Well, 2008 is just a few days away; what’s your New Year’s resolution?  Or perhaps more importantly, what are your patrons’ resolutions?  Odds are good that many of the people walking through your restaurant’s doors in January are looking for healthier food on their annual quest to lose weight.  This is a good time to add a few low-fat or low-carb menu choices—and make sure they are clearly marked!  Without changing the food your restaurant offers, you could simply add the option of a smaller portion size for those people looking to stick to a diet.

Example: I noticed in the news today that both Taco Bell and Jack in the Box are creating new menus to cater to health-conscious eaters on the go.  And lest you think that this push for healthy food will pass by the end of January, the National Restaurant Association’s 2008 industry forecast predicts differently:

“Eating Healthy: With increased consumer emphasis on health, restaurants are responding to trends with nutritious options and variety in portion sizes. More than three-quarters of American adults (76 percent) say they are trying to eat more healthfully in restaurants now than they did two years ago, and close to the same percentage of teenagers (ages 12-17) say they try to eat nutritiously when dining out (73 percent). Eighty-seven percent of adults also say there are more healthy options available at tableservice restaurants than there were two years ago, and 83 percent say the same about quickservice establishments.”

Healthy eating is here to stay.  Highlight your restaurant’s health-conscious offerings in January, but keep them throughout the New Year.