Positive Pulse by Chartwells: August 2014 Edition

Balanced U: An Overview Balanced U is Chartwells national award winning platform on health, wellness and sustainability. In 2012 it won the inaugural Operator Innovator’s Award in the Health and Nutrition category from the National Restaurant Association. This program can help our customers understand how eating on campus can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

A few of the different components of the program include nutrition information on-line and on-site to help students make informed decisions as well as icons that lead them to healthier, vegan, and vegetarian options. Monthly subjects emphasize the immediate benefits of eating healthy such as providing more energy, boosting brainpower, strengthening healing and immunity, and reducing stress and anxiety. Stealth health, our back of the house initiative to incorporate healthier ingredients right into the recipes that we are already using, includes cooking with low fat dairy, low-sodium canned tomato products, and offering more fresh and frozen fruits and veggies- we don’t even have canned veggies.

The bottom line is we want our students and customers to have the opportunity to choose healthy foods and learn about why they are good for them!

The Positive Pulse With Laura Vollink, RD LD, Chartwells Dietitian

Balanced Bite Increase your consumption of whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables. This will

displace the amount of processed foods that you are eating and can give you more energy throughout the day.

Laura is a registered, licensed Chartwells dietitian. She has been with Chartwells since 2011, and is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

[email protected] | 573-651-5145

Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Ingredients: 8 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons butter 5 cups cauliflower florets 6-7 cups water or vegetable broth ½ cup skim milk Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation: Sauté the minced garlic with the butter in a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Cook several minutes, or until garlic is soft and fragrant but not brown or burnt. Remove from heat and set aside. Bring the water (or vegetable broth) to a boil in a large pot, add the cauliflower and cook, covered, for 7-10 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Do not drain. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cauliflower pieces to blender. Add 1 cup of cooking liquid, sautéed garlic/butter, salt, pepper, and milk. Blend or puree for several minutes until sauce is very smooth. Add more broth or milk depending on how thick you want the sauce. Serve hot. If the sauce starts to look dry, add a little water, milk, or olive oil.

Nutritional Information: Calories: 47 | Fat: 2.5g | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 5g | Sodium: 28mg | Fiber 1g

Staying Healthy on a Busy Schedule Vacations at the beach, relaxing poolside, and lazy days of summer are coming to a close while we are gearing up for the start of a busy new semester! While adjusting to a new routine, it can be easy to put exercise and nutrition on the back burner. To make sure that you are still focusing on taking care of yourself, follow these tips:

• Start off with a strong breakfast. Before your day gets too busy, take the time to eat a good breakfast. Include some protein to give you that longer lasting energy that will keep you satisfied through the morning. Greek yogurt and fruit or peanut butter sandwiches are great options.

• Find time to eat. Busy schedules and new routines can throw off eating habits and may lead you to forget about eating! Make sure you try to get three square meals throughout the day so you indulge later.

• Carry a snack around… just in case. Try to carry a granola bar or piece of fruit just in case hunger strikes. This way you know you have a healthy option ready for you when you need it.

• Avoid fast food. It is too easy to grab a not-so-good-for-you meal when you are on the go. If you have to stop for a quick bite, look for options like a salad or a grilled chicken sandwich.

• Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink at least 8 cups of water a day to stay hydrated in this summer heat. Not only will it keep your belly full and satisfied, it will keep you from dehydrating while you are running around!

Keep good eating habits and nutrition an important part of your busy schedule. Balanced nutrition and hydration will help you look, feel, and perform at your best.