When consumers travel, they obviously eat out a lot - often not choosing the healthiest dishes. With obesity becoming a larger issue, a number of hotels are now offering guests low-fat, health food options in their rooms so they can better manage their weight, even while on the go.

Anya Martin writes for MarketWatch and notes examples of hotels stocking in-room minibars with everything from energy bars to organic fruits to trail mixes.

Business travelers who are constantly on the road have some of the worst eating habits. According to a study conducted by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, those who take more than 20 trips per year are more likely to suffer from obesity and other health-related issues. By providing healthier alternatives, hotels can give guests the option of making better food choices.

"Minibars were once a collection of high-fat, sugary impulse treats like chips, cookies, sodas and alcoholic beverages. While those items won't be disappearing, travelers - particularly business travelers with a hectic schedule - will notice positive changes when it comes to in-room convenience options," MarketWatch notes.

According to the source, some hotels previously removed minibars to cut expenses. With the hotel industry slowly starting to recover, more general managers are reinstalling minibars as a way to improve the value proposition of their establishments. By offering a mix of healthy and traditional options, hotels can effectively cater to the individual needs of guests.

Providing healthier eating options to guests requires a few modifications to a hotel’s in-room food and beverage offering and purchasing strategy. Avendra offers a food and beverage purchasing program that can provide hotels with all the staples they need to satisfy guests' changing appetites.