Jun 9, 2008 6:52 pm US/Eastern
Restaurants Cut Back On Healthy Products To Save
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Restaurants strapped for cash are cutting back on healthy products to help save money too.
CBS
Restaurant and bakery owners are begging Congress for relief from the crippling rise in food prices, saying it's eating away at their small businesses. And it's more than just their bottom line at risk – health experts say soaring food prices may also contribute to expanding waistlines.
Your favorite dishes your favorite restaurant may look the same as they did from the first time you can remember eating them, but they may not be as good for you.
"Restaurants can present something beautiful, but that doesn't mean it's healthy," said Woodbury dietician Marlo Mitter, who specializes in pediatrics, adolescent and family nutrition.
Struggling with surging food costs and cash-strapped customers, experts like Mittler say more and more eateries have no choice, but to swap healthier ingredients for cheaper, less wholesome fare.
"There are lots of preservatives and nitrates and chemcials used in creating some of these products," she said.
Vegetable shortening or coconut oil are a cheaper alternative to heart healthy olive oil. Yet they're proven to raise cholesterol, just as consuming fattier cuts of meat will.
But it's all a way for cash-strapped restaurants to stay in business.
Another money saver?
Using fillers like bread crumbs in items like burgers. It'll help a restaurant's bottom line, but increase yours.
"I'd rather pay more and know I'm getting healthier food," one New Yorker told CBS 2.
And it's not just restaurants
Grocery shoppers looking to stay trim on tighter budgets are also facing tougher choices these days and loading up on cheaper, less healthier alternatives.
Mittler said the key is to balance your choices.
"If we're going to eat Ramen Noodles today we're going to eat a sweet potato tomorrow," she said.
Another tip: Buy frozen or canned goods which still contain vitamins and minerals, but are a lot less expensive than their fresh alternatives.
Nutritionists also recommend substituting protein rich items like peanut butter and eggs for meat at some meals to help cut costs.
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