Well-Ahead Louisiana, restaurants work to provide healthy dining options

METAIRIE — The Louisiana Restaurant Association and Well-Ahead Louisiana are joining efforts to help state residents live healthier lifestyles by offering healthier options on restaurant menus, according to the LRA news release.
“Louisiana is renowned for its food and culture. Unfortunately, we also have the highest obesity rates in the nation and lead the nation in other preventable chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” said Melissa R. Martin, Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion director. “In a time when Americans are eating out more than ever, this partnership with LRA is an opportunity to help residents make smarter and healthier food choices.”
Offering healthier options benefits restaurants, too, as many consumers become more health conscious.
One way restaurants can make a difference is by seeking designation as a Well-Ahead Well-Spot. Designation is achieved by meeting wellness benchmarks that include offering and promoting healthy menu options, offering healthy options on the children’s menu and including low-fat milk or water as the default beverage, and accommodating dietary restrictions.
“As Louisianans come to rely on restaurants for more of their meals, and health and wellness is a concern for much of our population, we encourage restaurants to take advantage of the free resources available through Well-Ahead Louisiana,” said Stan Harris, Louisiana Restaurant Association president and CEO. “Nearly 70 restaurants across Louisiana have already been designated as WellSpots, offering their customers a variety of menu options to aid them in making healthy food choices.”
To become a WellSpot, restaurant owners can visit wellaheadla.com and click ‘become a WellSpot.’ The website will then provide a Well-Ahead team member to assist the restaurant in meeting the benchmarks and becoming designated.
Residents who want to be more health-conscious when eating out should ask restaurants about healthy menu options, as some options may not be listed on the regular menu. Residents can also search the WellSpot network for designated restaurants near them.
According to the news release, the Louisiana Restaurant Association is one of the largest business organizations in the state, representing restaurant operations and related businesses. The restaurant industry in Louisiana is the state’s largest private employer, providing jobs to more than 200,000 residents, the news release claims. Restaurants in Louisiana are expected to generate sales of $8.9 billion in 2017. For up-to-date news about the LRA and restaurant industry visit www.lra.org.
Well-Ahead Louisiana is an initiative started by the Louisiana Department of Health aimed at improving the health and wellness of Louisiana residents. The program promotes and recognizes smart choices in the spaces and places Louisianans live and work every day that make it easier for all to live healthier lives, from going tobacco-free to ensuring healthy lunch options or supporting workplace fitness programs. To learn more, visit www.wellaheadla.com.