More than ever we realize that how we eat affects how long, and how well, we live. So many illnesses, from heart disease to diabetes to cancer, have been linked to diet that people can no longer ignore the consequences of their bad eating habits. As Baby Boomers age and, in some cases, struggle to stay youthful, smart food choices loom in importance. Do we really want that bacon cheeseburger, or would the wild salmon with Meyer lemon vinaigrette be a wiser and equally delicious dinner?

Citrus fruits woven throughout a menu attract diners with flavor and bursts of color, making dining out more fun. The fact that citrus is high in essential nutrients and antioxidants needed for good health, just makes citrus menu items that much more attractive. Salads with Moro oranges, grapefruit or Cara Cara segments; citrus-based fruit desserts; or pitchers of fresh-squeezed tangerine juice give diners the flavors they seek with the health benefits they know they need.

• Do you have salt-sensitive customers? Use lemon juice or citrus zest to heighten the flavor of low-sodium dishes.

• Earn the loyalty of your weight-conscious customers with a delicious low-fat dessert. Serve a parfait of fresh seasonal fruit (raw or poached) layered with low-fat vanilla yogurt and grated citrus zest.

• Use naturally sweet Valencia orange juice in vinaigrettes, and you can cut back on the oil.