Office of Research Services - Serving the NIH Community
Division of Amenities and Transportation Services  
   
Balanced Choices for a Healthy Lifestyle
 

In January 2007, Eurest Dining Services launched their new and improved Balanced Choices Campaign.

This program, which was developed by a task force of registered dietitians, chefs and managers, provides a wellness vision for the cafes. The program is anchored by comprehensive training and updated to reflect emerging nutrition and wellness trends.

Balanced Choices will enable customers to identify menu items by means of an easy to use icon system, consisting of colorful graphic symbols that help customers recognize foods that meet their dietary needs.

Sensible Selections Icon SENSIBLE SELECTION -Menu items are moderate in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium. A Sensible Selection meal has less than 600 calories, 30% or fewer calories from fat, 10% or fewer calories from saturated fat, 80mg or less of cholesterol and 600mg or less sodium.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Icon LACTO-OVO VEGETARIAN -Menu items contain no meat, fish, poultry, shellfish or products derived from these sources, but may contain dairy or eggs. These items would be appropriate for someone eating a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet.
Sugar Free Choice Icon SUGAR FREE - Menu items are baked goods and desserts with no added sugars (Sugar free Jello and sugar free pudding available daily).
Balanced Choices Icon BALANCED CHOICES - Menu options are available in vending machines displaying this symbol.

All onsite chefs and managers have completed a have completed have completed a 10-hour, web-based nutrition class through Framingham State College, a national leader in web-based nutrition education. In addition our chefs have attended a hands-on “Techniques of Healthy Cooking” cooking class developed by Johnson and Wales University Culinary Nutrition Department. The class emphasizes ingredient substitution and cooking methods that will reduce calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium in meals as well as promoting whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, vegetarian and vegan alternatives.

The training, recipe guide and marketing materials will allow Eurest to present the NIH community with a wellness program with depth and understanding. Our food philosophy, Balanced Choice recipes and our easy to understand menu icon system will allow our customers to choose meals and snacks that complement their fitness and wellness goals.

 

Eurest Dining Services
 
Dining Locations/Hours
 
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DATS Contact Information
  John Crawford
Project Officer
crawfj@mail.nih.gov
(301) 402-8180
  Patricia Thomas
Quality Assurance Specialist
thompat@mail.nih.gov
(301) 402-8180
 
 
Office of Research Services Office of Research Facilities National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services