Ever since manufacturers began posting nutritional information on their products, I have found myself using this to make both purchasing and dining choices.

When I was ready to rip open a big new bag of M&Ms (just needed some chocolate right now!), I glanced at the number of servings per bag, and then the calories.  It is no surprise anymore than what I consider a normal snack serving is usually two, three or even four servings.  What is recommended as one serving seems like hardly anything.  Then, if you look at the calories per serving, the amount of fat or sodium -- wow! -- seems like we're existing on nothing but air.

Well, that's not really true, but it does adjust one's eating habits.  It's all about eating sensibly, and not going overboard on any one item, like emergency candy rations. I plan a little more carefully these days, especially since it's still chilly winter, and I can't be outdoors and as active as I like to be. So I work those snack servings into my daily menu plan. That way, I'm not going overboard on my treats, yet still allowing those little pleasures into my daily diet. It's all about balance.

Do you like the nutritional posting on products? What about at fast food restaurants?  Does it make you change what you planned to eat? For me, it definitely does. I am more often than not surprised by this information, and adjust accordingly. On the other hand, there are days when you just need to eat half the bag of M&Ms.  You just do.