California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has until October 14 to sign or veto bill SB 120 requiring chain restaurants with 15 or more locations to post calories next to each regular food item on food boards. Hand-out menus would need to include more comprehensive nutritional information.

Just imagine strolling into a McDonalds, looking up at the menu and seeing 1,110 calories posted next to Value Meal #1 -- a Big Mac, large fry and a drink. I won't even count drink calories, assuming you're filling up at the self-serve with diet soda. No wonder the California Restaurant Association is calling its members to pressure the Governor to stamp SB 120 with a big, fat veto.

The chief of the restaurant association says the bill is a "feel-good Band Aid" ignoring true issues underlying obesity. A Sacramento cardiologist says people eat out more and calorie counts are a good thing.

If I were the Governor, I'd sign that bill. It's about time calorie counts stared us right in the face as we crane our necks at the tantalizing food shots on menu boards. Maybe we'll choose the 520 calorie lunch instead -- a Ranch Snack Wrap with Grilled Chicken and a small fry. Would calorie counts modify your order?

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