National Parks Will Serve Healthier Menu Items

Hot dogs may be an American staple and ice cream never disappoints, but sometimes exploring the sites at a national park calls for healthier food options to refuel. The National Park Service announced its "Healthy Park, Healthy People," initiative, which requires that every U.S. national park add healthy food options to their menus, according to The Huffington Post.

The National Park Service calls it a "holistic approach to promoting the health and well-being of people and the sustainability of the planet." National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis released food standards and sustainable food guidelines to over 250 food and beverage operations. Menu requirements include low-calorie, low-fat, and low-sodium choices; vegetable and fruit options; and whole grains.

Lentil soup, bison hot dogs, grass-fed beef, black-bean sliders, fish tacos, fresh tomato soup, and produce from local farms are some of the items that will be featured on the menus, USA Today writes.

"There's no reason you should have to take a vacation from healthy eating when you're on vacation," Jarvis says.

But traditional foods like hot dogs and ice cream will still be offered for those seeking a treat.