New Resource Unveils Hundreds of ‘Sodium Savvy'’ Restaurant Choices Nationwide
HealthyDiningFinder. com launches new feature to help diners find lower sodium Healthy Dining menu selections, from fast food to upscale
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) December 8, 2010
Until now, finding lower sodium restaurant meals has been challenging. California-based Healthy Dining has solved that problem by announcing the addition of a new ‘Sodium Savvy’ feature on HealthyDiningFinder. com. Today, restaurant diners looking for healthful options that are lower in sodium will find a list of sixty restaurants, representing close to 10,000 locations coast to coast, each offering a selection of ‘Sodium Savvy’ choices that contain 750 mg. of sodium or less. Additionally, these ‘Sodium Savvy’ menu options also meet Healthy Dining’s criteria for calories, fat, saturated fat and include a lean protein and a fruit, vegetable and/or whole grain component. The new ‘Sodium Savvy’ resource is located at http://www. healthydiningfinder. com/sodiumsavvy. asp.
“This is an important turning point for restaurants and their guests,” says Anita Jones-Mueller, MPH, president and founder of Healthy Dining. “It’s exciting to see so many restaurants rising to this challenge and featured on the ‘Sodium Savvy’ resource. We anticipate that many more restaurants will be jumping on board to offer the Healthy Dining-approved 'Sodium Savvy' selections in 2011. It is our passion to make it easy to enjoy dining out as part of a healthy lifestyle, wherever you are.”
Scientific research shows that sodium consumption is directly related to high blood pressure, which in turn, is related to heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and renal disease. The American Heart Association provides the following statistics:
One out of three adults has high blood pressure (more than 74 million Americans). 77% of those with high blood pressure are aware of their condition, but only about 45% control the condition with medication, nutrition and/or stress reduction. In the last 10 years, deaths from high blood pressure have increased nearly 20%. Direct and indirect costs related to high blood pressure for 2010 are projected at $76.6 billion.
The American Heart Association has added information about Healthy Dining and its ‘Sodium Savvy’ initiative on http://www. heart. org/nutrition. “HealthyDiningFinder. com helps diners identify restaurants that offer menu options that support the American Heart Association’s nutrition recommendations for cardiovascular health. We applaud Healthy Dining and the participating restaurants for contributing to improved public health,” says Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, Chair of the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee.
About Healthy Dining (http://www. HealthyDiningFinder. com)
Since 1990, Healthy Dining’s culinary nutrition experts have been guiding and inspiring chefs and restaurateurs to create and serve a selection of healthier menu options. A leader in restaurant nutrition, Healthy Dining’s team of master’s level registered dietitians and nutrition professionals works with hundreds of restaurants and has analyzed thousands of menu items for nutrient content. In collaboration with the National Restaurant Association, Healthy Dining leads the largest-ever restaurant industry nutrition initiative. HealthyDiningFinder. com, the only resource of its kind, helps Americans find dietitian-approved Healthy Dining menu options, with corresponding nutrient information, served at restaurants spanning from fast food to fine dining, from coast to coast. The site is promoted to the growing segment of health - and weight-conscious consumers through employers, health organizations, health insurance companies, weight control programs, fitness centers, the media, and much more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided partial funding for the development of the initiative.
About the American Heart Association (http://www. Heart. org)
The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart. org.
About the National Restaurant Association (http://www. Restaurant. org)
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www. restaurant. org.
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