When we go out to eat, not only do we study the menu to see what looks appetizing, but many of us eye the listing of calories before ordering. Well, according to a new study in the "Journal of the Medical Association," nearly one in five of the food chain menu items tested by researchers had at least 100 calories more than they say they do.
The study, conducted by researchers at Tufts University in Boston, evaluated 269 items from 42 restaurants ranging from fast-food to sit- down establishments in three different states. Researchers took the foods back to a lab and calculated the calories. Big surprise: It was often the lowest calorie foods like soups and salads that had the biggest discrepancy. Plus, sit-down restaurants were more likely than fast-food places to offer misinformation.
One of the big reasons there are errors in sit-down may be portion size. If chefs are a bit too generous with salad dressing or the size of the soup bowl, the calorie count can get distorted. Fast food restaurants, on the other hand, are portioned out in factories. For example, a Mexican sit- down restaurant chain, Chipotle, miscalculated the calories in a burrito rice bowl by over 700 calories.
What can you do if you’re watching your weight? Stick to foods that you know are healthy like fruits vegetables and lean meats. And if you suspect a low calorie count is too good to be true, trust your gut. Chances are you’re right.
