Buzz
Initially, calorie counts were meant to be required on restaurant menus by this summer, but the new FDA under Trump blocked this rule just before it was about to take effect. Now, the agency has reversed its stance and announced that calorie counts will become mandatory starting May 2018 — which comes with both pros and cons.
For those who keep track of their food intake, calorie counts are certainly helpful. I also appreciate how they expose overpriced menu items. For example, if you pay $7.95 for a salad with only 240 calories (looking at you, Corelife), you’ll be hungry again in what—five minutes?
However, not everyone wants to be constantly reminded of calorie counts. I spoke to Faith Harper, a licensed counselor and clinical nutritionist, to get her take on how this could affect people struggling with eating disorders. She sees both positives and negatives.
“Could the information be triggering or feel shaming for someone trying to form a healthier relationship with food? Absolutely,” she said. “But I also think there are many people who don’t realize how many calories they consume, especially when dining out. It’s a decent starting point for those who aren’t overwhelmed by the details.”
How to Let Go of Obsessing Over Calorie Counts
Since calorie counts are already displayed on many menus, if they’re causing you distress, you might be seeking ways to manage it. Karen Koenig, a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders, suggests shifting focus to other aspects of the meal: “Don’t let the numbers affect your decisions. When I enjoy some dessert tomorrow night, I’ll be focusing on the flavor and how full I feel, not the calories.”
Dr. Harper concurs: “Are you savoring the food? Taking the time to enjoy it? Relishing the shared experience of dining with others? Noticing when you feel full? How does your body feel after eating, and the next day? If we move past the numbers and tune into our bodies, the nourishment and the joy of eating, then things like calorie counts, weight, and size naturally fade into the background.”
You can read the full FDA rule here. It’s a “draft guidance,” meaning it’s open for public comments before becoming official. If you have strong views, make sure to submit them by January 8, 2018.
