Durham Restaurants Helping Promote Healthy Eating

Ninth Street Bakery and Elmo's Diner are two of 12 restaurants in the Bull City that are part of Durham's new

Winner's Circle Healthy Dining Program

.

"Here in Durham, we surveyed consumers to see what the top restaurants are. We approached those restaurants and asked if they would be interested in the program," said Tracey Bates, a Durham County nutritionist.

The Durham County Health Department provides a nutritional analysis of select dishes from restaurants participating in the program.

"We're looking for low-fat, but also a presence of grains, fruits and vegetables. Dairy is also important," Bates said.

The dishes that qualify are noted on menus with a star and fork logo.

"Consumers are definitely eating away from home and more often," Bates said. "So if they have healthful choices available to them, they're more likely to choose those."

"We already have a lot of customers who are real conscious about making healthy choices and our egg white omelet is already a really popular favorite for people who are trying to watch their weight or cholesterol or whatever dietary concern they're targeting," said Cammie Brantley of Elmo's Diner.

Statewide, about 50 counties are participating in the Winner's Circle program. To find a participating restaurant, look for the logo on the restaurant's front door or

check online

.

The Durham restaurants will be added to that list soon.