(Image: PolicyMic )

 

BY KERRY LEARY

 

ANCHOR JASMINE BAILEY

 

McDonald’s customers throughout the United States may think twice about ordering that Big Mac meal starting Monday. The fast food chain will begin posting calorie information on restaurant and drive-thru menus next week.

So, instead of going online to check out the 770 calories an angus mushroom and swiss burger has...
... or maybe that juicy McRib is your weakness... which has 500 if you’re curious. Or how about the the sausage, egg and cheese mcgriddle ... it has 560 calories.

According to the New York Times, research shows people will still eat what they want despite seeing the calories beforehand. A writer for the Los Angeles Times points out , some consumers may not be ready to face reality.

 

“We buy the part about healthful dietary options. But do you really want to know the cold-hard facts about fast-food calories? Or do you just want to eat those french fries in peace?”

Maybe ignorance is dietary bliss.  But as ABC’s Jim Avila reports, some consumers are happy to have more information.

“They’re being upfront about their ingredients and stuff and i think thats kinda important to have that visibility in what you’re eating. rare praise for mcdonalds  from those in the nutrition world traditionally critical of the company.”

McDonalds also unveiled some healthier menu options this week -- including seasonal fruits and vegetables and an egg white Mcmuffin. A writer for Policy Mic thinks the new information is a step in the right direction, but...

“The appearance of calorie information on the menus of McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants should not be misconstrued as a radical change in the business model of the American burger joint. They still exist to serve food that tastes good and is light on the wallet and the watch if not the waistline.”

California, New York and Philadelphia already require the posting of caloric information on menus at restaurants with more than 20 locations. Due to Federal Health Reform, the rest of the nation will join the trend soon too. No exact timeline has been given.