Chain restaurants in NYC with 15+ locations have been required to post calorie counts for a while now, and other cities and states are following suit, including California. The debate has been whether or not this blatant "calories in your face" approach will work or will people just ignore it.

A new survey out has answered that question and the great news is that it indeed affects the way people are eating:

Technomic found that 86 percent of New York City restaurant-goers were surprised by the calorie count information now listed on menus or menu boards, with 90 percent of them claiming that the calorie count was higher than expected. As a consequence, 82 percent say that calorie disclosure is affecting what they order and 60 percent say it is affecting where they visit. The researchers also found evidence that suggests a high level of consumer support for mandated disclosure of fat and sodium content in restaurant foods.

It is not suprising to me that 90% of consumers didn't realize how many calories some of the menu items contained, when you dont know exactly what is in something or how it is prepared calories can really add up without you being aware of it. The survey also found that consumers are increasingly wanting more healthy menu options. Hopefully this is the catalyst the restaraunt industry needs to focus more on nutrition. They can still have those ridiculous 2,000 calorie oreo cookie shakes, but they should also have healthy menu items to chose from as well.

And speaking of calorie counts on menus, you still have to search to find that information in California, but the folks from Eat this, Not That have helped with their list of meals you can get at fast food restaraunts for under 500 calories. Good to know when you are rushed for time, don't have much money and don't want your waistband expanding.