1. Personally I do believe that restauarants should insert calorie content on their menus because it will actually be more beneficial for the consumer to be able to choose what is good for them. Especially if someone is trying to maintain or manage their weight, not seeing the amount of calories for specfic meals could make it difficult. For me at least I like to calculate what I’m eating throughout the day so I can figure out what my calorie intake is for that day. I usually aim to eat between 1500-2000 calories daily; considering I’m partaking in a calorie deficit, but it usually throws me off, especially if my family is out to eat, or we’re ordering take out, it’s really hard to figure out what to order considering I base it off of what I like to eat, and how many calories are in that specific meal so it can fit within my regulated calorie intake. But usually when we are planning on ordering out or eating out, I don’t usually eat that much, or at least try not to and eat basic things that’ll hold me over like eggs and toast until we go out to eat so I don’t have to stress over figuring out what I’m ordering. But that’s an example of what an individual wouldn’t have to endure if they were watching their calorie intake in hopes to lose, or maintain weight. Also, for those with underlying issues such as diabetes, or someone who is on a prescribed diet due to their current weight, it’s harder considering that they’re monitoring their calorie intake for their overall health. For an individual with diabetes, they really need to watch their calorie intake considering food consumption usually correlates with blood glucose levels. Without an indication on the calorie intake for specific meals, or dishes, it’ll make it difficult for that person to monitor, or maintain their calorie intake, increasing their blood glucose levels. Therefore, if restauarants began to include calorie content in their menus for their dishes, I feel as though that would have an impact on what someone orders at a restauarant. 

2. I do believe that restaurants should absolutely have to post information regarding sodium content directly on their menus. Calorie content is important; however, a consumer should also be aware of sodium content as well. Not only would it be helpful for the general public to know what the daily recommended intake of sodium should be, but it could also help for those individuals that may be on a specific diet for health reasons as well. I currently work in a rehab facility conducting clinical research regarding stroke patients. Currently, the American Heart Association recommends that both Heart Attack and Stroke patients should adhere to a low sodium diet of less than 2.4g of sodium per day. Having the total sodium content directly on the menu can help cardio and cerebrovascular patients make better, more informed choices on their food while out to eat. It will also take the risk out of patients consuming too much sodium on accident, further putting them at risk for a later event. For me personally, if this information is on the menu, it would make me think twice about what I’m ordering, or even allow me to make decisions based on balancing what to order compared to what I have already had to eat that day. Generally speaking, I feel as if the average human has an “out of sight out of mind” mentality. So if when you went out to eat and each time there was the exact break down of what each dish contains, it may make someone second guess ordering. I’m sure there have been plenty of instances when I ordered a dish out at a restaurant and one single meal contained over the daily recommended allowance of sodium. However, if I saw the comparison right in front of me, I absolutely would consider choosing a different dish.

3. I definitely think that calorie content and other health information should be on every menu in every restaurant and it would most definitely impact what I choose to order. This is something I have thought a lot about every now and then, and the fact that the United States is in the top 20 of the most obese countries in the world is not shocking. When you google “American Diet” the pictures you’ll see are of burgers, fries, milkshakes, pizza, donuts, and more. It is absolutely crazy to see how realistic and normalized this is because in every mile of every town there’s a McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and even restaurants that are not considered fast food. It is also alarming that this kind of unhealthy and balanced diet starts at such a young age and continues into adulthood. According to Block and Roberto, “providing consumers with calorie information could increase awareness of food choices in the midst of an environment that often undermines healthy decisions through constant access to and promotion of unhealthy foods.” I truly believe that providing people nutritional information on menus can make a big difference. Before someone starts a diet, sometimes they’re shocked at how much carbs, or salt there is in foods they can no longer eat, and that changes their perspective and helps them make better choices. I think that menu labeling in every restaurant should be a legal requirement and I’m actually surprised that until now it isn’t. There are shows about people who are over 600+ pounds, and even a show about sisters that weigh a total of 1000pounds. The menu labeling will not completely solve the problem, but I do think it can help many people who are trying to cut back and be healthier. 

4. I believe that it’s good to have an idea of what you are eating and how many calories, carbs, fats, protein, sodium, or other nutrients you’re taking in one meal. Yes, if a restaurant would start putting nutritional information on the menu, it will impact my order or decision and I will order accordingly. The main thing with putting nutritional information on the menu is customers would know what they’re eating or how many calories they are taking in for the day or for one meal.  It is also about consciousness about the nutrients intake, it will help customers to choose the right meal for them and help them intake required calories or nutrients per meal. People with diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, gastrointestinal, or obesity will have an idea of what nutrients their meal is including and how they can select the right meal accordingly. By putting the nutritional information on the menu it will help prevent obesity at some point.