Letter to the Editor to the Wall Street Journal applauding menu options

March 9, 2004

The Wall Street Journal
Letters-to-the-Editor
200 Liberty Street
New York, NY 20392

On behalf of the nation's 878,000 restaurants, I applaud the Wall Street Journal's March 8, 2004 editorial "Supersize Silliness" for recognizing that there are myriad menu options to fit any individual's dietary needs and preferences on restaurant menus everywhere. In a time where simplistic views of the complex problem of obesity are all-too-common, it is a very positive sign to see an article that offers solutions and assistance to those who wish to eat smart when dining out.

The proper way to manage one's weight is by balancing energy in and energy out, balance and moderation in diet, combined with physical activity. Thank you for acknowledging—and agreeing with dietary experts everywhere—that all foods can be part of a balanced diet. Seventy-six percent of meals are eaten at home, but when Americans do dine out, restaurants provide numerous nutritious options to accommodate any diet. And should consumers choose to further tailor their meals to fit their needs, they can customize menu items—a request that most restaurants welcome and encourage. In fact, 75 percent of consumers do customize their restaurant meals by asking for alternative preparation methods, off-the-menu orders and substitutions.

I think your readers might also be interested to know that the National Restaurant Association offers a free brochure of tips on how to eat smart when dining out titled "Three Steps to a Healthy Lifestyle;" a newly launched "Dine Out Smart" Web site; as well as a feature on our Web site where visitors can ask our in-house registered dietitian and nutritionist about eating smart. For more information, visit www.restaurant.org

Sincerely,



Steven C. Anderson
President and Chief Executive Officer