Local inns, eateries lose fat

As more focus is placed on health, more restaurants are trying to keep up with the most recent health buzzwords.

One of the most recent health concerns surrounds trans fats. The state of New York recently banned the use of oils that contain trans fat, and many businesses are following suit.

Last week, the Marriott announced it would stop using oils with trans fat in all of its cooking. Every property, including the Marriott Bayview, Marriott Newport Coast Villas and the Marriott Hotel and Spa, all in Newport Beach.

Laura Mettler of the Marriott Hotel and Spa said the Newport property has already eliminated the use of hydrogenated oils in many of its products.

“In Newport Beach particularly, in our community, there’s a sense of health and wellness and with us being a hotel and spa, versus a regular hotel, that’s certainly a priority for us too,” Mettler said.

Joe’s Crab Shack made the same announcement last week. Other chains, including McDonald’s, have vowed to eliminated hydrogenated oils from its kitchens.

Places like Costa Mesa’s Sunfluor Bakery has been using non-hydrogenated oils for the last few years.

Trans fatty acids come from hydrogenated vegetable oil, which the body does not need, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The government agency warns that trans fat intake can increase a person’s risk of coronary heart disease, although eating saturated fat is the main reason for higher cholesterol numbers.

But will these recent announcements and media attention affect people’s decisions about where to eat?

Laguna Niguel resident Stephanie Haigh said that during the week, she makes sure to eat healthy. Monday through Friday, she’ll enjoy healthy dining options, including fresh veggies and salads. But on the weekends, when she goes out with friends, she just wants to eat what tastes good, even though the guilt sets in again on Monday.

“But if they offer it and say, ‘hey there’s no trans fat,’ it may get me thinking I should pick something healthy,” she said while lounging at Fashion Island Saturday.

Her friend Dori Quan said “trans fat” seems to be the health flavor of the month, but understands too much can be bad.

“Last month it was whole grains, this month it’s trans fat,” she said.

For more information about trans fat, visit the Food and Drug Administration’s website www.fda.gov.