If you've eaten out this week you might have noticed something different on the menu. Underneath the description in the small print is the number of calories you're scoffing - and it some cases it could come as a shock. A three-course dinner down the pub could add up to more than 3,000 calories - way over the daily recommended 2,000 for a woman and 2,500 for a man.
Nachos weigh in at 783 calories (and that's without any added toppings such as chilli beef); fish and chips racks up a further 1,551 and if you've room for a slice of chocolate fudge cake that's another 684 - a grand total of 3,018 calories. The stark reality might make you lose your appetite. Alternatively, you could have a 'skinny steak' with no chips for 495 calories or a chicken and bacon salad for 458.
This week the Government made it a legal requirement for all restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and takeaways which employ more than 250 staff to show calorie information both on print menus and online - including delivery platforms - in a bid to tackle obesity and encourage diners to make healthier choices.
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When Nottinghamshire Live asked food lovers for their views it promoted a mixed reaction, with some saying it's a good move for those watching their weight - while others would rather eat in "blissful ignorance". Food blogger Marcus Darwent said: "I can see that it is useful if you are considering your calorie intake. Personally, I would like to have the option to see a menu without calories to remain in blissful ignorance when ordering and the option to see one with calories if I wanted it."
Notts TV presenter Al Booth had been planning on having a mixed grill at a Hungry Horse pub but when he saw it was 1,900+ calories, he gave it a swerve. "I had a chicken salad instead. Ignorance is actually bliss," he said. Maurice Moore said: "Going out for a meal is not a regular occurrence for us - it's a special occasion. So we will not be looking at the calorie count, just eat what we want."
Becky Wilson said: "We don't eat out regularly, and we eat a reasonably mixed diet at home, so having the calories rubbed in my face when deciding what to eat isn't appealing at all. Rather than choose something lower calorie, I'm probably just less likely to eat out." Like many, Becky believed the best option would be to have two menus, one with calories and one without - a measure introduced by Wagamama.
The new rules only apply to bigger pub groups, restaurants, coffee shop chains and takeaways in England. Independently-run businesses with a workforce under 250 don't have to give calorie information. It means Nottingham's Kushi-ya, Bar Iberico, Cartwheel Coffee, and your favourite chippies aren't affected but Domino's Pizza, pubs such as the Bell Inn and Slug & Lettuce, Starbucks, chain restaurants like Pizza Express and Gusto Italian now have to reveal the calorie count.
Food bloggers Guys Who Dine commented: "Seeing calories on a menu is new to us as we normally go to independents. We've never really thought about it before as we try and eat healthier foods. If it looks fattening you don't need a menu to tell you that. If we are dining out we just order what looks good and not what's necessarily good for you. It's good for people that are on some sort of diet and need to count what they consume. We're more concerned about the amount of calories we may have had in our drinks now - maybe more than the food!"
Those in favour included Vanessa Booth, of West Bridgford, who has lost 7st 2lbs through Slimming World. She said: "For people who are calorie counting and going out for meals or lunch, when you're checking menus and see how high a lot of the food is it gives that person a choice of whether they would choose that particular food. For me personally checking menus before you get to the restaurant or pub is useful and gives you an idea of what they are offering to see if there’s anything healthier on there and make the right choices. I think it will make people think about what they're going to eat.
Tanya Louise commented: "I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Those that aren’t interested will ignore it anyway, but it’s useful information for those who are perhaps trying to follow a diet for health or medical reasons, but still want to dine out."
Gusto Italian, in Upper Parliament Street, is one of the restaurants now having to show calories. Susie Clark, head of sales and marketing, said: "We added calories to all of our printed menus at Gusto Italian, in line with the new legislation, and introduced this at the same time as launching our new spring menu last week, which includes lighter, seasonal dishes. We’re intrigued to see whether displaying calories on menus changes what our guests order. As a destination for special occasions, we pride ourselves in offering something for everyone, whether you’re calorie conscious or not.”
Pho, which recently opened a Vietnamese restaurant in Carlton Street, Hockley, has teamed up with nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert to advise customers and staff about the pillars of good nutrition and healthy eating - including but not limited to the calorie number.
Hoping to remove anxieties and fears that published calories on a menu can generate, Pho and Rhiannon will work together to communicate the nutritional benefits of dining at Pho.
Rhiannon said: "It is important to remember that calories are not everything when it comes to the food we consume. A number displayed on a menu certainly does not dictate how healthy you are or the quality of your nutrition. What these figures do not take into account is people’s age, size, or physical activity levels, which can greatly influence the amount of calories a person consumes in a day."
Eating disorder charities previously challenged the move, saying evidence shows that including calories causes anxiety and distress for people affected.
Tom Quinn, a spokesman for Beat, said the charity was "extremely disappointed". He added: "We know from the people we support that including calories on menus can contribute to harmful eating disorder thoughts and behaviours worsening, for instance it can increase a fixation on restricting calories for those with anorexia or bulimia, or increase feelings of guilt for those with binge eating disorder. There is also very limited evidence that the legislation will lead to changed eating habits among the general population."
