Obesity Rates Up in 37 States: Report - US News and World Report
At least 20% of adults are obese in every state except Colorado

photo credit: David Boyle

Their use of PDF files notwithstanding, KFC has actually done a pretty good job of providing resources such as dietetic substitutions and information about food allergies. It is one of the better corporate sites I have found for providing nutrition information.

I have to give Baskin Robbins credit. They aren’t shy about publishing nutritional information about their irresistible flavors and treats. While some companies (we’re talking about you, Chipotle), resist providing nutrition information when asked for it, Baskin Robbins makes it available to everyone- even if you don’t ask for it.

I’m not sure I really want to know that the ever-so-tasty Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup sundae has 1,430 calories! If I eat the whole thing, I basically have to drink water the rest of the day… and the next. 36g (180% DV) of saturated fat isn’t good for anybody. On the other hand, it does have 30% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin A, which has many benefits.

All is not lost, however. You can get 70% of your daily dose of calcium just by finishing an entire 24 oz. shake. Like Vitamin A, Calcium has many benefits too.
If you’re like me, and enjoy an occasional Baskin Robbins frozen ice cream treat, you can’t go wrong with a dish of the classic Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. At a measly 150 calories, this frozen treat is sure to delight all members of the family, unless you’re on the Atkins diet (32g of carbs).

Baskin-Robbins Your Neighborhood Ice Cream Store

photo credit: russelljsmith

A new study conducted by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA) suggests calorie information alone won’t curb our fast food appetite. Their research has shown that people who live in neighborhoods with an abundance of fast-food restaurants have higher obesity rates than people who live in areas more supermarkets and produce vendors. Now, this seems kind of obvious, but it is an interesting look at just how important knowing the caloric value of a meal really is.

However, the study didn’t look at income or education differences between the groups. Without knowing exactly what neighborhoods were surveyed, I’d guess that the neighborhoods with more fast-food places and convenience stores were less affluent than neighborhoods with health food stores and supermarkets.

Many studies have shown that people with lower incomes tend to eat more processed foods than people with higher incomes who can afford “luxuries” such as fresh fruits and veggies. Click the link below to read more about the study.

Marketplace: Do calories count with fast food?

photo credit: lordspudz

Health.com has put together their collection of the healthiest restaurants. Their list just includes fast-food joints, but it has some helpful information anyway. Thankfully, the place above did not make their list.

I’d like to the list expanded to include casual dining restaurant, but maybe that’s something that I’ll have to do.

The Healthiest Fast-Food Restaurants - Health.com