Health Options
A healthy economy is most certainly related to a healthy community. Our local economy is not as healthy as it was a month ago. Much of this decline is related to a drop in the tourist industry, but it's also true that fewer Hawaii residents are patronizing the local hospitality industry. Eat out, vacation here
for healthy isle economyNow, more than ever, this industry needs our support. Instead of spending a week in Las Vegas, why not spend half the week there and then get away for a couple of days right here? When was the last time you were pampered Hawaiian-style in a fine local hotel?
And if you can afford to eat out, now is the time to do so. Know that you are contributing to Hawaii's economic health and this will lead to numerous other health benefits.
Of course, eating out without regard for good nutrition can cause health problems, including getting inadequate amounts of some nutrients and way too much of others. Also, eating too many calories obviously has expanded our waistlines.
Here are 10 tips on how to support your favorite restaurants and the health of the state's economy, while still promoting your health.
1. If your taste buds run high-end, but your wallet has shrunk, modify your normal order. Skip the pupu or dessert. You will cut cost and calories.If you are one of the lucky ones who still has a reliable income, go out and contribute to the economy. Preventing a serious economic problem is easier than fixing it. In the long run, helping the hospitality industry through tough times may be one of the best things we can do to keep ourselves and our pocketbooks healthy.2. At some restaurants, the pupus are so good that a couple can be a healthy replacement for an entree. Choose carefully, though. Beware the "Fried Pupu."
3. Dining partners can share large entrees and a dessert.
4. If you can't afford to eat out, order an entree as takeout and eat at home with your homemade bargain salad and rice-cooker rice. You'll still enjoy the time-saving benefits and might even want to opt for taking dinner to the beach, where you can enjoy the sunset.
5. There are no negative connotations to asking for a "doggie bag." Stretch your food dollar by combining your leftover entree with rice and salad for lunch the next day.
6. Regardless of your income limitations, don't forget the cornerstone of health -- choose a variety of foods. Your nutritional needs don't change, regardless of your income.
7. If you don't eat out much because you are on a special diet for health reasons, ask for what you want and how you want it. Any good chef wants you to be pleased and to come back. But you need to ask: "Hold the salt. Broil instead of fry. Salad dressing on the side. Leave off the whipped cream." The answer will likely be, "No problem. Glad you asked."
8. If you are feeling too depressed to join friends for dinner, social life is probably just what you need! Even mild depression can lead to poor eating and health problems.
9. At least get out and share a dessert with a friend. Have some good conversation and support your local restaurant or coffee shop.
10. In Hawaii, we are lucky to have a great variety of food and restaurant types. Enjoy them as much as you can. They need our support.
Health Events
Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S., is a food and nutrition consultant
and owner of Exploring New Concepts, a nutritional consulting firm.
She is also responsible for the nutritional analyses
indicated by an asterisk in this section.Alan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S., is a sports nutritionist in the
Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Science,
University of Hawaii-Manoa.
