Do you really make the best choices when you dine out?? Those of us who try to eat healthy often do so by avoiding large chain restaurants.? Not only is the fat and calorie content of fast food very high, but many times the food just doesn't taste good.? So, if you're like me, you prefer to spend your money at locally owned bistros and cafes where the food at least looks like it's healthier.? But is it?? If weight loss is your goal, it might not be.
New Research Investigates Small Restaurants
A new study published yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Association evaluated the calorie content of 157 meals served at independent and small chain restaurants.? Researchers targeted these smaller restaurants in particular because large chain and fast food restaurants are now providing calorie information due to increased pressure from consumers and legislation.? These larger establishments have gotten significant criticism for serving meals that are too high in fat and calories.? But smaller restaurants are off the hook when it comes to providing nutritional information.? So are the calorie counts any better?? Apparently not.
Researchers found that the average meal from these smaller restaurants contained 1327 calories or 66% of typical daily energy requirements.? In addition, the calorie counts of those meals were 49% greater (on average) than those of popular meals from the largest national chain restaurants.? Yikes!? I don't know about you, but this almost makes me want to run to Applebees.? Almost.
Why Visit Small Local Restaurants?
Of course, there are other reasons to visit small cafes and bistros in your area.? The food quality is probably better, it feels good to support small business and the atmosphere is generally more relaxing.? In addition, you may have more success if you want to tailor you meal to meet your own health needs and dietary requirements.? But if you are trying to lose weight, don't be fooled into thinking that your local mom and pop shop is necessarily better.? In some cases, it may be doing more harm than good.
Trying to find healthy fast food?
(photo source: gleangenie/morguefile)
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