Calories Outside the Kitchen

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

Many people follow proper nutrition in the kitchen, only to fare poorly when eating outside their homes. While everyone should be allowed an occasional restaurant indulgence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that Americans consume a third of their total caloric intake from dining out, and the nutritional uncertainty in all that takeout can be frustrating. However, changes are coming that should make keeping track of prepared food much easier.

On Nov. 25, 2014, the FDA announced that calorie counts must be listed for a wide range of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages shown on menus. The rules require all restaurants with 20 or more locations to display calorie counts on their menus. The rules also extend to vending machines, amusement parks and movie theaters.

Businesses have one year to comply with the new rule. Until then, dieters are advised to stick to restaurants that voluntarily publish nutritional info and to eat healthily at home whenever possible.