Boston Market Launches Web site http://www.GutCheckChallenge.com to encourage Americans to reduce their waistlines and give them healthy, affordable food choices in the process
GOLDEN, Colo., Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ — At the dawn of another new year of fad diets and quick fixes, Boston Market is offering a simple program to keep America’s gut in check. Research proves that an oversized waist is a better indicator of future health problems than being overweight alone, so Boston Market is announcing “The Gut Check Challenge,” encouraging people to measure their waists and take steps toward ridding themselves of dangerous excess belly fat.The program’s Web site, http://www.gutcheckchallenge.com , launched today, offers information on the dangers of a large waistline, how many inches indicate a problem, and easy steps to help consumers use less of the tape measure the next time they check the size of their gut. The Web site also highlights suggested Boston Market menu choices that complement the Gut Check Challenge and provides their nutritional values. For example, choose sides that are lower in fat and calories like green beans or new potatoes.
According to the Shape of Nations survey, almost 37 percent of men and 55 percent of women in the United States are carrying too much belly fat, which is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and other long-term problems. The National Institutes of Health recommends that men with waists measuring 37 inches or greater and women with waists larger than 31.5 inches modify their lifestyles to reduce their waists and resulting health risks.
From The Atkins Diet to “Superfoods,” Americans continue to look for the latest recipe to lose weight and get healthy. According to the NPD group, 25 percent of consumers claim to be on a diet. Unfortunately, quick fixes and drastic measures almost never work.
“Too often, people think they have to starve themselves or sacrifice taste in order to lose weight,” said Connie Diekman, M.Ed., RD, Nutrition Consultant. “This just leads them to give up on their weight loss goals too quickly, and end up with even worse habits. It’s a much better idea to focus on portion sizes and include nutritious, wholesome foods in the mix.”
Consumers also use the higher price and inconvenience of healthier foods as an excuse to make poor choices. Boston Market’s recently launched $4.99 Value Menu provides the best of both worlds, offering several nutritious, healthier combinations at a great price.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on great-tasting, wholesome food choices,” said Trey Hall, chief brand officer at Boston Market. “The Gut Check Challenge reminds our guests that Boston Market provides easy and affordable choices to complement whatever their dietary need might be.”
The Gut Check Challenge and its Web site are the latest steps in Boston Market’s commitment to helping consumers make educated choices about the food they eat. Complete nutritional data on every menu item is available on the Boston Market Web site.
About Boston Market
Boston Market Corporation, based in Golden, Colo., is a leader in the quick service restaurant category. The company has translated its passion for great-tasting, no-compromise food into two distinct concepts. Boston Market restaurants — 620 locations in 28 states — are noted for their easy, convenient, chef-inspired meals. The company also partners with leading supermarket chains to bring chilled, restaurant-quality Boston Market-branded meals into the deli departments of more than 1,300 supermarkets. Boston Market Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of McDonald’s Corporation. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.bostonmarket.com .
