A few years ago a report on adult obesity noted that an increasing number of business travelers were packing on the pounds because of the poor dietary choices they made while on the road. Apparently, the trend is continuing, but now the focus is on children and providing them with nutritious foods while they are away from home.
According to USA Today, hotels are revamping their menus in order to keep kids healthy.
The paper recently turned the spotlight on Fairmont Hotels, which is in the midst of implementing a new children’s menu with healthier food options. The changes include replacing refined flour with whole wheat, adding more fruits and vegetables, and employing healthier cooking methods, such as grilling rather than frying.
In addition, some properties, including the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco is offering a Little Chefs program that teaches public school students how to make nutritious and delicious meals from every day ingredients, including fruits and vegetable. Likewise, the Fairmont Pittsburgh has a partnership with Grow Pittsburgh. With help from the community organization and students, the hotel helped turn an inner city schoolyard into an edible garden.
So what can you expect to see on Fairmont’s new children’s menu?
Hotel execs insist that they are not getting rid of popular dishes, such as pizza and chicken strips. Rather, hotel chefs will be preparing kid-friendly meals in a healthier way. For instance, the Fairmont’s chicken fingers will now be made from organic poultry and served with vegetables instead of French fries. In addition, pizzas made at the Fairmont will feature less fat and processed meat and cheese. Pint-sized guests can now dine on Italian pies with fresh cheese, more vegetables and less grease.
Kids can also choose from a new line of healthier beverages as well. Spring water, unsweetened juices, fresh fruit smoothies and low-fat shakes will be available for children whose parents don’t want them downing refillable cups of Coke and Mountain Dew.
Related Articles:
Protecting Yourself from Dirty Hotel Rooms
Hotel Happenings: Dirty Rooms and the Dreaded Wake Up Call