Discovering my Facebook page has more likes than KFC had me turning cartwheels in my office. Maybe there is hope for us after all! Half of Bermuda has an emotional relationship with fried chicken but if we have begun to crack the surface of that and generate some good awareness around healthy options, then at least we are moving in the right direction. Some people say “it’s just a treat” but if “treating” yourself means filling up on salty, fatty, empty calories (that just leave you craving more) then perhaps we need to redefine what a treat actually is especially when it comes to our kids.If we grow up being rewarded for good behaviour or hard work with junk, or if we celebrate every occasion with something sugary, then it’s incredibly hard to change that behaviour as an adult. It wouldn’t be so bad if the treats really were just for special occasions, but as adults we tend to draw comfort from “treats” whenever we are stressed, depressed, bored or lonely. Food is relatively cheap and exceptionally accessible. Junk food is affordable even on the smallest budget. But if you think healthy food is more expensive, try figuring out the cost of a heart attack. If you have insurance you’re likely covered, but what about the other costs the fragility of our unsustainable healthcare system, the effect that has on jobs, your ability to continue with your own job, the ultimate cost in terms of your quality of life?Fortunately, Bermuda is starting to raise its game when it comes to healthy options. Lemon Tree, Café 4, Ten, Miles and the new Nonna’s Kitchen (to name a few) are all offering healthy meals and snacks. It’s great if you’re a grown up, but what about the kids? Kids’ menus tend to be a total nutritional disaster, generally revolving around the same old chicken nuggets, pasta, pizza, grilled cheese, hot dogs and ice cream. It seems to be the same wherever you go (here and abroad), which is such a shame given that part of the point of going to different restaurants is to try out different kinds of food.All this led me to a great conversation with La Trattoria. We’ve been going since the girls were tiny and their staff couldn’t be more welcoming. We’ve had our fair share of meltdowns and spilled drinks and we’re never made to feel like dreadful parents. La Tratt was also Chloe’s chosen venue for her first discussion about willies. I will never forget Uncle Richard choking on his wine as he tried to answer (ignore?) her questions. Still, we are welcomed back with open arms.But as with all restaurants, the kids’ menu could use a boost. Going out for dinner somewhere fun is a treat in itself. My kids get so many food “treats” at parties already that I’m not sure we need more! It’s not that I rely on restaurants to satisfy my kids’ nutritional needs (I can obviously do that at home), but wouldn’t it be great to give them food that was actively nourishing? Wouldn’t it be better to make the event and the company the treat instead? That’s not to say that food can’t be fun and delicious, of course it can be, but how about some better options for the sugary stuff?La Trattoria will absolutely make you wholewheat pasta and give you veggies if you ask for it, but those options aren’t on the kids’ menu yet. They are however, really open to switching things up. They will definitely consider adding some better options to their popular items if we ask for it. Want a better chicken nugget? A side of veggies? Healthy pasta? How about some fruit? Would you be willing to pay more for those choices, where it’s justified?Obviously La Trattoria is a business and they have to know that any changes they make fall into line with what their customers want. This doesn’t mean getting rid of the things everyone loves, but it could possibly mean adding some new choices. You can be part of the conversation and the decision by taking part in their survey. You will be given a copy in the restaurant, or you can take part online: www.surveymonkey.com/s/latrattoriasurvey. You can also find the link on my Facebook page. Join in!The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the managing director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a registered dietitian. For details, visit www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda