according to organisation president Matthew Ryan.
"There is a growing problem of obesity among children and teenagers in Ireland," said Mr Ryan, "and I know from eating out with my own three kids, that there is often a lack of choice.
"Our aim is to assist parents to choose healthier food options for their children."
The IHF represents almost 1,000 hotels and guesthouses in the Republic, and about one-quarter of these (some 250 premises) are participating in this first phase of the project.
"Almost 90 per cent of our hotels that are specifically geared towards providing meals for families and kids are involved.
"I think the overall number will increase gradually and I am confident that the initiative will take on a life of its own."
Chefs from hotels and guesthouses across the State have been provided with healthy preparation guidelines and suggested menus with an emphasis on balanced nutrition, prepared by nutritionist Margot Brennan.
"Food eaten outside the home tends to be lower in overall nutritional quality and higher in recommended rates of fat," according to Ms Brennan.
"It does vary hugely, but the majority of these menus are offering chicken nuggets and chips, sausages and chips or fish fingers and chips, and that is hugely frustrating to me.
"Those meals are very high in fat and poor in nutrients," she said.
"One of the main objectives will be to reduce the levels of salt and fat used during cooking and to promote healthier options such as baking, boiling and poaching rather than deep frying foods."
The programme is largely focused on healthy reinterpretations of those old favourites.
"It's a balanced approach," said Mr Ryan.
Read the full story at:-
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2008/0729/1217013437424.htmlSource: -
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