DINING OUT

Dining out is one of America's favorite past times. Unfortunately, due to the large portion sizes and high fat content of our favorite meals, restaurant food is directly contributing to America's ever expanding waistline. Thankfully, the government is taking measures to address this outrageous epidemic and is helping teach people how to choose healthy meals when dining out at their favorite restaurants.

MENU LABELING LAW

Phase 1 - July 2009

• Restaurants that utilize menu boards must provide brochures that detail the calories, saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrates for each standard menu item.
• Sit-down restaurants must also provide the same nutritional information in any of the following ways: on brochure at the table, on a menu next to each standard menu item, on a menu insert, or on a table tent on the table.
• Drive-thru windows must notify customers at the point-of-sale that nutritional information is available upon request.

Phase 2 - January 2011

• The law will become more stringent in regards to where and how restaurants post the nutritional information
• For food establishments that are quick-serve, they must display the nutrition information on a place card inside the pastry case.

Large Chain Restaurants with Nutrition Information on the Menu -
A helpful list everyone should have.

Designs for Dining Out
Here are our tips for a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.