Go Lite is Heart Smart

Latoya Grindley, Staff Reporter

Eating healthy has always been a part of Island Grill's existence by providing customers with healthier eating options.

Already in good stead on maintaining this objective, Island Grill is taking it one notch higher to delivering hearty and heart-friendly meal options. And this is through the addition of its Go Lite meal.

A few days away from its official introduction into Island Grill restaurant branches islandwide on July 14, this meal concept was born out of the revelation that unhealthy eating practices are directly linked to heart disease, which happens to be the leading cause of death among women in Jamaica. And according to Marketing Operations Officer Brenda Thomas, the findings also hit closer to home, as 85 per cent of the company's staff consist of women.

"Heart disease is the leading killer of women in Jamaica, based on statistics we saw. At Island Grill, we want to be a part of a change in the way we live and eat."

The Go Lite meal consists of a 1/4 grilled chicken along with six ounces of shredded raw vegetables. A combo meal, it is also served with vinaigrette and a bottled water.

Endorsed as a 'Heart Smart' meal by the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, Island Grill also worked with renowned nutritionist Franny Mahfood to create this 500-calorie meal.

With its boss, Thalia Lyn, being nominated as the Go Red for Women Ambassador by the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, Island Grill is constantly guided by its tag line, 'Eat Good, Live Good'.

"Since the inception of Island Grill 21 years ago, our goal has and will always be to offer foods that are both delicious and healthy. We are realising that our tag line is even more relevant and important to a niche of our customers today," noted Thomas.

Island Grill has also incorporated staff into its healthy eating campaign, and will on July 27 host a Health Fair under the theme 'Live Healthy: Eat Better, Feel Better' for over 600 of its staff, their families and affiliates of the restaurant chain.

"We will be partnering with other companies to ensure each employee will be able to walk away with answers to what their body mass index is, as well as checks done to determine their cholesterol level, blood pressure, blood sugar, HIV status and heart status. They will also learn how to deal with stress on the job and at home, proper eating habits, basic exercise routine that fits a busy schedule, and much more," highlighted Thomas.