The Small Steps for Healthy Leaps Restaurant Program

In 2004, the Colorado Activity and Physical Nutrition Program developed a program to assist restaurants in promoting healthy options for customers called Small Steps for Healthy Leaps. The program benefits restaurant owners as well as the community members, offering healthy meal options while dining out. The program has four components: Smart Meal Seal, America on the Move, Take 1/2 To Go, and Fruits and Veggies: More Matters. Each program addresses a different area of healthy eating.

Smart Meal Seal
Participating restaurants may showcase meals and/or individual foods that meet nutrition requirements specified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

How to Implement the Smart Meal Program
Smart Meal Seal provides restaurants with the tools and support to utilize a combination of programs.

  • There is no charge for restaurants to join the Smart Meal Seal program. All participating restaurants will receive a program implementation guide, program materials, and training if desired (Slight charge for menu analysis).
  • Restaurants may choose from a variety of promotional material formats including table tents or flyers, posters, menu inserts, and/or small signs.
  • Other tools include nutrition tips, examples of single portion sizes, and other one-page information sheets.

Benefits of being a participating restaurant

  • Smart Meal™ Seal menu item identification and endorsement by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
  • Statewide publicity through Smart Meal™ Seal media outreach
  • Ability to promote your participation in your own advertising efforts

America On The Move
America On The Move encourages participants to reduce caloric intake by 100kcal/day and/or increase physical activity by 2,000 steps/day over baseline to maintain energy balance. Small changes in the types of foods eaten and portions consumed can make a big difference. This program can be highlighted for a special event or used on an ongoing basis. Click here for more information.

Take 1/2 to Go
Take 1/2 to Go addresses appropriate portion sizes allowing consumers to have the option to have 1/2 of an entree placed in a to-go box as they enjoy the other 1/2 at the restaurant. This program can be highlighted for a special event or used on an ongoing basis. Click here for more information on this program.

Fruits and Veggies: More Matters
This is a national program emphasizing a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables.

How to become a Small Steps for Healthy Leaps Member:

  1. Complete an Information Sheet indicating which program will best fit your organizational needs.
  2. Provide a summary sheet of your proposed action plan to achieve the selected program, to include an evaluation/success process.
  3. Fax, mail, or e-mail your completed forms to the following:
    Fax: 303-691-7721
    E-mail: Shana.Patterson@state.co.us
    Mail: Shana Patterson, RD
    CDPHE-Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition Program
    4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
    Denver, CO 80246