Pub points the way to healthy eating

Calorie-conscious customers and staff have inspired a licensee to offer a menu based on the WeightWatchers points system.

After concerned staff told Jonathan Nassau, licensee at the Tiger Inn in Beverley, Yorkshire, the difficulties they face trying to maintain a healthy diet while eating out he decided to take action.

In response he has become the first pub in the area to give meals a points rating based on their calorie and fat content in the same way as the WeightWatchers system.

This means dieters can now enjoy stress-free meals at the pub.

Jonathan said: "WeightWatchers dieters have a daily points allowance, and when eating out it's hard to know whether or not the food you order will exceed this amount.

"We came up with this WeightWatchers based menu as I wanted to give our diners more information about the food they are eating, so they can treat themselves without going overboard."

Examples on the menu include a rump steak for six points or a salmon fillet for 7.5. There are also low-calorie desserts so customers can enjoy a guilt-free three course meal.

Jonathan added: "We've had brilliant feedback; even local WeightWatchers meetings are spreading the word.

"Because the points are written on the menu we hope that the general idea of eating sensibly and in moderation will filter into general consciousness.

"My staff are certainly pleased now that they can enjoy good pub food without worrying that they are over-indulging."

Angela Parks, who is a member of the Tiger Team and follows the WeightWatchers diet, said: "Usually when you go out for a meal, it is really difficult to work out what you're having and it makes you feel like the odd one out when everyone else is ordering what they want and you're trying to work out how many points are in things.

"The menu is such a great idea and takes the guilt out of eating out - you can have a steak and still be in your points allowance."