'Balanced U' Breakdown

Many of you probably know that there are Balanced U stations at the Griesedieck and Reinert dining halls. However... Do you know anything about the Balanced U program?

Balanced U is a holistic approach to food and nutrition. It’s based on one concept - we eat food. To help our customers understand how food plays into health, Balanced U consists of three components: Icons, Monthly Subjects and Stealth Health.

Icons: are used to easily identify better options: balanced options (limited in nutrients that can be detrimental to health), vegetarian options, vegan options, made without gluten options, and sustainable food choices. Paying attention to these icons will help you eat healthy. Eating healthy should not focus on what a food doesn’t have, instead it should focus on what it does have.

 

*In order for food to be labeled with the 'Balanced' icon

or to be served at the Balanced U station, foods must fit this criterion:

Per Serving:	Entrée	Appetizer, Side, Or Dessert	Dressings & Sauces
Calories	500	300	100
Fat	15g	10g	5g
Saturated Fat	5g	5g	1g
Cholesterol	100mg	50mg	20mg
Sodium	800mg	400mg	200mg



This makes it easy to find healthy food options - just look for the 'Balanced' icon or simply eat at the Balanced U stations!

Monthly Subjects: are focused on providing an opportunity to highlight and educate on the functional foods that fit the specific monthly subject.

Energy and Power - August and September

Healing and Immunity: October



Brain Boosters: November

 

Reduce Stress and Feel Good: December and January

 

Proud to Look Good: February

 

Metabolism Booster: March

 

Earth Friendly Foods: April and May

                                                      

Stealth Health: A back of the house kitchen responsibilities to increase the nutritional value of foods served to students. Goals include reducing calories, sodium, fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, increasing fruit and vegetable intake and increasing fiber intake.

In general Balanced U is a concept that promotes food that benefits your health and wellness! We want to provide you with foods that will positively impact your life. If you have any questions or want more information, please contact me at nutrition@slu.edu.