NRA says eating well is critical to good health

Following the launch of the New York City health department's ad campaign to get New Yorkers to reduce portion sizes and make more healthful dining choices, the National Restaurant Association said restaurants offer better-for-you menu items and that, ultimately, consumers are responsible for the choices they make.

"Restaurants are continuing to offer more healthful options to consumers - with less calories, fat and sugar, and in a variety of portion sizes," said Joy Dubost, the NRA's director of nutrition and healthy living. Furthermore, she continued, "The association has been a key advocate of the new federal menu labeling law, which is similar to what is available in New York City, so that consumers will have more information to make the choice that best fits their dietary needs."

The campaign, which debuted Jan. 9 in both English and Spanish, explains that consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain, which greatly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Dubost asserted that the NRA "supports the goal of what the health department is trying to accomplish" and said the association has created a series of videos and educational materials that offer consumers tips "so they can make more informed choices when trying to eat out healthfully."