Here it is: I eat out at least five times a week. What can I say? I like having my meals fancy-fied, and it's more fun than eating at home in sweatpants.
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I find some solace in knowing that I'm not the world's only restaurant-aholic. In fact, according to United Press International, the average American eats 4.8 restaurant meals per week. That's a lot of moo goo gai pan. I know, I know, it's possible to eat healthy meals for reasonable prices in restaurants. But it's anything but easy. That's because restaurants don't exactly want us to eat healthy meals for reasonable prices.
"The restaurant industry has spent millions of dollars and years of research to understand how it can subliminally get us to order more and eat more," says Erin Palinski, RD, CDE, CPT, a registered dietician and author of "Belly Fat Diet for Dummies." After all, the more you eat, the more money they make.
Turns out I'm a sitting duck for restaurant trickery -- and you are, too. But don't worry -- we uncovered these 10 tricks restaurants use to overfill your belly (and drain your wallet) so that you'll have the facts the next time you go out to eat.
Some restaurants list calorie counts and other nutritional information on their websites, or even right on their menus (in some cities, this is required by law). But that doesn't mean that the numbers listed are necessarily the right numbers. "At Kentucky Fried Chicken, partially hydrogenated oil is listed on the menu ingredient list many times, but KFC claims some of their food -- such as chicken -- have zero grams of trans fat," Palinski says. "According to labeling standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration, a food can be labeled as containing zero grams of trans fats even if it has 0.5 grams of trans fats per serving." In other words: "Zero" doesn't always mean "zero."
In 2008, a class-action lawsuit was brought against Applebee's because the chain was claiming some items on its Weight Watchers menu contained far fewer calories than they actually did. In fact, the foods had twice the amount of calories and eight times the amount of fat. It makes you wonder: Could other restaurants be messing with us when they list "lower calorie" or "lighter fare" options?
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A study by Cornell University found that we end up ordering and eating more at restaurants that we consider healthy. In fact, we consume about 130 percent more calories at these "health food" joints than at restaurants where we consider the food to be bad for us, Palinski says. "This may be because we feel that if we're ordering a healthy entree, we have room to splurge a bit." So even when you're picking a lean, healthy entree, don't overdo it with sides, appetizers, and desserts. And keep an eye out for seemingly healthy dishes, like veggie burgers and sweet potato fries. Depending on how they're cooked, they could be just as fattening as a Big Mac and fries.
Ever notice how, when you go to a fancy restaurant, you'll see something like this on the menu: "Filet Mignon, 54"? Not $54, or $54.00, or even 54 dollars? It's not because the menu maker forgot about currency. Another study by Cornell University found that diners spend less when the word "dollars" or a dollar symbol are used on a menu, says Palinski. By dropping the symbol, restaurants are hoping you'll focus on the food, not the price tag. Now, take an even closer look at the menu. See that picture of the big, juicy steak? It looks delicious -- and it's also probably the most expensive item the restaurant serves. So why'd they choose that particular entree to photograph? Because you're more likely to order a dish when you see a picture of it. Often, the images on restaurant menus are there because these items cost more than anything else. And where is that steak picture located? In a prime spot, of course. Restaurant menus typically feature the most expensive (and rarely the most good-for-you) entrees in the most eye-catching spots: usually on the right-hand side, where you'll notice them, upping the chances that you'll order these dishes and drop more cash.
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It may seem like a good idea to order a combo meal -- hey, pay an extra dollar or two to add a huge drink, chips, and a cookie to go with your sandwich, why not? But Palinski says you'll only end up eating more and not saving much at all. Loading the menu with "meal deals" is a common strategy for fast food places, and for good reason. Most patrons won't take the time to add up the price of each individual item and see which option is cheaper; they assume the deal is in fact a deal. But in reality, you might end up spending more for a combo, and you'll almost certainly consume more calories by adding on a soda and side.
You know how you practically have to shout at some restaurants in order to have a conversation with your date? It's not because the restaurant owners just happen to love Muzak. Studies show the louder the tunes, the more quickly you'll eat -- and the sooner you'll leave. That means a faster turnover and a higher profit for the restaurant. But while you may not even notice how quickly you're throwing back that burger, your belly will suffer. It takes 20 minutes for the "I'm full" signal to get from your stomach to your brain, so those loud tunes mean you're more likely to end up overstuffed.
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Turning up the tunes isn't the only way restaurants try to hustle you out the door. When you're seated, you may find yourself in the awkward middle of the dining room, or perched in uncomfortable chairs. Both of these maneuvers are likely to make you want to shovel in your food more quickly, eating more calories as you go. Remember, if the hostess leads you to a table you're sure you won't enjoy -- like one next to the restroom, for example -- it's OK to request a better location and take your time eating comfortably.
Restaurants like to serve you cocktails before you even crack open your menu. Why? Because alcohol stimulates your appetite. Get your drink on before you order and you're more likely to end up ordering more food -- and probably less-healthy options to quiet your now-growling stomach.
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Restaurants pour big bucks into interior design, and it's not just because they're fans of Martha Stewart. "Pay close attention to the colors of the restaurant's walls, plates, and so on," Palinski says. "Warm colors like red and yellow stimulate the desire to eat."
They Know How to Tempt You
Those red walls aren't the only way restaurants get you to eat more. Here's another example: the dessert tray. If you see the brownie cheesecake topped with whipped cream and four kinds of sauce, you're more likely to order it. So beware of cheese carts and dessert trays, and remember: The samples they're showing you are usually either very old (gross) or very fake (and plastic never tastes good).
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