Welcome back to our All Foods Fit series! As part of our introduction to SAGE’s All Foods Fit philosophy, we’ll be covering the different aspects of food in greater detail: Fuel, Culture, Exploration, Togetherness, and Enjoyment.
As a reminder, All Foods Fit means that there are no “good” or “bad” foods because we eat many different foods for many different reasons. Food keeps us nutritionally balanced, provides the opportunity to explore other cultures and flavors, and allows us to create long-lasting memories and enjoy the dining experience. We want to honor and celebrate these reasons!
Let’s take a look at how we use food for Fuel. Food is the body’s source of energy — it nourishes us and is essential to life. Food supports us physically in these ways:
- Helps us properly grow and develop.
- Gives our brain the energy to stay alert and focused.
- Supports our immune system, meaning fewer sick days and faster recovery time when we do get sick.
- Builds the foundation for long-term overall health and well-being.
We offer two programs that educate communities on how food is Fuel: The SAGE Spotlight Program® and Performance Spotlight®.
The SAGE Spotlight Program® provides general nutrition guidance to educate students on how to build a balanced plate by using a color-coded system. Each menu item features a Spotlight color based on nutrient density and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Much like our All Foods Fit philosophy, this nutrition program encourages students to practice variety, balance, and moderation every day. Check out this video for more information about The SAGE Spotlight Program®.
The Performance Spotlight® program makes it easy for athletes to fuel up for training and games. This program offers nutritious recommendations and educational materials for athletes based on guidelines from the NCAA, U.S. Olympic Committee, and current sports nutrition research. To find daily Performance picks, look for the Performance Spotlight® runner icon on menus and signage at dining hall stations, online, and in the Touch of SAGE® Mobile App. In addition, student athletes will find training and game day plate guidance to ensure they’re fueling properly to win! Find out more about our Performance Spotlight® program here.
Stay tuned for future blogs where we’ll discuss other components that make up our All Foods Fit philosophy.
