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In January 2007, the Office of Research Services, Division of Employee Services (ORS/DOES) in partnership
with Eurest Dining Services will launch the 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.
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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. |
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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. |
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SUGAR FREE – Menu items are baked goods and desserts with no added sugars (Sugar free
Jello and sugar free pudding available daily). |
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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.
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