Return to Main Menu

Green means go for healthy food To learn more about the Traffic Lite Dining program, visit the Wellness Wednesday booth on Oct. 11 at the entrance to the cafeteria.   Making healthy food selections can sometimes be complex, but starting Oct. 11 the decision-making process will become much easier with the implementation of the new Traffic Lite Dining system in the MUSC cafeteria.   MUSC registered dietitians and dietetic interns  analyzed the nutrition content of all foods available in the cafeteria. Each food was placed into a red, yellow, or green category. Using the same principles as a traffic light, the colored categories will let individuals know which foods should be chosen most often, sometimes, and less frequently. The nutrient criteria are based on the Sodexho Wellness & You fat and calorie guidelines.   Nutrition fact labels posted near each item will clearly reflect the red, yellow, or green Traffic Lite.   Red—stop and think. These are foods highest in fat/calories. Yellow—proceed with caution. These are foods with moderate fat/calories. Green—go for the healthy choice. These are foods lowest in fat/calories. The Traffic Lite color scheme takes into account only fat and calories.   As with every decision, there are many contributing factors to consider when choosing what to eat. Including foods that are high in fiber, vitamins and protein and low in sodium are an important part of a well-balanced diet. The nutrition fact labels will include the sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, protein and carbohydrate content.   Promoting healthy eating is a top priority for everyone. The MUSC cafeteria is now offering some foods in half- size portions, “Grab &Go” healthy breakfast options, and all foods cooked in Charleston Market, Spitfire Grill and Theme Cuisine are trans fat free.   These changes were implemented in response to MUSC community requests.   The Traffic Lite system is a quick reference guide to remind people that every small decision made throughout the day is important. Busy lifestyles can make choosing healthier foods difficult. Choosing more green light items can be your first step toward a healthier lifestyle.    Discount coupons for select green items will be given to everyone who visits the Oct. 11 Wellness Wednesday booth.   You can find the nutrient content of cafeteria foods, the Traffic Lite nutrient criteria, and a list of all the foods in each color category by logging onto http://www.nutrition.musc.edu.     Friday, Oct. 6, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.