by Jason Foscolo
The American Academy of Pediatrics published a study of physical activity calorie equivalent labeling (PACE) as a possible strategy to encourage parents to order meals with fewer calories and promote physical activity. PACE labeling would show for example that 1 burger equals so many minutes on a treadmill. Parents surveyed reported that they were more likely to encourage their kids to exercise if menus had PACE labeling for each item. They were also likely to order fewer calories, too.
I’d propose that in addition, the label also calculate how long it would take to burn-off the food if the kid were to remain absolutely motionless, which seems to be the natural state of kids these days. I’m not being cynical – the comparison between active and passive calorie expenditure would make poor menu choices even more stark when compounded by other lifestyle choices.
