When a restaurant posts calorie counts on its menu does it affect what you selec

1. 72

   Alecia Murphyposted 10 years ago

   When a restaurant posts calorie counts on its menu does it affect what you select?
   
   Does a restaurant's decision to post a calorie counts impact your menu choices more, less, or is it inconsequential to you?

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   Bri Richardposted 10 years ago

   I do tend to choose the "lighter choice" menu options when I eat at a restaurant. I believe a large part of this is the fact that I do not eat red meat so my options are greatly diminished when choosing what to eat.
   
   Speaking for my fiance, he actively seeks to know what the calories of a meal is before going to the restaurant, so in his case, it is a great impact.

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      Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      HI Bri Richard,
      I can imagine what it's like to only be able to eat one part of the menu. Fortunately, lighter fare has greatly improved over the years.
      Thanks for responding!

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   Sherry Hewinsposted 10 years ago

   It's usually a real eye opener when you see what the calorie counts of a typical restaurant meal actually are. Often that one meal comes to more than the calories I'd normally consume in a day. Whether it influences my decision depends on the occasion. Sometimes I do go ahead and spurge.

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      Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I understand Sherry, sometimes it's worth splurging and other times you feel that you should make a better choice.

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   Man of Strengthposted 10 years ago

   Hi Alecia,
   It depends on the situation. I recently took a trip Los Angeles and ate like a king the whole time. I couldn't have cared less about the caloric content. When I'm on my normal routine, I do pay extra attention and choose carefully what I stuff in my pie hole.

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      Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Good point, Man of Strength. Vacation eating really doesn't entail calorie counting. And if you're in a city like LA- you might as well go all out.

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   duffsmomposted 10 years ago

   Right now I am on W.Watchers, so yes, it would affect my choices.  In the past, heck no, I would order whatever sounded good at the time--which is why I need WW right now!  LOL

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   dorothy0328posted 10 years ago

   Occasionally it influences my decisions however if I'm going out to get a greasy hamburger from McDonald's that's exactly what I am going to do regardless of the little calorie numbers.

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      Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I understand what you mean Dorothy- I agree. I'm not going to McDonald's or Taco Bell for a light meal.
      Thanks for responding!

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   Denise Handlonposted 10 years ago

   Hello Alecia     Yes, it absolutely does.  I'm trying to eat within a certain amount of calories and it is SO useful and helpful for me to get those calories in black and white so I can make an educated decision-not a swing and a miss.  In fact, I was so thrilled when Mickey D's printed calories on their outside menu board that I asked for the manager when I went to pay the cashier.  You should have seen the girl's face brighten up, after thinking I was going to complain, when I gave them a "Kudos to McDonald's" message. 
   
   I use to drink the McD's Caramel Frappes every day and about fell over when I saw how many calories even the smalls were.  On the other hand, I have been pleasantly surprised by other calorie count info.
   
   Great question.

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      Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Denise,
      I can relate to the McDonald's Frappe calorie count. I actually looked up a cherry cheesecake shake at Coldstone and was flabbergasted when I saw how many calories were in it. I haven't had one since.
      Thanks for answering!

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   cat on a soapboxposted 10 years ago

   I think this is good practice since it makes the eater aware of calorie consumption. Most of us should strive for a 2,000 calorie per day diet. If I plan on splurging at dinner, I will reduce my intake at breakfast and opt for a small midday snack instead of a full lunch. I don't believe in deprivation!

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      Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Cat on a Soapbox,
      You definitely make a great point there. Thanks for coming by and commenting.

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   Ghost32posted 10 years ago

   It doesn't affect my selections.  I pretty much ignore calorie counts.

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      Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for responding, Ghost 32!

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    Sunshine625posted 10 years ago

    No, it doesn't affect my choice. I order from the children's menu most of the time because the portions are smaller. Now if they tell me I can't order from the children's menu then that affects me and I don't go back. Age is just a number!

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       Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       LOL Sunshine! That's a good idea actually. I just can't make myself do it. Thanks for answering!

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    WalterPoonposted 10 years ago

    No, if I were worried about calorie counts, then I would just drink plain water to ease my hunger.

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       Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks WalterPoon for responding!

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    angel4967posted 10 years ago

    It does make me think twice about my choices.  I'm glad they have started doing this.

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       Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for responding angel4967!

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    DBarmakposted 10 years ago

    Not at all...there are far many more nutrient considerations to consider than calories alone

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       Alecia Murphyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       That's a good point, DBarmak. Thanks for responding!

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