Health by Stealth

Why Truckers Tucker? Predicted prevalence of obesity in 2012 is : 32.1% men and 31.0% in women –34% manual social classes –29% professional and managerial classes Source: Zaninotto, P. et al. (2009) J Epidemiology and Community Health

Accessible Accessible Convenient Convenient Affordable Affordable Value for money Value for money Tasty Tasty Quick Quick Healthy??? Healthy??? Time for a break?

Aim - To influence food choices towards healthier options at caterers operating mobile services in - Lay-bys truck stops on industrial estates

Provide healthy choices without impacting on the bottom line

Reduce Portion Size Improve cooking methods and nutritional content of menus Provide healthy choices Make unhealthy items less visible Making Small Changes

Top Tips

Remove butter from sandwiches with moist fillings Switch to reduced fat mayonnaise and halve amount used Making chocolate less visible by moving it from the till point & increase the volume and quality of fruit on display Use thick, straight-cut chips & fry at 175°C as less fat absorbed Shake and drain chips as 20% less fat will be absorbed Use a healthier oil – those lower in saturated fat No longer add salt to any foods Standardise & reduce portion sizes of meals Cut the rind off bacon and switch to higher meat content meats Making Small Changes

Sample Results Decrease in fat, salt and calorie content between samples (7) Decrease in carbohydrates and protein content (additional 3) BUT Portion size was not under control!

Sampling Results – Bacon and Egg Sandwich CompositionBeforeAfter Energy480Kcals389Kcals Protein31g29.5g Carbohydrate51.2g43.7g Fat16.8g10.7g Salt4.10g3.91g Achieved by : trimming visible fat off bacon using less oil on the griddle using oil with lower saturated fat using tongs to squeeze out excess fat from the bacon draining the egg and bacon on kitchen roll regularly removing fat from the bain marie

Social Marketing – What’s in it for me! The features of the project –based on research showing an increasing demand for healthier options –only committing to changes they feel comfortable with –only for a four week period Benefits –low risk investment as they receive officer help and advice –attracting additional customers by offering healthier alternatives –not detrimentally impacting on their bottom line –increase profits by selling extras - fruit and healthier options –public health benefits (although this point should not be laboured) What is in it for them –free food and equipment pack –guidance pack –marketing information –publicity –Set them apart from competitors and chance to make more money!!!!

Best Top Tips : Using lower fat mayonnaise Using lower fat spread if requested, otherwise none Offering brown or granary bread Using less oil Removing visible fat from bacon Using portion control Draining food on kitchen roll before service Removing fat from the griddle regularly and Removing excess fat from the bottom of the bain marie Top Tips that were difficult to implement: Offering fresh fruit and fruit juice Offering a healthy meal deal Use of mature cheddar cheese Business Evaluation of Top Tips

Positive Comments (4 businesses) : Customers liked the healthy options soups jacket potatoes brown bread and fruit Negative Comments (2 businesses) : not agreeing with fruit being sold (one customer) less salt in mashed potato Customer Feedback

Sales Figures and Time Commitments Many saw increase in sales of cold sandwich fillings Case study premises found customer base increased due to sale of healthier meals 9 said did not involve any extra time No businesses saw a loss in profit !

Business Feedback More promotional material and publicity Visits by appointment Sampling showed how small changes could make a big difference (9) More knowledgeable about healthy eating Participation was motivational Enjoyed working with regulators !!!!!!

Recommendations and What Next? Additional publicity of healthy businesses to drivers e.g. –websites – mapping healthy mobile sites –online forums –mobile phone apps –publications and magazines aimed at drivers –provision of healthy lifestyle information at medical checks Learning transferable to: –all mobiles –workplace canteens –sandwich shops