Restaurant Menu with Calories included

**Francis** · 07-31-2012, 02:00 PM

OK so I stole this from a Debate Topic but thought it would make for a great Food Subject matter.

As I travel a lot, and visit many restaurants, I have seen some with Calories listed on menus in the past. I was surprised to see how high some of the restaurant "healthy food" items were in total calories.

I am by far not a food expect or nutritionist but I think everyone has different calorie intake requirements.

I really think it's great when they have the Cals 1200 / serv at the end of dish and don't see the problem with it being added to the menu when it is created. Yes items can change in a menu but that is expected just as price increases do as well.

Customer service is 100% of what restaurants do and in today's environment of people thinking healthy I think it would be a way to attract more people if businesses did it on their own.

Thoughts ?

**Springsteen** · 07-31-2012, 02:19 PM

I think some might be scared of doing it in case they, for example, have their top dish being quite high in calories might put people off because they may not have been aware it was that high. But to level that it could make them more popular because people would have more of a trust factor because the restaurant would be seen as the good guys in a sense. Overall I think it'd have a more positive effect.

**AUFred** · 07-31-2012, 02:36 PM

Most restaurants have servings way too large to try to justify the price. I know Subway restaurants have all of it out there for you to see. I would have no pronblem with sitdown restaurants doing the same.

**Francis** · 07-31-2012, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Springsteen

I think some might be scared of doing it in case they, for example, have their top dish being quite high in calories might put people off because they may not have been aware it was that high. But to level that it could make them more popular because people would have more of a trust factor because the restaurant would be seen as the good guys in a sense. Overall I think it'd have a more positive effect.

I agree.. Look at the Double Down Sandwich from KFC that people flocked to.. They knew the high calorie content and yet still went in droves to KFC to buy it.. Granted it has had its day and now has pretty well faded away like all other innovations to bring attentions to you, but hey, they loved the attention it brought to them.

You can't tell me people are not aware that many foods they eat, they have no idea the calorie intake. But others are well disguised and those are the ones people need to be aware of..

**Kyle B** · 07-31-2012, 04:44 PM

Honestly, I think whether or not you post calories, people are still gonna eat the shitty food if they want to. If you want a Big Mac, you're not going to give two shits if it has a thousand calories or whatever.

If people care about their health and at least know a little about nutrition/calories, then they probably won't have too much figuring out what foods they should eat to be healthy.

**hart** · 07-31-2012, 05:51 PM

Sometimes the calories posted would make a difference in what I chose sometimes it wouldn't. I do think it would make a difference in a restaurant's bottom line and therefore, I do think most restaurant's would NOT wish the calorie content posted.

**Kyle B** · 07-31-2012, 07:47 PM

And just remember, you're sacrificing flavor when you cut calories.

**Francis** · 07-31-2012, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Kyle B

Honestly, I think whether or not you post calories, people are still gonna eat the shitty food if they want to. If you want a Big Mac, you're not going to give two shits if it has a thousand calories or whatever.

If people care about their health and at least know a little about nutrition/calories, then they probably won't have too much figuring out what foods they should eat to be healthy.

Of course if you GO out to have a Big Mac, you will get one.. Try asking that restaurant if they have the Calorie output of a certain meal and see if they can give you an answer?

Before I had my son I would never look at food and try to guess what was inside. Today I have to watch everything we eat because he is deadly allergic to nuts, advise all kitchens and I would imagine it's as bad for any other food allergy.. When was the last time you ever saw Nuts on a Pizza, yet they all have the disclaimer.

When you tell staff they look at you like your causing problems. It's like they look at you with an air of "Oh gezz can't he just live with his nut allergies".. NO he dies in 20 seconds and wishes he COULD eat what he wants..

I guess some knowledge of proper information that people can use is better than none..

**AnitaBeer** · 07-31-2012, 08:03 PM

I think it would be great if more restaurants have menus that included the calories. They wouldn't need to keep them out and could still use their other menus, but for those that would want to see all options with the calories they could.

**Natasha** · 08-01-2012, 04:22 AM

Originally Posted by Kyle B

And just remember, you're sacrificing flavor when you cut calories.

That's not always true.

I have to be VERY particular when I eat out, but I have a Southbeach Dining Guide that tells me what menu items are approved at each restaurant...makes things much easier.

I would LOVE to see the nutritional info on the menu...but I don't see it happening.

**Zorak** · 08-01-2012, 08:15 AM

I don't have a problem with it, seems a good idea. Eating out is something I do occasionally rather than habitually, so I just eat what I want. I never have dessert either.

Don't understand the ethos behind "Calories=Flavour" though, can't agree with that.

**Kyle B** · 08-01-2012, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by Zorak

I don't have a problem with it, seems a good idea. Eating out is something I do occasionally rather than habitually, so I just eat what I want. I never have dessert either.

Don't understand the ethos behind "Calories=Flavour" though, can't agree with that.

You've clearly never been to culinary school. Saturating things in butter makes them instantly delicious.

**Zorak** · 08-01-2012, 11:31 AM

Not to me.

Too rich.

**Francis** · 08-01-2012, 12:14 PM

Here's an interesting option.. If you have an Android or iPhone you can download this App that tells you the various restaurants and the ingredients as well as calories. I would imagine it still requires asking if things changed. I downloaded it on my Cell and it looks pretty good.. This looks like a very cool Apps..

Restaurant Nutrition - by Unified Lifestyle

http://www.unifiedlifestyle.com/blog...6-get-it-free/