The new menus miraculously appeared in franchises across Ontario.
Beside the large, colourful pictures of oozing cheese, juicy steaks and golden fries, most of Ontario's franchise menus now have a series of numbers squeezed in beside the prices.
We now all know how many calories are in that Shared Appetizer Platter that we usually order on a Friday night or the pound of wings that we thought of as a late-night snack to go alongside a pint of beer.
For some, it doesn't mean much (if you don't understand what the numbers mean - or don't care) - but for others, it was a wake-up call.
It is easy to tell yourself that you skipped breakfast today so you can enjoy your 3-course dinner that night.
Excuses don't always work anymore. And we can't go backwards now.
So, they are here and we need to learn how to read them...so here are some notes...
- Soups and salads are usually the lowest calories choices. If you are looking for a go-to section of the menu to distract you from the higher-calorie choices farther into the menu, start there. Ask about the sizes of the dishes, as well, as you may be surprised that the soup or salad is large enough for your lunch - or too big as a starter for your entrée for dinner.
- Keep an eye on serving sizes mentioned. Some menus list a calorie amount "per serving" - but then mentions "2 servings" beside it. This suggests that the calorie count listed is what you would consume if you shared HALF of the dish that is served. Normally eat the spinach dip on your own? Take that number and double it.
- Watch for calorie ranges. A burger or other dish with toppings and other accompaniments will normally have a calorie range listed beside it. This means that if you ordered the burger or entrée completely plain (no toppings) but with standard sides as listed, you can use the lower number in the range. If you added the most high calorie toppings and side option, you will reach the higher calorie number.
- Don't forget about beverages! Cocktails, juices, wine, beer, fancy coffee drinks and all beverages are also now listed with their calorie counts. You may think again about that second margarita now (or not). 😉
- Enjoy every bite! If you are treating yourself to a meal outside the home and the labour of your kitchen, go ahead and order what makes you happy. Just use the old stand-by rules of reducing your overall intake by sharing dishes, packing up half for later or asking for sauces and toppings on the side. You can even ask the kitchen to reduce the amount of butter, oil or other calorie-laden fats where they can.
The menus have been changed for a couple of weeks now (or longer for some franchises) and after speaking with many servers throughout Greater Sudbury, the response has been varied with their customers. Some have admitted that the calorie counts affect their order and others say they "don't really care".
Here are three (3) of my favourite lower-calorie dishes that I have been enjoying for my business lunches (here in Greater Sudbury) over the last couple of weeks...
- French Onion Soup - just about anywhere who has it. It is warm and filling and has a low enough calorie count that I can allow myself a glass of white wine alongside it. Shoeless Joe's, Milestones, Fionn MacCool's and The Keg carry one on their menu...and many other franchises, I'm sure.
- Milestones Roasted Mushroom Soup. It has a peppery bite and it is rich enough to make you think that it is NOT good for you. I have heard that groups of local construction workers regularly show up there for lunch - just for that soup! (And you can sub in the soup as a starter for your weekend brunch, too!)
- Fionn MacCool's Shepherd's Pie Mini Yorkies. Four mini yorkshire puddings filled with a ground beef mixture, mashed potato and cream corn - and its an appetizer! Sounds too good to be true, but it is only 330 calories.
...as for entrées - surprisingly - steak and fries on many menus are a lower calorie option that most other choices - except for fish and rice options.
Since I eat out so often, I am now committed to eating lower calorie dishes for the weekdays and allow myself one night out of "whatever I am craving".
I, may, however, just force myself to take some of it home for lunch the next day.
