The United States is considered one of the most obese countries in the world. Our portion sizes are out of control and we have more weight related health conditions than anywhere else. Although there are higher percentages of obesity, the country is making efforts to change this. Many organizations and even individual restaurants are attempting to do their part in controlling weight and eating habits. As a restaurant owner, what are some things that you can do to help out the countries obesity problem, without also alienating your customers?
Include calorie counts on menus
A common cause of obesity is lack of education. Many children are brought up never learning about healthier food choices. They may make their eating choices based on what they think is healthier, but this is not always the case. Including calorie counts on the menu can help customers make better dietary choices. In fact, many states across the country have already implemented these changes. Whether you are ordering micro green varieties or an ice cream dessert, you have easy access to the calorie counts.
Increase healthy food items
Not only is important to increase the amount of healthy food items on your menu, such as micro green varieties, but it is also important to increase the specific healthy ingredients of those foods that are already considered to be healthy. If you provide customers with a salad option, that salad should include the best vegetables and micro herbs. Microgreens are generally rated on a scale ranged from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). A marketability threshold is 3 and up (on the visual quality scale). A rating of less than three designates an unmarketable product. Always aim for the highest number range. Adding microgreens to salads can significantly increase the health factors of that meal.
Follow all food safety and storage recommendations
Usually, food regulations are designed to prevent the growth of bacteria and food borne illnesses. Proper food safety and storage can also keep the healthy ingredients fresh in certain dishes. For best results, micro green varieties should be stored at an optimal temperature of 4 degrees Celsius or 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The fresher that these healthy ingredients are kept, the more health benefits that they provide to the customer who chooses to consume them.
Make minimal changes, when possible
Many would argue that replacing a piece of chocolate cake with a salad is a major change and does not satisfy the sweet tooth the same. However, minor changes can increase the healthiness of a meal, without affecting its overall flavor. Serving cake with edible flowers contains a lot of sugar and fat contents. Turning those edible blossoms into edible organic microgreen seeds is unlikely to be noticed as much. There are perhaps 100 types of common garden flowers that are both edible and palatable. This minor change can make a slice of chocolate cake a little bit healthier.
Provide health restriction alternatives
Some food choices are not only bad for customers, but also produce allergic reactions. Some of the most common food allergies include dairy, nuts, and specific food colorings. People who have allergic reactions to specific food items may rarely eat out, for fear of coming into contact with that food item. Always provide alternative choices and take special care in serving that food. Change your gloves, prepare it away from the other food items, and keep it separate from all cooking devices. Offer items like micro green varieties to create a complete meal.
The US has exceedingly high rates of obesity and weight related health problems. Restaurant owners rarely make food choices based on these high rates, instead, attempting to cater to those who enjoy larger meals. You can still profit off the countries? enjoyment of eating, while still doing your part in controlling weight. Include calorie information on all menus, increase healthy food choices and provide alternative options for restrictions, make minimal changes to common food items, and properly store all food items.