LATHAM, N.Y. -- The 76 Diner in Latham is packed with customers who want to start the New Year on a full stomach. Even if your New Year's resolution isn't to cut down on fatty foods, almost everything on the menu at restaurants in Albany County is healthier, as of January 1.

"We went back and researched the options that we had and saw that cotton seed oil and a few other oils that were out there and blends provided the trans fat free option for our deep friers and our cooking. We experimented with quite a few of them and settled on a blend that works for us," said 76 Diner owner Anthony Loupessis.

A new law banning trans fats from cooking oils in local restaurants is officially now in effect. Six months from now, trans fats will also be banned from baked goods, according to the Health Department.

"The advantage of using the trans fat free fats is that it's a health benefit for all our customers and you also get, with some of these special blends, a pretty decent fry life out of it. So it's also pretty economical for the restaurant owner to use," said Loupessis.

There seems to be unanimous agreement that the trans fat ban is a healthy decision. But does it compromise taste? This diner says no and so far, most customers agree.

"Not at all. I just had silver dollar pancakes and it was really good," said customer Nicole Barnes.

"I might be a little hung over from last night's festivities, but you know, all is good. Food's great," said customer Andy Barnes.

"It does not compromise the taste. In fact, they're better oils that you're using so, cotton seed is a great example. It doesn't transfer taste at all from one to the other," said Loupessis.

So if you're still looking for a New Year's resolution, it's not too late. There's a healthy option at restaurants in Albany County, served just the way you like it.