It’s Nutrition Month: Find healthier foods at U-M

During a long day, the most mindful and cost-effective nutritional choice is usually making your own lunch. However, sometimes that’s just not possible. The morning rush, getting kids fed and preparing for work can leave little time for meal prep.

The next best option is making informed food choices while at work.

“Knowing where to find healthier foods is just as important as knowing what to eat,” said Erica Owen, manager of nutrition and weight management programs at MHealthy, the university’s health and well-being program. “We collaborate with Michigan Medicine Dining, as well as the restaurants, cafeterias and other food vendors around the university, to offer and identify healthier options.”

March is National Nutrition Month. This month, and all year-round, the university offers resources to help you find healthier food options at work.

Make healthier food choices:

• Plan ahead: If you have time to pack a lunch, do it. Check out these lunch packing tips for some fresh meal ideas. MHealthy also has more than 300 recipes online.

• Cater a healthier event: While this may not be useful over the next few months, MHealthy offers a handy catering tip sheet for general guidelines on how to host a healthy meeting or event.

Find food at Michigan Medicine:

• Find places to eat: Find a guide to dining, snack and coffee options on the main Ann Arbor medical campus and the East Ann Arbor Health & Geriatrics Center on the Michigan Medicine Dining Page. All locations offer items that meet MHealthy’s Nutrition Guidelines.
• Save a little for eating healthier: Michigan Medicine Dining and MHealthy partner to offer a Loyalty Punch Card Program at select Michigan Medicine cafés and carts. Save $2 after purchasing five MHealthy-approved items.
• Access healthier options 24/7: At Market Twenty 4 Seven micro-markets and in vending machines across Michigan Medicine, healthier snacks and beverages are identified with the MHealthy logo. The newest market opened a few months ago in UH South.
• Get support: The Maize and Blue Cupboard food pantry offers food, resources and educational opportunities to anyone with an MCard.

“Eating a nutritious meal or snack is an opportunity to give your body and mind the fuel it needs to stay focused and be at their best throughout your workday or at home,” said Owen.

Get additional resources to help you find healthier food options and resources across the university.