I saw in the WSJ today that McDonald’s is voluntarily posting calorie counts before it is legally required to do so. The article starts off with the (scary) fact that the Big Mac is not the highest calorie item at 550 calories. McDonald’s highest-calorie item isn’t a burger at all, but the 1,150-calorie “Big Breakfast” with hotcakes and large biscuit. This got me thinking about the question of whether seeing calorie counts on menus changes ordering behavior.
Ignorance is bliss BUT do people ignore the facts? I consider myself more health conscious than the average person and have made changes based on seeing calories (bye-bye beloved maple nut scone from Starbucks that I used to eat often for breakfast back in the day!) I also remember sitting with the runner gals in NYC and having everyone scrutinize the breakfast choices at Le Pain Quotidien despite the FIFTEEN mile run that preceded breakfast.
So do calorie counts change choices? Survey says… No, not so much! At least not in the small scale studies that have been done. Sadly, several studies in low income neighborhoods show little impact at all in choices. Here is a post from Tara Parker Pope in the NY Times health section and an article at NPR that talks about these studies.
One promising thing I noticed in the WSJ article is “a study published last month in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 26% of entrees at 37 restaurant chains studied in King County, Washington, had reduced calories 18 months after a menu-labeling law took effect there.” So if consumers don’t care, restaurants do (it is like having to post your weight – I might care a bit more if my scale was public!)
What do you think? How do calorie counts impact your orders (if at all)?
Here are some Deals & Events I found this week:
– Gilt City still has nationwide deals at Exhale spas on classes and spa treatments – the Fusion massage rocks and this one is a good deal plus you can take an exercise class before. Bonus! Also they have free yoga classes on September 20th
– Gilt City has some great deals in Chicago at the moment, too! You can get $50 voucher for $29 (or Three-course seasonal menu dinner for two with wine pairings for $100) at Terzo Piano in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute. This is my go-to brunch place when people come to town. I love the atmosphere and delicious food and these prices make it even better! There are also great deals at Valeo spa (including one for couples!), Starfruit, Sprout, Primehouse and more! (and lots of great deals in other major metros, too!)
– Any gardeners out there? Check this out a do-gooding deal – The Tulips Against Tumors Tribute is now underway! The National Brain Tumor Society is proud to partner with EcoTulips for this year’s Tulips Against Tumors program. EcoTulips is the only certified organic flower bulb company in the US. Each bulb planted will honor all those who have been affected by a brain tumor, and help raise awareness and critical funds for promising research across the United States. (And the prices and shipping are reasonable, too!)
– Hey Chicago friends, check out Vintage Garage Chicago. What is it? Uptown parking garage empties out and more than 75 vintage dealers set up. They will have furniture, decor, clothing, and jewelry — most of it from the 1940s-’80s. Sunday 9/16 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 5051 N. Broadway St. Tickets ($3) at the door. Not into Vintage? Check out Clever Alice Pop-Up Sample Sale with fall looks at 75 percent off retail. Friday 9/14 through 9/30 at 409 W. Huron St. Admission is free.)
– Daily Candy Deals has some great online deals for up to 65% off of photo books, home movie transfer or digitizing of photos at Photo Bin. I had them scan our wedding photos and other photos. It was quick, easy and painless! They also have 50% of at Wallpops for cool decals for walls (not sure the husband would sign off on this but yours might!) or kids rooms
– Groupon has a great deal on Shutterfly photobooks. $10 for a customizable 8×8 photo book from Shutterfly ($29.99 list price) (+$7.99 shipping). $15 for a customizable 8×11 photo book from Shutterfly ($34.99 list price) (+$8.99 shipping).
– Like anything on Active Schwaggle? Use coupon code MISSYA20 at checkout to save an additional 20%. (Limit one coupon per customer per deal. Valid through 10/13. )
– Last thing for today… Women’s Health magazine is hosting Run10Feed10 events in cities around the country. They are hoping to provide 1,000,000 meals to feed hungry people all over the country. I entered the Chicago fun run on 9/23 – hosted by Fleet Feet – Piper’s Alley. You can run too (in a host city or “virtually”) or make a small donation to support my run.
Have a great weekend!