Last week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a document with the catchy title of “Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding the Effect of Section 4205 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 on State and Local Menu and Vending Machine Labeling Laws.”

It may not be readily apparent from the long name, but this non-binding guidance comprises the next step toward calorie labeling at restaurants, which was part of the big health care act passed last Spring. So how will it work? Those who will need to inform us of the calories in their standard food offerings include:

• Any chain restaurant with more than 20 locations, on menus.

• Cafeterias, next to self-serve items.

• Vending machines (from chain operators) on items where the info can’t be seen before purchase.

These same food-sellers are also supposed to give us context for these calorie counts, by reminding us of what health experts recommended for a day’s worth of calories. I’m not big on counting nutrients and calories, myself – food is meant to be enjoyed, not calculated – but everyone would benefit from having a good idea of their daily calorie needs.

I checked out a calorie counter on the Mayo Clinic’s website. You start by answering just a few basic questions, since everyone’s calorie needs are different. Age: 58; gender: female; height 5’ 5”; weight: 125; activity level: somewhat active. Submit. Turns out I need about 1650 calories a day to maintain my weight. Let’s see… one chain’s popular cinnamon roll is 880 calories –more than half my calories for the day, in just one item. Or, I could stop at another chain for breakfast and choose their Grand Slamwich with hash browns, at 1530 calories – and still have enough calories left over for a large apple, which I could split between lunch and dinner.

Or, I could have a big bowl of oatmeal with banana for breakfast (245 calories); a turkey sandwich with mustard and lettuce on whole grain bread, a cup of lentil soup, and fruit salad for lunch (470 calories); and whole wheat pasta with veggies and marinara sauce, a mixed green salad with olive oil and vinegar, a glass of red wine, and a half cup of sorbet for dinner (960 calories) – for a day-long total of 1650 calories on the nose. (And guess which approach will keep you full and satisfied longer?)

You get the idea. Once you know the total calories you need to get through the day without packing it on your hips, those calorie counts on individual foods have a lot more meaning.

While you’re checking out the calorie counts on menu boards and cafeteria hot tables, look for the Whole Grains Council’s own Whole Grain Menu Symbol, pictured above. Food outlets working with the WGC can display the Menu Symbol on any food offering at least half a serving (8g) of whole grains per portion. While the Menu Symbol is not yet in wide use, we’re getting new inquiries about this consumer-friendly tool every week, as people everywhere begin to focus on choosing quality over quantity when it comes to the foods they invite into their bodies.

Whole Grains Month starts in just two more days. Look for whole grains everywhere you eat, and if you don’t find ‘em – Just Ask for Whole Grains until every restaurant and cafeteria realizes that there are armies of us out here, looking for whole grain choices. (Cindy)