eat. Sometimes something looks healthy, like a salad, but it’s really not the best option.
Cindy Kirk Says:
Buffie,
It was so nice to meet you in Atlanta! I’m sure the Starbucks would have had a nutritional count if I’d have asked, but I like the NYC idea of having it right in my face.
Mary M.
What a fabulous idea!
Shana,
I didn’t know Houston had the calorie counts out there….Yeah, Houston!! And I totally agree…sometimes you think you’re making a good choice and you’re actually eating more calories and fat!
Devon Ellington Says:
I’m in NY, so I have that calorie count in my face all the time.
Never pay attention to it.
I know what’s good for me, when I crave and have earned a treat, and how my body metabolizes to keep me in good physical condition.
Depending upon the demands of the day, my needs change, and it’s not based on calories. I’ll eat less and lighter if I’m home writing all day.
If I’m working backstage on B’way, doing quick changes and lots of stairs, I need more carbs and more protein.
I NEVER make choices via calories. It’s simply irrelevant to my lifestyle.
I must be doing something right — I do all the cooking for my elderly mother and got her cholesterol down 100 points just through nutrition. Without using any of the 2% milk or diet anything — I use real butter, whole foods, organic foods and cook balanced meals in reasonable proportions.
And I haven’t eaten fast food, like Burger King, in nearly two years. The last time I ate fast food, I was sick for days, so I’ve stayed away. It’s not that I don’t think people should eat fast food — for whatever reason, I just can’t anymore.
AndreaW Says:
Hey, Cindy! It was so great to meet you last weekend at M&M!!
Kristan Higgins Says:
I also tend to ignore things when I’m indulging myself. A hot chocolate once in a while won’t kill me (one hopes). I wonder if those calorie listings have really changed anyone’s eating habits. I’m guessing that most of America knows a Big Mac and fries isn’t good for you…
Cindy Kirk Says:
Devon,
Great post. And I agree, it’s amazing how bad one can feel after eating good food and then trying something say, a little more greasy.
Andrea,
It was great seeing you at M&M,too!!!
Kristan,
Hot chocolate….mmmm….I love to drink cocoa this time of year. In fact, I may just have some now.
Emily McKay Says:
Great post, Cindy. I would love to have nutritional information everywhere. It’s such a great idea. And–duh–seems best for just about everyone.