More options available to go light on lunch

October 20, 2015

102115healthierlunches640Cutting calories can be easier when there are healthy options. In an effort to provide both patient families and employees with a healthier meal, Food and Nutrition Services has teamed up with several of our concept partners in the Clinical Care Center food court to bring in a healthy dose of food choices.

“As a health care organization, it is very important for us to give you healthy options when you dine with us,” said Claudia Conkin, director of Food and Nutrition Services. “Our food court is used not only by patient families, but also by our employees and we are constantly looking for ways to serve both better.”

The latest changes to the food court menu come from Villa Pizza, a vendor for more than 14 years. With the help of Texas Children’s, recipes have been reformulated to cut as much as 30 percent of calories. New lighter pizzettas with fresh toppings are offered and the Pizza station now offers a classic lunch meal deal with half portion entrees and a side of salad or vegetables.

Other offerings in the food court include a chef inspired Eat Right special that offers entrees and complete meals for under 600 calories while also reducing fat and sodium. This ongoing program is offered every Wednesday. The “make-your-own” Creation Station that offers salads, baked potatoes, pastas and other make-it-yourself options throughout the week has introduced lighter toppings such as reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat cheese and low-calorie salad dressings. Soda fountains have been replaced with freestyle machines that allow more options including 70 low calorie drinks and flavored waters. Chick-Fil-A offers kids meals with a fruit cup as a replacement for French fries at the same price within the hospital.

To encourage healthier choices, look for the Beanie’s Choice symbol throughout the food court to help identify lower calorie or nutrient packed foods to add to your daily diet.