As an informed restaurant owner, you can help customers make healthier choices and still enjoy the convenience of a restaurant. Here are a few tips you can pass on to your patrons when they order:
Watch your salt. Restaurant food often tends to be very high in sodium, a major contributor to high blood pressure. Ask if they prefer less salt or suggest different spices on the meal.
Buffets. Your guests most likely overeat to get their money’s worth. If you do choose to offer buffet dining, opt for fresh fruits, salads with olive oil & vinegar or low-fat dressings, broiled entrees and steamed vegetables. Resist the temptation to promote “all you can eat’ signs, or suggest they enjoy themselves and wait at least 20 minutes after eating to make sure they’re really still hungry before going back for more.
Eat Mindfully. Make Healthy Suggestions: Ask patrons to pay attention to the flavors and savor each bite. Don’t rush! Take time to enjoy the food more thoroughly and avoid eating on the run. Being mindful also means stopping before you feel bloated and overly full. It takes time for our bodies to register that we have eaten. Mindful eating relaxes, so you digest better, and makes you feel more satisfied…and satisfied is what you want of all your patrons.
Remember the big picture. Think of eating out in the context of a whole diet. Ask if this is a special occasion, or if they want to order a favorite meal when they sit down. Planning a little bit ahead can help guests relax and enjoy their dining out experience while maintaining good nutrition and diet control. And since you have assisted, they will come again.