Nutritional Content and Analyses

The nutritional content of the entrees and side dishes conforms to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid guidelines. Please be aware that these guidelines are not designed to meet the needs of every individual. Certain individuals may need more or less of certain food groups based upon their specific needs. However, the calories could easily be suitable for weight managements plans, ranging from 146 for the Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi to 478 for the Cajun Turkey Burger Wraps.

Calories

Each meal contains between 35-45% of the 2,000 daily calorie level as recommended by the USDA. However, it is important to remember that portions can be varied depending on your personal situation

Simpliciousmeals.com – Nutrient Criteria and Assumptions

Bea Krinke, 4/5/07 * Nutrient Analysis was completed by Bea Krinke, using the NDS-R (University of Minnesota’s Nutrient Data System for Research, 2006) software. The analysis was conducted on a one-month menu of Simplicious meals.

Conclusion:

The analyzed recipes created by Simplicious can be considered healthful. Each meets the basic recommendations in MyPyramid.

Criteria and Assumptions:

1. Based on Daily Values as used on the Nutrition Facts Panel (nutrient labels), the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), and energy needs of 2000 kcal per day
2. Higher or Lower caloric level meals will provide proportionately higher/lower nutrient levels
3. Analyses include only entrees, side dishes will complement the entrée
4. Assume that the meal provides 35 to 45% of the daily nutrient total

For the meal:

Recipes are created with wholesome foods, rich in health-promoting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Combining the entrees with whole grains, vegetables and salads ensures nutrient-dense meals each and every day.

Calories do not exceed 700 and 900 kcal (35%- 45% of 2000 kcal)
Total fat does not exceed 23 to 29 gm of fat (35-45% of 65 grams)
Saturated fat does not exceed 7 to 9 grams (35-45% of 20 grams)
Synthetic trans fats will be minimal; some foods that are lean naturally contain trans fat

Total fiber will be at least 14 grams per 1000 kcal, recognizing that much of this may come from side dishes, since meat, poultry, fish and eggs contain no dietary fiber.

Sodium will not exceed 840 to 1100 mg per meal (35-45% of 2400 mg); many meals contain sodium in small enough amounts to meet the stricter 1500 mg sodium per day guidelines recommended by the DASH diet for high blood pressure control.