LOCAL franchisee Joe McCrea, of Antrim Forum Eatery and Lough Shore Café House, has got into the spirit of healthy eating and introduced wholesome choices into his menus.
The changes came about as a result of Antrim Borough Council’s Environmental Health team and local dieticians working together to provide the necessary advice to Mr McCrea, so that the nutritional content of meals could be improved.
Joe is very en
thusiastic about the changes he has made, and said: “There are now a number of healthier options available in both restaurants for children and adults. The options available include fresh fruit, fruit smoothies, filled rolls, wraps, paninis, pitta breads, baked potatoes and salads. The new improved children’s menu includes a range of healthier options such as chicken sandwiches, chicken kebabs and baked potato. The processed chicken teddies have now been replaced with 100 per cent chicken breast goujons. All meat is locally sourced.”
Fionnuala Close, Environmental Health Officer, said: “Mr McCrea had already made great improvements to the menus in both restaurants when he became the new franchisee of Antrim Forum Eatery earlier this year. We simply encouraged him to increase the range of healthier options available for adults and children and to actively promote these options, so that customers can make an informed choice when ordering meals.”
Paediatric Dietitian Maria Mitchell, who provides advice on the ‘Fit Families Programme’ at Antrim Forum, added: “It is essential that children who visit the restaurant whilst attending the Fit Families Programme have healthy options available, so that they are able to adhere to dietary advice given to them at the Paediatric Weight Management Clinic. It is an added bonus that these choices are now available to everyone who uses Antrim Forum.”
Schools Dietitian Kerry Parkhill added: “Both Antrim Forum Eatery and Lough Shore Coffee House are in ideal locations for anyone who wants to enjoy a healthy meal. It is important that customers, who are trying to increase their physical activity by walking around the Lough Shore or by taking part in the activities at Antrim Forum, are able to choose healthier options if they decide to have a bite to eat.”
The full article contains 372 words and appears in Antrim Times newspaper.
