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Health joins speed at some metro restaurants

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 14, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.

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It's getting easier to find a healthful meal at Colorado restaurants - even at those known more for speed than diet.

Qdoba has joined an Ethiopian and a Chinese restaurant and another Mexican restaurant as the latest four in the state to win the Smart Meal Seal, given to eateries that showcase entrees low in fat and otherwise good for you.

The total list now includes restaurants ranging from the Great Harvest to all the McDonald's restaurants in Denver, said Shana Patterson, nutrition coordinator at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Metropolitan State College of Denver alumni spearheaded the effort to recruit new restaurants to the Smart Meal program, creating a fun The Apprentice-type challenge for the students in one class.

The winning student will get a paid internship and a full tuition scholarship for his or her senior year at Metro State.

Patterson would like to see the Smart Meal Seal program expand across the state.

"When restaurants identify menu items that contain higher amounts of nutrient-dense foods, their customers are equipped to make healthier food choices," Patterson said.

Besides the Qdoba chain, the new restaurants making the list are Queen of Sheba, an Ethiopian restaurant; Rosalinda's Mexican Restaurant; and Imperial Chinese Restaurant.

Restaurants that previously made the list are seven locations of Beau Jo's Pizza, the Cafe at Woody's in Greeley, Coyote's Southwestern Grill in Greeley, four Denver metro locations of The Delectable Egg, two Denver locations of Great Harvest, the Greeley Country Club, Kate's at 35th Avenue, Masalaa Indian Restaurant and all Denver-area locations of McDonald's.

Smart Meal Seal

It establishes nutrition requirements specifically designed for restaurant meals. Restaurants can showcase those entrees that are lower in fat, calories, and sodium and include components such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables by highlighting them with the Smart Meal Seal. See eatrightcolorado.org.