Menus required to state calories per. dish

Esspee

What strange responses on here. I would never have expected anyone to object to being given factual information on the items they could order in a restaurant. Knowledge is power. You do not have to be influenced by it.

I have no objection to it, it just wouldn't affect what I would choose to eat. What I do have a problem with is the attitude of some posters who, consciously or not, are verging on 'fat shaming' with some of their comments. Some people come across as paragons of virtue on here at times (and not just on this thread).

It just seems that it's another step down the "nanny state" route; surely, as adults, we can take responsibility for ourselves and our choices?

It seems another burden for the hospitality industry which needs to return to some normality after lockdowns.

Whilst I think it's a good idea to be encouraged, I'm not sure it should become law.

I'm more concerned about the unhygienic kitchens featured on TV the other day by Chris Choi, ITV - Hygiene Inspectors have found some appalling conditions in restaurant kitchens.

What strange responses on here. I would never have expected anyone to object to being given factual information on the items they could order in a restaurant. Knowledge is power. You do not have to be influenced by it.

It's not always the calories though is it? At SW you can go and have a huge plate at the carvery provided you choose the right foods, ie as much meat as you like, all vegetables including new potatoes. Just leave out Yorkshire pud and roasties if you're worried. You can also have a full English with bacon, sausages, eggs, beans etc just ask for the bread to be toasted not fried. A lot depends on how food is actually prepared in these places. It can be minimal calories until it is thrown in the frier, so are the cooking oils counted in too?
Will it show calories on all the different alcoholic drinks too, wine being the worst? Are other countries doing this, say like Italy with its bowls if pasta and pizzas at Guiseppe's trattoria?

growstuff

M0nica

The question is: will this measure have any effect on the national obesity problem, not how each of us individually respond to it - and, as far as I can see, it is another of those pointless measures that governments award themselves brownie points ( 250 calories a point) for and are easy to blow their trumpets about but are purely window dressing.

Go around any town, any village, sometimes, and there will be burger joints, chicken takeaways, kebab shops, Indian and Chinese takeaways, non-chain pizza outlets, where every day millions of people go to get their daily take away, eaten in front of the tv and drunk with a can of beer or they will go to the supermarket and buy a pizza, dough balls and some doughnuts to be eaten as above.

This is how people put on weight, not by going out on occasion to a Hungry Horse. Harvester, Beefeater, Nandos, or the like and having a good meal.

We live in a rural area and eat out mainly at local pubs serving basic pub food, to really good gastropubs. None of them will have calorie counts on the menu.

This is the eating equivalent of green washing. Should we call it fat washing?

That isn't entirely true. People put on weight because they eat too much, wherever they eat it. As can be seen from some of the calorie counts given, "home cooked", allegedly wholesome food can be just as fattening as some takeaways. I've seen some stunning ignorance about calories - even on GN.

Depends on your calorie expenditure my son in law eats like a horse can demolish a pack of hob nobs in one go but he doesn’t have an extra ounce on him because he burns it off.
Calories in against calories out

M0nica

The question is: will this measure have any effect on the national obesity problem, not how each of us individually respond to it - and, as far as I can see, it is another of those pointless measures that governments award themselves brownie points ( 250 calories a point) for and are easy to blow their trumpets about but are purely window dressing.

Go around any town, any village, sometimes, and there will be burger joints, chicken takeaways, kebab shops, Indian and Chinese takeaways, non-chain pizza outlets, where every day millions of people go to get their daily take away, eaten in front of the tv and drunk with a can of beer or they will go to the supermarket and buy a pizza, dough balls and some doughnuts to be eaten as above.

This is how people put on weight, not by going out on occasion to a Hungry Horse. Harvester, Beefeater, Nandos, or the like and having a good meal.

We live in a rural area and eat out mainly at local pubs serving basic pub food, to really good gastropubs. None of them will have calorie counts on the menu.

This is the eating equivalent of green washing. Should we call it fat washing?

That isn't entirely true. People put on weight because they eat too much, wherever they eat it. As can be seen from some of the calorie counts given, "home cooked", allegedly wholesome food can be just as fattening as some takeaways. I've seen some stunning ignorance about calories - even on GN.

rafichagran

Growstuff calling people fat is playground stuff, and as adults we should know better.
Also a poster insinuated I am fat and happy, and to jog on. I find that ignorant, and to be honest bullying, I can take care of myself as I like my body and appearance,and I am not fat as that poster put it but I know people who are sensitive about their weight, and that stupid ignorant statement would be upsetting for them.
What you state as fact, using the word fat, could be put far more sensitively, some people have conditions that cause weight gain.
I love good food, and will always enjoy it, I dont need to see the calories, if you do fine.

So what word would you suggest for fat people?

I don’t have a problem being aware of how many calories are in my food when I eat in a restaurant. I do watch my weight but often throw caution to the wind when eating out. Those people who are fortunate and don’t need to worry about what they eat ( my DH is one! - never puts weight on!) can simply ignore the calorie information.

What we eat during our daily lives is far more important than what we eat when we are out. For the majority I presume eating out is not a regular occurrence and even if it’s once a week that’s just one meal which can easily be balanced off by eating carefully the rest of the time
Now I know the theory and have a pretty good idea about calorific values it’s just putting it into practice

The question is: will this measure have any effect on the national obesity problem, not how each of us individually respond to it - and, as far as I can see, it is another of those pointless measures that governments award themselves brownie points ( 250 calories a point) for and are easy to blow their trumpets about but are purely window dressing.

Go around any town, any village, sometimes, and there will be burger joints, chicken takeaways, kebab shops, Indian and Chinese takeaways, non-chain pizza outlets, where every day millions of people go to get their daily take away, eaten in front of the tv and drunk with a can of beer or they will go to the supermarket and buy a pizza, dough balls and some doughnuts to be eaten as above.

This is how people put on weight, not by going out on occasion to a Hungry Horse. Harvester, Beefeater, Nandos, or the like and having a good meal.

We live in a rural area and eat out mainly at local pubs serving basic pub food, to really good gastropubs. None of them will have calorie counts on the menu.

This is the eating equivalent of green washing. Should we call it fat washing?

Growstuff calling people fat is playground stuff, and as adults we should know better.
Also a poster insinuated I am fat and happy, and to jog on. I find that ignorant, and to be honest bullying, I can take care of myself as I like my body and appearance,and I am not fat as that poster put it but I know people who are sensitive about their weight, and that stupid ignorant statement would be upsetting for them.
What you state as fact, using the word fat, could be put far more sensitively, some people have conditions that cause weight gain.
I love good food, and will always enjoy it, I dont need to see the calories, if you do fine.

rafichagran

You uneducated rude cow Lousa let's get one thing straight I am happy with my appearance and I am not fat. How can you make that statement when you have not seen me.
Its people like you that make people feel bad about their weight.
You jog on you unpleasant idiot. Calling people fat is just ignorant and that describes you.

No, "fat" doesn't describe me. Many people are fat - that's not ignorant - it's a fact.

Pammie1

I can’t get my head around the arguments against calorie counting - that it’s not helpful and doesn’t work. I’ve been calorie counting for the last few weeks and have managed to lose weight. It may not work for everyone, but if you’re serious about weight loss it can be a good tool. As for calorie content appearing on menus, I think it could be a good idea - would make eating out easier for those watching their weight. It also gives people generally a better idea of the calories they’re consuming. I was really alarmed at some of the examples given. I knew the calorie content of some fast foods, such as McDonalds, but I was really shocked at the average calorie count for a typical Sunday carvery meal - over 2500 for a main course and pud. Knowledge is power.

It's quite surprising, isn't it? I have seen so many posts criticising McDonalds, but actually some of their meals aren't high calorie and can be eaten as part of a balanced diet. If I'm caught out at a motorway service station, I often go for McDonalds because I know what I'm getting in terms of nutrition, especially if I throw away the bread. Some people don't realise how many calories are in a typical carvery meal, especially if they have a pud.

I love the idea and I agree with pp who said it doesn't go far enough

The amount of hidden sodium, sugar, fat in restaurant food is surprising.

People with health issues or health conscious need the info to make a decision, you can always ignore it if you don't care

rafichagran

Louisa That's what I said, I will look at the menu and enjoy the food, and the calorie checkers can look to see if they should have it.
Growstuff you say 70% of over 60's are obese or overweight. I dont think putting calories on a menu will change that.
Glad the small cafe's and nicer restaurants where I eat dont do that.
Also, being picky with food and underweight is not healthy either.

No, I don't think it will change it either because people who are overweight make so many excuses for their weight and have spent their lives ignoring health messages.

As somebody who has never been overweight, but needs to watch calorie/carb intake, I welcome more awareness of what people are actually putting in their bodies. If people want to stick heads in the sand, that's up to them.

annodomini

When I go to a restaurant, I am there for a treat, not to be made to feel guilty if I have a high calorie pudding once in a while. I've had issues with my weight for as long as I can remember, but have never used a calorie counting diet. I watch my consumption of carbs and that is easy enough to do whether I'm eating in or out. I won't be shamed into feeling embarrassed for tucking into an apple pie and ice cream!

No one is trying to make you feel guilty!

You obviously know what you're doing - by watching your carb consumption - so just ignore the information. It's there for those that do want to know, those that are following a calorie-controlled diet.

... everyone I know who's ever been dieting has a treat when they eat out in a restaurant, it's not unusual - why on earth do you think you're being 'shamed'?

The government - any government - has got to tackle what is referred to as the obesity crisis in this country and the increase in type2 diabetes. What else can they do but give people the information?

... even my partner's 'diabetic nurse' has told him to enjoy a meal out and eat what he likes occasionally.

When I go to a restaurant, I am there for a treat, not to be made to feel guilty if I have a high calorie pudding once in a while. I've had issues with my weight for as long as I can remember, but have never used a calorie counting diet. I watch my consumption of carbs and that is easy enough to do whether I'm eating in or out. I won't be shamed into feeling embarrassed for tucking into an apple pie and ice cream!

I don't understand the dilemma.

It's only large businesses that are affected - and some do this already anyway.

Those who want / need to count calories will find it useful, and those who aren't bothered needn't bother.

Much as I am critical of this current government, we do seem to have an obesity - and type2 diabetes - crisis, and this is a practical way for those who want to help themselves to do just that.

If there are, as suggested, many people who don't know the calorific value of certain foods, this is a good way of giving the information.

If you like to dine out and just enjoy the food regardless, this isn't going to make any difference.

The government has to do something so should not be condemned for taking such a pragmatic approach which is just sensible.

I like the idea. If I can’t decide between a couple of dishes a big difference in Cals will make the decision easier ( and might even allow a dessert later).

You uneducated rude cow Lousa let's get one thing straight I am happy with my appearance and I am not fat. How can you make that statement when you have not seen me.
Its people like you that make people feel bad about their weight.
You jog on you unpleasant idiot. Calling people fat is just ignorant and that describes you.

rafichagran

Louisa That's what I said, I will look at the menu and enjoy the food, and the calorie checkers can look to see if they should have it.
Growstuff you say 70% of over 60's are obese or overweight. I dont think putting calories on a menu will change that.
Glad the small cafe's and nicer restaurants where I eat dont do that.
Also, being picky with food and underweight is not healthy either.

Its not about being 'picky'?.... it about being informed....I'm sure many people don't realise how many calories are in some dishes....pizza express, for example, have a list of dishes under 600 kcal....equally tasty pizzas ..
But the middle is missing and replaced with salad....its about people making informed choices....lots of people end up fat because they just aren't aware of what they are eating ....but if you are fat and happy...then jog on

Louisa That's what I said, I will look at the menu and enjoy the food, and the calorie checkers can look to see if they should have it.
Growstuff you say 70% of over 60's are obese or overweight. I dont think putting calories on a menu will change that.
Glad the small cafe's and nicer restaurants where I eat dont do that.
Also, being picky with food and underweight is not healthy either.

Dickens

Polly73

We rarely go out for meals now, but I have noticed the calorie content shown for foods in cafes, such as Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. I have to say, when I first noticed it, it did put me off having a Blueberry muffin!

I have to say, when I first noticed it, it did put me off having a Blueberry muffin!

Oh, you can overcome it if you try - I did

Oh,yes, the next time, I got DH to get the coffees and cakes, so I didn’t have to see the calories on the wall menu

I can’t get my head around the arguments against calorie counting - that it’s not helpful and doesn’t work. I’ve been calorie counting for the last few weeks and have managed to lose weight. It may not work for everyone, but if you’re serious about weight loss it can be a good tool. As for calorie content appearing on menus, I think it could be a good idea - would make eating out easier for those watching their weight. It also gives people generally a better idea of the calories they’re consuming. I was really alarmed at some of the examples given. I knew the calorie content of some fast foods, such as McDonalds, but I was really shocked at the average calorie count for a typical Sunday carvery meal - over 2500 for a main course and pud. Knowledge is power.

*Blossoming, I am not sure anyone is up in arms. It just seems pointless. I suspect for everyone who chooses their meal by the low calorie count, their will be others who will then choose the biggest calorie meal they can manage.

The key question is will it have any effecct on obesity and I doubt it. Those who like to stay slim and are not overweight will be the main users. Others will ignore it or it will become an exercise in machismo to see how much you can ea.

It is like the sugar tax, soft drink manufacturers simply took the sugar out of drinks and replaced it with sweetener, thus doing nothing to ween people off highly sweetened drinks and used to less sweetened food. They should have been told to reduce sugar without adding extra sweetener, and if they did it slowly bit by bit,people would have got accustomed to drinks that were less sweet than before and possibly other foods that were less sweet than before.