In New York City, we've had calorie postings at chain restaurants since March 31, 2008.
Above, Banana Chocolate Chip Cake at Starbucks, 390 calories
It looks like the rest of America is about to join us. In the health legislation that has just passed, there is a provision requiring large chain restaurants to post calories on their menus and signs (like drive-through signs). The New York Times has an article about it in today's dining section, here. I think it's a good idea, although studies have shown that it may not be very effective for the people who need it the most... ie. poor people tend to care less about their weight and just want cheap food. Here is an interesting article from the Times from last October about a study that showed people in poor neighborhoods actually ordered slightly more calories after the postings went up.
Above, Banana Chocolate Chip Cake at Starbucks, 390 calories
It looks like the rest of America is about to join us. In the health legislation that has just passed, there is a provision requiring large chain restaurants to post calories on their menus and signs (like drive-through signs). The New York Times has an article about it in today's dining section, here. I think it's a good idea, although studies have shown that it may not be very effective for the people who need it the most... ie. poor people tend to care less about their weight and just want cheap food. Here is an interesting article from the Times from last October about a study that showed people in poor neighborhoods actually ordered slightly more calories after the postings went up.
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