Restaurant Food Has Up To 200% More Calories Than Advertised

[onehandle]

Dieters can't believe everything they read: The food at many popular chain restaurants and in the freezer section of the supermarket may contain a lot more calories than advertised.

A study of 10 chain restaurants, including Wendy's and Ruby Tuesday, found that the number of calories in 29 meals or other menu items was an average of 18 percent higher than listed.

And frozen supermarket meals from Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers, Healthy Choice and South Beach Living had 8 percent more calories than the labels said, according to the study, published in this month's Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

The researchers and other experts aren't accusing restaurants and food companies of trying to deceive customers. They said most of the discrepancies can be explained by variations in ingredients, portion sizes and testing methods. For example, the teenager behind the counter might have put too much mayonnaise on one sandwich.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/11/restaurant-food-has-up-to_n_419178.html

File this under 'no kidding.' I've know this for years.

Sauces, dressings, cheese... Get them on the side.

[Jennicut]

1. That is really hard for someone who relies on the exact calorie and carb count

on every label. I have to count my carbs and calories every day as I am a diabetic. It is necessary to know how much insulin I need to use at mealtimes. I don't go out to restaurants often to begin with (can't eat any of it).

[gristy]

2. The fact that some food has "up to" 200% more calories is not of particular interest

The that fact that on average, the calorie count is 8% to 18% higher is more interesting.

[endless october]

3. those numbers need to be more accurate.

a lot of us depend on those numbers to make daily food choices.

[Danger Mouse]

4. Isn't that false advertising, then?