| Greetings!
Did you see my recent quote in QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) magazine about Calorie Confusion - regarding the research below? I also have a quote in Entrepreneur magazine about how to stay healthy & fit on the road (Do you have my book of the same title?)
If you're looking for someone to speak on Health Trends in the Restaurant Industry - or something more fun for a health conference - please give me a call! Oh, and check out my youtube demo video.
Dr. Jo
407-852-9171
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| Eating Out More = More Pounds Fat! |
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Eating just one meal away from home each week translates to roughly two extra pounds each year. This is from a study by ERS (Economic Research Service, USDA) called, "The Impact of Food Away From Home on Adult Diet Quality."
Just one additional meal eaten away from home increases daily intake by about 134 calories - and negatively impacts the number of servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy. Read the full report here.
Dr. Jo says: While I acknowledge that, in my observation too, most people DO eat more when dining out and DO consume fewer of the healthier options...there are healthier options available. As the author of Dining Lean and Dr. Jo's Eat Out & Lose Weight cards, I encourage restaurants to continue working towards healthy and delicious options - and I encourage consumers to educate themselves on these healthier options. |
| Surveys Suggest Posting Calories Helpful |
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Recently there have been several surveys and studies suggesting that when calories are provided at restaurants, people choose lower calorie options. Specifically:
- Parents more apt to pick lower-calorie foods for their kids (Pediatrics, Jan 25, 2010). This study, conducted with McDonald's menus, found that parents of 3-6 year olds chose foods with about 100 calories less.
- Researchers at Stanford University conducted an analysis of 100 million transactions at Starbucks over a 14 months period. When calories are posted prominently, the average number of calories per transaction fell by 6%.
- A study at Ohio State University found that guests at the university dining center ordered lower-calorie entrees when the calories were posted.
Dr. Jo says: I wouldn't go shopping for clothes, a car, or a house without knowing the price. I wouldn't want to be surprised at the cash register. And, there's no reason for people to be surprised on the scale, either. I fully support nutritional labeling at the chain restaurants - and encourage restaurants to enlist the assistance of a registered dietitian for accuracy. |
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Calories Posted are Not Always Spot-On |
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, prepared foods and restaurant items may have more calories than posted. The selected prepared foods had an average 8% more calories while the restaurant menu items had an average of 18% more. Read more.
Dr. Jo says: Regarding the restaurant analysis, I'm not completely surprised. The FDA allows a 20% variance because, since most foods are prepared individually, it's difficult to get each serving to be exactly the same - that's why it's unfortunate that the study only collected one serving from one restaurant. And, as you can see in this industry magazine article (in which I am quoted), much of this variance can be corrected if restaurants contracted with Registered Dietitians who are knowledgeable about nutritional analysis. |
| What's New on the Menu? |
Chances are you've heard of the " Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet." These 7 menu items includes some of the lower calorie items on the Fresco menu. Basically, it cuts out the cheese and sour cream - and replaces it with salsa. A good idea for all of us to remember at every Mexican restaurant. Here are some other new offerings:
- Applebee's introduced 5 entrees under 550 calories including Asiago Peppercorn Steak and Asian Crunch Salad.
- Starbucks has added four Hot Pannini Sandwiches under 400 calories including Chicken Sante Fe, Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella and Tuna Melt.
- Uno Chicago Grill has quite a few menu offerings under 500 calories including Roasted Vegetable & Feta Wrap and Lemon Basil Salmon. They've also introduced lower calorie flatbread pizzas including the Roasted Eggplant, Spinach & Feta at 840 calories.
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New Jersey MUST Post Calories on Menu |
NJ Governor Jon Corzine signed into law a bill that requires restaurant chains with 20 or more locations to post calories on the menu for food and alcoholic beverages beginning next year. A registered dietitian would have to attest that the calorie counts are accurate. NYC, the state of California and other regions have passed similar laws. Read more. | |
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| Here's What's New |
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I appreciate all your referrals for speaking, consulting, exhibit and media work. Please keep them coming! I'm especially interested in helping with conferences that are in my hometown of Orlando!
Heading up to MI tomorrow to speak on "How to Make More Dough." We have a session on how to Build Your Business and another on Product Production and Promotion.
Next week, I'll be working with the canola oil industry group to tape a TV segment. And, I just wrapped up a health promotion menu for Pollo Tropical - a Caribbean fast food chain on the east coast.
Dr. Jo
407-852-9171
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| Eat Out & Lose Weight |
My 30 card Eat Out & Lose Weight wallet cards sets sell for $11.95 each at www.drjo.com. In quantity, they are on sale (until supplies last) for:
5 for $40 ($8ea)
10 for $70 ($7ea)
50 for $300 ($6ea)
100 for $500 ($5ea)
This offer is NOT available on the web. Please call 407-852-9171 today. |
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