Renewed Push for Nutrition Labeling at Restaurants
One of the challenges of maintaining a healthy eating plan while eating out is the relative absence of any nutrition labeling information. While it’s unlikely that a comprehensive labeling plan can be implemented for traditional cook-to-order restaurants, there is some support gathering for requiring nutrition information for menus at major chain restaurants, where the entrees and other menu items are already standardized. McDonald’s, the fast food chain, is already planning to add nutrition labels on its food packaging.
Officials in Maine, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C., have proposed measures that would provide information on calories, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium on some restaurant menus, following an unsuccessful 2003 California bill which would have required nutrition information for standard menu items at chain restaurants.
Whether or not the food is labeled, here are some ideas for more healthy eating in restaurants:
- Limit soda consumption - soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar, which can lead to weight gain.
- Most restaurant portions are larger than the average portion sizes, so ask for half portions, have your kids share meals, or take home portions.
- Ask for sauces on the side and use only as much as you need.
- Use salsa and mustard instead of mayo or oil.
- Ask for olive or canola oil instead of butter.
- Use nonfat or low-fat milk instead of whole milk or cream.
- Order baked, broiled, or grilled meats.
- Order fresh fruit instead of sugary desserts.
Renewed Push for Nutrition Labeling at Restaurants (Kidshealth.org, November 23, 2005)
Tags: diet, nutrition, weight loss, weight management
