Last year, the New York State Department of Health has launched the “iChoose” public education campaign to increase awareness and use of calorie information posted on chain restaurant menus. ?Only two counties in the Capital District, Albany and Schenectady, have implemented the labeling laws that require fast-food and chain restaurant with more than 15 locations nationally to post the calories next to each item on the menu and menu boards. ?Starting in this year, the calorie-posting laws extend to chain restaurants nationwide. ?The new menu posting does not take the place of the nutritional information. ?The purpose of the calorie labeling on the menu boards is to provide guidance for consumers to make an informed decision about what they order.
Obesity is a problem in adults and children. ?One of every four adult New Yorkers is obese. ?Obesity among children and adolescents has tripled over the past three decades. ?An estimated $7.6 billion is spent annually on adult obesity-related health problems in New York. ?In New York, 80 percent of this cost is paid for by publicly funded health care programs. ?Therefore, obesity costs each family in the state an additional $771 per year for public and private health care programs.
Obesity is a problem in adults and children. ?One of every four adult New Yorkers is obese. ?Obesity among children and adolescents has tripled over the past three decades. ?An estimated $7.6 billion is spent annually on adult obesity-related health problems in New York.
When people eat out, they eat more calories, fat and sodium, as well as less fiber and calcium and fewer fruits and vegetables. ?The average American consumes about one-third of their calories eating out. ?In 1970, Americans spent just 26 percent of their food dollars on prepared foods and restaurant meals outside their homes. ?In 2006, almost half (48 percent) of our food dollars were spent on convenience and prepared foods – the majority at fast-food and chain restaurants. ?Our fast-paced society has created an on-the-go lifestyle where eating out has become a part of the family routine.
The calorie labeling campaign message is simple, “iChoose to order less. Weigh less.” ?Restaurant calorie labeling on menus and menu boards is a win for New Yorkers. ?The calorie labeling provides a guide when eating out and helps people select lower calorie options, which will decrease calorie consumption and help control weight. ?While individual caloric needs vary, the average person needs 2,000 calories a day, including beverages (especially sugar-sweetened beverages; 20 oz. cola = 260 calories). ?A daily meal plan would provide on average 600 calories per meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner plus two 100-calorie snacks a day. ?Refer to the table listing daily calorie needs based on gender and age. ?With calorie labeling, it is easy to take a moment, look at the menu and make an informed choice. ??
Changing habits is no easy task. ?Having the calories posted next to the menu item can be a powerful reminder of how much extra food we consume. ?Compare a triple cheeseburger, extra large fries and large soft drink at 1,500 calories to a regular cheeseburger, small fries and bottled water at 530 calories. What will you choose for you and your kids? ?For more information visit www.Health.ny.gov/iChoose600 ?or ?www.Facebook.com/iChoose600.
The writer is with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County. For information about menu posting and calorie labeling in Schenectady County, call her at 372-1622, ext. 269.
