With an epidemic engulfing over half the country, public awareness and personal responsibility have become the best treatments in battling obesity.
As awareness for our diet and health has increased, a few relatively new restaurants have appeared on the community landscape that survive and seek out a health-conscious consumer base.
The Bohemian Moon, located along East Main Street in the City of Norwich, will be celebrating its third anniversary this November. Owner Brenda Gibbon Haltner said she began the business because she felt there was a need in the area for eclectic and healthy food.
“I wanted to have a place where we could go and enjoy. We felt a need because there was nowhere to get high quality, healthy food. We use a lot of local produce and organic ingredients,” said Haltner, who owns the business with her husband, Robert.
A more recent addition to the local food service industry is the Cafe Connection, located on South Broad Street in the City of Norwich.
Owner Geri Barnes created the venue because she, too, thought the area lacked an outlet for diverse and health-conscious consumers.
“I felt it would fill a niche for people like myself. Food balance means enjoying food that doesn’t make customers tired or bloated. A good meal should enhance the daily rhythm, not slow it down,” said Barnes.
Both Barnes and Gibbon-Haltner admit that their restaurant’s healthy appeal in offering non-processed, specialty foods can be costly.
“We are always trying to find the best meal for our customers while balancing the cost passed over to them,” said Barnes.
The two venues try to use traditional recipes and try to avoid additives such as coloring and preservatives. The restaurants focus on fresh local foods and organic ingredients while steering clear of frozen pre-packaged meals.
Local alternative restaurants may be one venue for healthy food, but a much more hands-on venue are the local area farmers’ markets held throughout the county.
Another obvious alternative is simply shopping for healthy food at local grocery stores and preparing it yourself.
“The ultimate decision lies with the customer. It’s up to them to become interested in their own body and health,” said Barnes.
“I really do believe that a person can eat healthy and affordable food, but it may take some effort on their part. It’s only for their own sake,” Gibbon-Haltner said.