Chain Restaurants Display Calorie Information... But Will It Lead To Healthier Decisions?

You may have already heard that as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare) restaurants with 20+ locations are required to post calorie counts on their menus. What you may not know is PPACA does not only affect fast food restaurants—but chain restaurants with buffets, convince stores, concession stands and even vending machines. Your next trip to Golden Corral may have you second guessing that endless buffet once you’ve had a chance to count the calories on your first plate alone—never mind the second or third.

Like me, you may be wondering if the calories posted will actually be accurate or underestimated. According to an interview with NPR health policy correspondent Patti Neighmon, we can assume the calories counts are correct give or take about 10 calories. While some menus under reported by over 100 calories, they surprisingly found that many restaurant postings actually overestimate calories content.

But will this be enough? Maybe so maybe not, but I think it will get people thinking. While traveling in D.C. this weekend I stopped in a Chipotle that had calorie counts posted. I was happy to see that my bowl (that is typically enough for two meals) was one of the healthier options on the menu but surprised when I realized that the $1.50 order of tortilla chips I was considering were an extra 570 calories. In this case, the calorie posting definitely did its job! My point is, we may not walk in a restaurant, look at the calories posted on the menu and walk right back out, but we may be prompted to make ‘better’ and more informed decisions.

Personally, I am excited for restaurants to start making the change. Although I consider myself pretty educated when it comes to healthy choices, I think I may find some of my random indulgences just not worth it. No matter how much we plan ahead, there will always be times when have to make a decision on the spot. In this case, my visit to Chipotle was unplanned but I was still able to make a smart decision due to their calorie postings. I think these new calorie counts will help lead to the ‘better’ or ‘best’ decision making. Do you think they will help you?

Healthy Gains from Whole Grains

There are a whole lot of whole grains out there! Trying to find just the right one might feel like attempting to find a needle in…. well a stack of whole grains! Whole grains are unrefined grains that haven't had their bran and germ removed by milling. Grains, especially whole grains, are an essential part of a healthy diet. 

The Benefits:

• Whole grains are naturally low in fat.


• Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates and provide some key vitamins and minerals such as selenium, potassium and magnesium.


• Whole grains are full of fiber, keeping you satisfied longer.

Where to Find Whole Grains:

• Brown Rice: Swap brown rice for your normal white rice in any dish such as a Vegetable Stir Fry.


• Popcorn: Oh yes, that is right popcorn! Choose the "Smart pop", or the 94% fat-free, watch the butter and sodium content.


• Rolled Oats: Have a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and top it with fresh berries and yogurt. Yum!


• Bulgur: Try our H3 Vegetarian Chili recipe. This is a different whole grain to mix up your weekly routine.


• Whole Grain Barley: Barley unfortunately, has such a bad rap. Next time you make risotto, use half Arborio rice and half barley, easy yet a delicious swap.

I challenge you to skip all refined grains, and swap them for whole grains in all of your meals this week. Happy Whole Grains!

YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION, WELL YOU KNOW...

 

Jamie Oliver, an impassioned chef, TV personality and best-selling author, is determined to take action on exploiting the high statistics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes in this country.  His new show will help invite viewers to take a stand and change the way America eats, in our kitchens, schools and workplaces.  This new, thought-provoking series, "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution," debutes FRIDAY, MARCH 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

 

Jamie will start his healthful initiative in Huntington, West Virginia, “the unhealthiest city in America”.  Jamie says, "The time is right for people to rediscover the sense of pride, satisfaction and fun you can get from cooking for the people you love... I want to prove that turning around the epidemic of obesity and bad health doesn't have to be boring or dull in the slightest.  Wonderful stories will unfold in Huntington, and hopefully this will inspire the rest of the States."

 

The “Food Revlotuion” series is slightly based on Jamie Oliver's U.K. series: "Jamie's Ministry of Food" and "Jamie's School Dinners".  The first series displayed successful grass-roots efforts, thus resulting in improvements in school lunches.  “Jamie’s School Dinners”  resulted in a total overhaul of the school dinner program in the U.K.

 

“Food Revolution” in America, hopes to help turn attention to helping people of all ages eat more balanced meals and cook with fresh ingredients, not only at schools, but at homes, workplaces and even restaurants. Challenged by ingrained unhealthy habits and government bureaucracy, embedded by local naysayers, and welcomed by some of the most surprising guests,“Food Revolution” will display how in just a few short months Jaime transforms Huntington as a template for the entire country!

 

Reference: http://www.jaimeoliver.com