Just in time for National Nutrition Month, MHealthy has launched a new recipe-finder website featuring more than 300 MHealthy-approved recipes.
“For years we would get questions about how to make our MHealthy recipes more accessible,” says Erica Owen, manager of MHealthy’s Nutrition & Weight Management Programs. “I’m excited that we’ve developed this solution that is user-friendly, easy to navigate and highlights our most delicious and popular recipes.”
The new website includes a searchable database that can be sorted by food type or meal course. It provides photos and nutritional information for every recipe; profile settings to store favorites and dietary information; and the ability to print, email or share recipes on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.
“In addition to searching by meal or food-type, the recipe finder features categories like ‘special diet,’ which includes gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, and ‘quick and easy’ for those who only have 15 or 30 minutes to prepare a meal,” says Owen. “We plan to add new recipes regularly and hope people use this tool as another way to plan nutritious meals for themselves and their families.”
Visitors to the site can find recipes ranging from Oven-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Asian Glaze to Fresh Mango and Strawberry Smoothies. All recipes meet the MHealthy Nutrition Guidelines, which were created by a team of registered dietitians at U-M and emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, lean protein, low fat dairy and healthy fats.
Based on employee health questionnaire data, overweight/obese is one of the highest risk factors among university faculty and staff. The recipe finder is one of several nutrition and weight-management programs and services available through MHealthy that are being promoted during National Nutrition Month.
Other programs include:
• Ready to Lose — This new, 24-week webinar-based weight-loss program is open to university employees and their spouses/other qualified adults (OQAs) with a body mass index greater than 25. “Ready to Lose” is free and includes 30-minute weekly webinars focused on strategies to overcome common weight-loss barriers. Participants work with a personal weight-loss coach and are eligible for incentives for tracking weight online.
• Weight Watchers —U-M faculty and staff and their spouses/OQAs enrolled in a U-M health plan can join Weight Watchers At Work or Weight Watchers community programs for a discounted rate of $72 per 12-week session on up to two sessions per calendar year. New sessions start in March and April.
• Nutrition consultations — All faculty and staff members can register for a free 30-minute consult that includes meeting with an MHealthy registered dietitian to get a nutrition assessment and individualized nutrition information and guidance.
Also, starting in May, the “Eat Smarter: Fresh Produce Series” will again offer the university community a resource to buy farm-fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables on campus.
Recognized each March, National Nutrition Month is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits, and is sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
