What about that Chef's Salad?

FDA to require consumers be given nutritional information

Even the popcorn stand.

Even booze.

Portion sizes for some very popular foods have about doubled in the last twenty years, with the calorie load of a typical order rising more or less that same amount.

Portion distortion

Enter, an epidemic of obesity at all ages, accompanied by epidemic Type II diabetes and other health problems directly traceable to weight.

This is by no means only an American problem, but this is a step toward an American solution.

The rules will take effect a year from now, and in the meantime will face a slew of legal and political challenges.

Expect the right to shout "Totalitarianism! Dictatorship!"

The Heritage Foundation yesterday described the new rules as "A shocking power grab that ignored the plain language of the law," says The Times.

But not everybody on the right feels quite that way.

This morning on his show Joe Scarborough seemed on board.

Menu labeling became a legal requirement as part of the Obamacare package in 2010, aka The Affordable Care Act.

The FDA has been working on final regulations since then, held up constantly by fierce opposition from pizza chains and theaters.

Almost there, now.

By the way, Tom Harkin, who was involved in drafting this part of the ACA, says the regulations "closely mirror our intent."

7 changes to expect with the new calorie label law

By the way, the average woman should eat around 2,000 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight and stay healthy, all around.

For men, kick that up to about 2,200 calories.

Per day, not per meal.

Think of that when you're considering a Whopper (650 calories), small fries (238 calories), and Pepsi (140 calories) for lunch (1,028 calories, total).

Maybe you should have their Caesar with grilled chicken and dressing (450 calories) and maybe a roll.

And instead of their cinnamon roll for breakfast (300 calories) you might settle for an English Muffin (140 calories).

Guess it depends on what you plan to have for supper.

Or after supper.

Just a thought.