A new law went into effect this past spring requiring food chains in New York City to post the number of calories in everything on their menu. They also must do it in a legible font size so the information isn’t hidden. Starting Friday, businesses that don’t conform to the law can be fined up to $2,000.

Restaurants are definitely feeling the pressure as customers realize they should think twice about 600 calorie cookies and 1500 calorie salads.

I think it’s a fantastic idea. In recent years, I’ve become a bit obsessive about food labels. I check the fat, sodium, cholesterol, sugar, and all other bad things in everything I pick out at the store. This is my health and I consider it my duty to be aware of everything I eat.

So yeah… people need to be aware of the food they eat in restaurants. And there’s nothing wrong with a 600 calorie cookie if you limit the rest of your sugar intake for the day. I’m a sweet-a-holic. It just requires planning and a conscious effort to be healthy.

The thing that impresses me most is New York City has started the trend. I love New York. It’s such an efficient city. Is it crowded? Yes. Is it busy? Absolutely. But it’s efficient. New Yorkers are smart and they embrace change. I think the new laws will benefit everyone. It’s yet another trend about New York that I wish would catch on down here in the South, where we are notoriously behind the times.

[Photo courtesy of MSNBC]