December 2, 2010 | 1 minute read

A marketing consultant for restaurants predicts that vegetables, mini plates and “heart healthy” will be among the top trends for 2011.

1.  The new emphasis on vegetables follows a national trend for chefs to use more regional foods and develop relationships with local farmers for fresh and seasonal offerings.  Meatless Mondays may be the new “blue plate” special according to this report.

2.  Mini-plates allow customers to choose a wider variety of dishes – and it could mean better portion control.  Remember though, the key for weight control is to limit the number of choices.  For example, 9 or 10 mini-desserts probably still add up to too many calories.

3.  Finally, heart healthy is not new, but roasted vegetables and meats may take center stage more often.  Roasting brings out the sweetness in vegetables so they can be prepared with little or no fat and other high calorie add-ons.

Not all predicted trends are health promoting (high-end junk food, for example), but be on the look out for dining choices in the coming year that may be better for your health.

Get ahead of the trend and try this delicious, seasonal roasted vegetable recipe.