Nutritional Nightmares 2007

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- A loaded biscuit 'n' gravy breakfast bowl, the baconator burger and a fried Twinkie are just some of the items introduced to us all in the past year.

When we rang in 2007, New York City and restaurants across the country were going trans fat free. Although it was a great start to the new year, the e-coli scare from tainted spinach quickly followed.

It is because of "scares" like the tainted spinach that Professor of Health, Stacey Snelling, Ph.D, at American University says, "We all need to pay more attention to how things are grown and the pesticides we are using."

With Americans eating out more frequently, the food industry is looking at new options and policies that allow consumers to select healthier options.

For example, most know that Subway reveals the calorie count for mayonnaise, cheese, and most of their 6 inch sandwiches. Those in the restaurant industry say doing this will make the difference.

We are beginning to see this at fine dinning establishments. They too, are becoming more "mindful" about making it easier for the consumer to enjoy a nutritious meal out.

Restaurants like Rock Creek, located in Mazza Gallerie, have an on-site nutritionist who works with corporate Chef Ris Lacoste to prepare dishes that provide the nutritional difference.

In addition, Rock Creek includes nutritional contents on the back of each menu so people know exactly how many calories and fat each item contains.

So, from the foamy mocha java to the double burger that promises to give your waistline a fill, most nutritional nuts hope 2008 brings a new level of consciousness so that problems like the current childhood obesity crisis begin to melt away.