Heads Up Part II

Whether at gyms, at home or in the great outdoors, people are huffing and puffing away around the nation in an effort to stay fit. Unfortunately, all those good intentions can be undone by indulging in one decadent meal at your favorite restaurant. And with Americans eating out an average of four to five times a week, calories can add up quicker than you can say "hold the mayo."

Restaurants are wising up to consumers' desire for tasty but light fare by creating "heart healthy" meals and noting caloric and fat content on light menu items. Some establishments take it a step further by creating entire menus of healthy meals.

In another twist on the trend, San Diego, California-based publisher and nutritional services company Accents On Health Inc. publishes a trio of healthy-dining guides to restaurants in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The company's owners analyze a restaurant's menu to determine caloric, fat, cholesterol and sodium content of various recipes--then include the healthiest dishes in their guides. Bon appétit!

This article was originally published in the December 1997 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Heads Up Part II.