How important is it to know the calorie count of your meal?

Ø      Nearly everyone is aware that people need an average of 1500 to 2500 calories daily, depending on age, gender and physical activity.

Ø      Counting calories might be a burdensome and inconvenient process, but if it is done for you, it can be very useful. You might think twice if 800 or 1300 calories is written next to your meal. 

Ø      Chain restaurants are now required to post calories.  Unfortunately, a lot of good concepts have to be reinforced by some laws and regulations.  Just like the seat belts or anti-tobacco laws.  People know smoking is bad but unless it’s made into a law and fines are involved people don’t care enough.  I guess we can call those spanking your wrist laws.  Two laws were brought to life recently, after the epidemic of obesity devoured tons of money that is spent to treat the consequences of obesity.

Ø      A new California law states that, as of January 4, 2010, all oils, margarines and shortenings used in frying must contain less than 0.5 percent trans fats per serving. Food manufacturers and restaurants that violate the legislation face fines of up to $1,000.

Ø      California became the first state to require chain restaurants to post calorie content of menu items. The legislation, signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 30, 2008, will affect about 17,000 restaurants once it is fully implemented in 2011. Also, Senate Bill 1420 is designed to inform customers about calories in meals.

Have you checked the calorie count on the menu yet?  Did it make a difference?