In a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health (December 2009), Yale researchers tested the effectiveness of menus that included calorie information and also notified customers that the average adult should consume approximately 2,000 calories daily.

In this study, 303 adults were given one of three menus: the first had no labeling at all, the second had calorie information only and the third had calorie information plus the recommended 2,000 calorie daily intake.

The people in the two groups with labeled menus ate about 14% less calories than those that ordered off the menu without any labels. Also, the diners that ordered off the menu with the 2,000 calorie recommendation reported a lower intake of calories over the rest of the day. They ate about 250 calories less than the people in the other 2 groups!

Bottom line: Paying attention to those calories that are listed on the menu can actually help you consume less. Also, it is important to keep in mind the daily 2,000 calorie goal so you can plan your calories accordingly.

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