Radisson Hotels Cut Out Trans Fats
Cancer-causing Trans-fatty Acids Elimated from Hotel Chain Menu
Business travelers concerned about healthy meals on the road should look into trans-fat-free Radisson chain hotels.
According to Carlson Hotels - owner of the Radisson line - meals prepared in their hotel chain will completely eliminate trans fat shortening from their restaurant menus by the end of 2007. This comes on the heels of a shocking, but welcome, New York City edit to ban trans fats from all metro restaurants.
Trans Fats in Everyday Food
Trans-fatty acids are those deadly partially hydrogenated fats typical of creamy fats found in shortening and margarines. Trans fats have been found to create free-radical agents in the body which can lead to cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. USA Today reports that trans fats "are in many cookies, crackers, breads, cakes, French fries and other fried foods. They contribute to heart disease risk by raising LDL, or the bad cholesterol."
The American Heart Association urges travelers to watch their trans fats, limiting their daily allowance to a mere one percent of total caloric intake.
Carlson, Radisson to Ban Bad Fats
Carlson Hotels says the new ban "includes nearly 625 of the company’s Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts full-service locations and any Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn select service hotels with food and beverage services on-site throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and South America."
Carlson is also looking to find alternatives to using trans fats in their pre-packaged food items.
Boon for Business Travelers
This is a fantastic opportunity for business travelers who spend as much time eating out on the road as they might do at home. Preparing healthy meals in your own kitchen is a lot easier than trying to find hotel restaurants who care about more than the bottom line.
Health-conscious travelers should support this trend. Let the Radisson, etc, hotel staff know you appreciate the elimination of trans fat products from their hotel's menus.
Today's travelers vote with their dollars. Looking out for the ultimate health of their clients should help Carlson's bottom line, setting themselves a niche and creating brand loyalty. Frequent travelers especially might consider joining the Goldpoints Plus Rewards Program of the hotel chain to get the other "mileage" perks as well.
Hotels in the Carlson Chain:
- Radisson
- Park Inn
- Park Plaza Hotels and Resorts
- Country Inn and Suites
- Regent International Hotels
Maybe other hotel chains will catch on, eventually. No doubt they are watching the developments.
Since the new regime won't take effect until the end of 2007, travelers should still avoid fried foods and baked goods at Carlson hotels, in favor of fresh meats, vegetables, whole grain dishes and fruits.
