Put colorful vegetables and fruits front and center and allow your customers to put dressings and toppings on the side. Some other great alternatives for creating a more healthful menu also include:
• Pico de gallo or guacamole
• Black or pinto beans
• Skinless fish, chicken or lean meat
• Side salad or baked potatoes
• Fruit-based desserts or fresh fruit
• Poached, baked, steamed, roasted, sautéed or grilled foods
• Whole grain pasta, rice or bread
• Salad bar, light menus and a la carte items
• Light sauces with wine, vinegar, spices and herb
HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES
Many operators are kicking off the new year by highlighting healthful foods like low-carb, diet-centric LTOs. To help your customers maintain a healthy diet and get through the things they need to do every day, Affinity Group has put together a list of ideas that will help you serve up delicious and nutritious meals.
Healthy Menu Creations
OFFER PLANT-FORWARD DISHES
Introducing plant-based menu items makes sense; if your restaurant can rise to meet the growing demand for vegan alternatives, you’ll cater to a wider market. And that means a greater market share and a better bottom line. Start looking at plant-based healthy menu creations as an opportunity to flex your creative muscles, and it will suddenly becomes less of a chore.
Highlight the Healthier Choices on Your Menu
Empty calories come in the form of drinks such as soda, sugary cocktails or sweet tea. Not only are these drinks high in sugar content but also in calories. Instead, put 100 percent juices, spritzers, seltzer, diet soda front and center on your menu. Adding symbols and keywords on your menus that contain nutritional information also makes it easier for customers to make a healthy choice.
BUILD A BRIDGE TO HEALTHY CHOICES
When their lives get busy, it’s important to remember your customers turn to you for quick, on-the-go food options that keep them going. Helping them stay healthy by putting convenient, yet still nutritious meals on your menu will be a great way to build both loyalty and create a positive reputation for your business.
