Well Being
At Bon Appétit, we take responsibility for doing our part to support the well being of our guests. We do this by…

• Purchasing produce that is seasonal and minimally processed
• Creating menus that include an abundance of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains
• Training our staff in techniques that insure we are serving a safe product
• Working towards serving milk that is bovine growth hormone free
• Seeking meat producers and fisheries that use a minimal amount of human antibiotics
• Using food that is fresh, whole and prepared in a way that is healthy and nutritious

Here are some basic guidelines for healthy living and how Bon Appétit is committed to making it easy for our guests to follow them.

Fresh Foods and Well Being
At Bon Appétit we believe good health is about the choices you make every day, every meal. A healthful diet is a commitment to the lifelong practice of variety, balance and moderation in the food choices that you make.

Vary Your Choices
Food varies in vitamins, minerals, calories, fiber and many other nutrients. Thus no one food or food group can supply all the nutrients that your body needs each day. Food also contains different textures, flavors, colors and aromas to help meet our sensory needs. All foods fit together to meet the needs of the body. Eating plans that do not allow this variety not only rob our body of needed nutrients, but typically fall short as a long-term sustainable way to eat. Use the wide selection of foods available from your favorite comforts to more exotic ethnic choices to vary your diet.

Balance Your Food Choices Over Time
Many people try to be perfect with each and every food they choose. Trying to avoid high fat/high calorie foods all together makes minor "slip ups" feel like major disasters. This can lead to self-loathing and bingeing.

The reality is that a healthy diet is one that incorporates all types of foods with some consideration of how much and how often we choose higher fat, higher calorie options. Instead of totally avoiding less healthy foods, choose smaller amounts of those items, eat them less often and/or pair them with an array of other healthy choices. Achieving this balance will allow you to avoid the problems associated with unhealthy eating while feeling satisfied and comfortable with your diet.

Moderate Choices Especially Portion Sizes
When it comes to portions, the American way is the bigger the better. From up-sizing and larger containers to super-sized snacks and monster sodas, it's become easier and easier to get more calories, fat and sodium in less volume and often for less money. This trend does not tip the scales in our favor. Recognize this trend and take steps to manage your portions. You don't have to weigh and measure every bite you take, but do choose foods and beverages in a way that help to control overall the calories and fats you consume.

Consider the concept of calorie density when making food choices. Some foods such as soda or candy are high in calories but provide few other nutrients. In contrast, foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean proteins vary in calories but all provide a rich array of nutrients that our body needs. Using this idea, you do not have to know calories for each item you choose but rather keep in mind a few common sense tips:

• Fill your plate with 1/4 grains, 1/4 proteins and the balance a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables
• Aim for at least 1-2 fruits or vegetables at each meal
• Choose a whole grain at most meals
• Use a variety of lean plant and animal protein sources
• Add fat sparingly but use enough to give satisfaction with flavor

Get Moving…Every Bit Counts
Nutrition and activity go hand-in-hand when it comes to your physical well being. New research suggests that even regular, moderate activity has positive health benefits especially when it comes to your heart. So be it a brisk walk, running, taking the stairs or team sports, find activities that appeal to you and make them part of your regular routine. Healthy food choices supply energy that you need to make this a reality in your lifestyle.

Planning for Well Being
Smart nutrition does not have to be a perfect plan. No matter the stage of life, the sooner you invest in your health by making well-balanced food choices, the greater the benefits will be. As you embark on new eating plans or make attempts to modify already healthy patterns, consider how you make these changes. Assess your current patterns and set small goals to improve in problem areas. Plan for change by scoping out all your choices in your Bon Appétit café…knowing your options can be half the battle. Use the monthly nutrition materials provided in the Circle of Responsibility as a resource for nutrition information. Most of all be patient with yourself and celebrate all your progress no matter how small. Change takes time and being too strict or hard on yourself will simply lead to defeat.

Bon Appétit's Commitment
Bon Appétit is committed to maintaining fresh food standards in each and every account, each day, each meal, no exceptions. From that commitment also comes a concern for our guests not only from the aspect of what we serve, but how we interact and contribute to your knowledge, beliefs and ultimately choices about food. Look for more information from us each month that can help you make nutrition choices that will enhance your well being for a lifetime!

Note: This information is not intended to take the place of advice from a health professional. Check with your physician before starting any diet or exercise program. While all efforts have been made to ensure the information included in this material is correct, new research is released frequently and may invalidate certain pieces of data. 1/03.