CHIAGO - As America ramps up its fight against bulging waist lines, restaurant chains are providing ammunition in the form of great-tasting menu items with 550 or fewer calories. The trend not only caters to increasing consumer demand for such items, but also helps restaurants prepare for the implementation of pending legislation that will require any brand operating twenty or more units to display nutritional information for all permanent menu items.

Darren Tristano, Technomic executive vice president, said that restaurants have become more adept at positioning these menu items to consumers. "If you can menu these lighter items in a way that does not make consumers feel as though they are sacrificing flavor or satisfaction, they will be more likely to order them. You can tout them as savory and delicious, as well as better for you, rather than picking just one aspect over another," he said in a press release.

New menu items that contain less than 550 calories include La Madeleine??s Shrimp and Tilapia Provençal at 460 calories; Friendly??s Half Turkey Club SuperMelt Sandwich and Garden Salad at 420 calories; Logan??s Roadhouse??s 6-ounce Filet Mignon at under 550 calories; Carvel Ice Cream??s Low Fat Sundae Dishes at under 300 calories; Mimi??s Café??s Veggie Burger with Fresh Fruit at 364 calories; Taco Cabana??s Build-Your-Own Cabana Bowls at under 400 calories; Fazoli??s New Mini Bakes at 400 calories; Carl??s Jr.??s Charbroiled Guacamole Turkey Burger at 490 calories; and Z??Tejas??s Turkey Jalapeño Wrap at under 550 calories.