Since I’ve moved to NYC, I’ve become a bit of a food freak.
See, the good ol’ mayor here decided that restaurants should post calories of food on most menu boards. The first time I came across this here (in Chipotle, of course) I have to say, it immediately altered my ordering habits.
I never really knew how many calories I was eating each day (which is probably why I gained about 10 pounds upon my return to the U.S.). But, seeing it up in big block numbers, I now know. So, I no longer get the burritos at Chipotle. It’s burrito bowl only for me. Why? Well, there’s about a 300-calorie difference between the two, and I don’t think the tortilla is that important to me.
But, I’ve also realized that a 6-inch Veggie Delight Subway sandwich has more calories than a Dunkin’ Donuts goody. So, instead of getting the 12-inch sub, I have no qualms about getting only a 6-incher and a donut for desert.
The best finds were at the ball park last week, though. Who knew the nachos had less calories than a hot dog? Or that beer would be “better for me” than a soda? Seriously…
Oh my gosh. I would probably never eat another Hardees Chicken Club sandwich again if I saw the calories. At Chipotle, I have the ordering down – burrito bowl, shredded beef, black beans, corn salsa, lettuce, and cheese. When I get home, I scoop half of it to the side, eat one half, and save the other for the next meal.
It’s the only way I can feel good about eating 2 pounds of food in one sitting!
I hope they start doing this in Cali. I think it would be eye-opening.
mmmmm…. nachos. i do *heart* nachos.
You actually save half of your Chipotle? Holy cow…now I feel like the 300 calories I saved by not getting the tortilla just isn’t as good.
I hear that this is in the works in Cali…could definitely be good there. One of the groups I am working with right now actually did a kid-on-the-street story asking high schoolers if it affects them. I was surprised that some said it did alter their decisions! http://www.readmetro.com/show/en/NewYork/20080806/1/11/
And, yeah…nachos? Seriously? I don’t think I can ever give those up. But you know what’s REALLY good? A hot dog with nacho cheese on it!
Everyone knows I always have a mental calculator adding up daily calories. I mean, I got my degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Ha ha. Hot dogs with nacho cheese on it is a dandy delight and worth sacrificing other calories. Mmmmm.