| In recent years, more people have become aware of | | | | of pomegranate has significantly increased in |
| the health implications as a result of a poor diet and | | | | restaurants. It is rich in antioxidants, and also has a |
| lack of exercise, and are embracing a healthier lifestyle. | | | | delicious tangy taste. Other antioxidant foods that are |
| People are now are choosing to eat foods that are | | | | being used more in restaurants include: red wine, |
| healthy and nutritious. Many consumers are becoming | | | | blueberry, dark chocolate, organic tea such as green |
| pickier about what restaurants they dine due to health | | | | tea, cranberry, acai berry, and much more. |
| concerns. Restaurants are recognizing these demands | | | | Consumers are not only cutting down on the amount |
| by providing more nutritious dishes on their menu. | | | | of unhealthy food they eat, they are also cutting down |
| These healthy options are important to consumers | | | | on the quantity of food they eat. Many people feel that |
| when picking a restaurant to dine. | | | | restaurants tend to give them too much food on their |
| According to the National Restaurant Association and | | | | plates. Restaurants have noticed that a lot of their |
| Mintel reports, "72 percent of adults are trying to eat | | | | meals are being returned with some of it uneaten or |
| more healthfully than two years ago." Consumers are | | | | taken home in doggie bags. As a result, they are now |
| now looking for nutritious meals that are not fried, and | | | | offering much smaller size portions. |
| are rich in antioxidants and vitamin, and are high in | | | | Fast food restaurants are also jumping on the health |
| Omega-3 fatty acids. Meals that are low in fat and | | | | meal bandwagon by adding healthy foods to their |
| calories have become popular among consumers. As | | | | menu. Instead of finding only fried burgers and French |
| well, heart healthy foods that are low in salt and sugar | | | | fries, one can now find such healthy alternatives as |
| are important to restaurant goers. Foods that are high | | | | salads, carrot sticks, fruit, veggie burgers, and fries, |
| in ingredients that reduce the risk of disease such as | | | | cooked in canola oil instead of animal fat, and much |
| cancer and diabetes are also popular. | | | | more. They even offer healthy desserts such as |
| Many restaurants are now offering dishes that include | | | | yogurt with berries and granola sprinkled on top. |
| fish such as salmon because it is rich in Omega- 3 | | | | Consumers are now realizing that obesity is an |
| fatty acids. The meals are prepared in ways that | | | | epidemic with a broad range of health implications. |
| provide less fat such as Trans-fat, but still retain the | | | | Healthy menu options are becoming increasingly |
| flavor that customers love. As well, restaurants are | | | | important to consumers. As they embrace a healthier |
| including healthy ingredients such as a variety of nuts | | | | diet and lifestyle, restaurants are adapting to the |
| and fruit with their meals to increase the nutritional | | | | change by offering meals that meet each customer's |
| value of the dishes, but also enhance the flavor of the | | | | healthy diet preferences. Those restaurants who offer |
| meal. | | | | healthy alternatives are seeing an increase in attracting |
| Restaurants are now adding healthy ingredients to | | | | and retaining customers. |
| their sauces, glazes, and vinegar. For instance, the use | | | | |