Indiana

Counting Calories

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

On most days I’m not a big fan of excessive government regulation, however this is one of those times when the regs don’t really bother me and in fact might actually do some good.

Under the new health care law restaurants with more than 20 chains must disclose the number of calories in the food they serve.  Now before some of you yell and scream that this totally smacks of of fascism and socialism, I ask you to take a deep breath and relax.

There is nothing wrong with giving consumers information so they can make more informed decisions and exercise a little personal responsibility.   I decided to get healthy this year and have dropped about 25 pounds since January.  And my long term goal is to get back to what I weighed when I graduated college which is 205.  I have about 12-15 pounds to go by May 23.  Having the calorie information in front of me makes a world of difference, primarily because I’m on the go and eat out a lot. For someone of my height, build and exercise activity I need about 2,300 calories a day.  And it’s amazing how that can add up real quick by 3 p.m.

Now I will gladly admit that when the federal government starts mandating certain foods have a certain amount of calories, we’ve got an issue.  But giving consumers information so they can make an informed choice is not some draconian measure.  It’s no different than having a bar put up a sign and let patrons know whether it is smoking or non-smoking and letting them make their own decision.

Now I have to work out.  Got a goal to reach by May!

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on March 30, 2010 (boomark / email).