Nutrition Basics

Making good nutrition choices starts with an understanding of the basics. All foods are made up of three basic macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat, and protein) in addition to a variety of micronutrients that perform different functions in the body. By selecting the right proportion of the best choices from the major food groups, you can ensure that you are obtaining a healthy balance of macro and micronutrients. Learn more information about these nutrients and where to find them on the below pages: 

• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Protein
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Antioxidants & Phytonutrients

Eating In Balance at Bon Appétit

At Bon Appétit, we developed the In Balance program to make it easier for you to create your own balanced plate when making choices in our cafés and at home. Look for the In Balance icon for meals that contain a balanced proportion of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins, all prepared with a minimal amount of healthy fat. 

 

USDA’s MyPlate and Bon Appétit’s In Balance Plate

In order to help Americans eat a balanced diet, the USDA Food Guide Pyramid was replaced by a plate icon divided into food subgroups, called MyPlate. At Bon Appétit, we used information from this plate in addition to Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate and other current research to develop our In Balance criteria. The USDA MyPlate and Bon Appétit’s In Balance Plates are similar, as they both encourage a largely plant-based diet, with at least one half of your plate being fruits and vegetables balanced with whole grains and lean protein. Based on current research, the In Balance Plate incorporates healthy fats and does not include dairy as a primary component to every plate, but does mention the benefits of dairy in the informational text below the plate.