The “Choose Orange” program encourages students, faculty, and staff to follow US Dietary Guidelines.   Items that qualify for this program have been identified by a “Choose Orange” logo. 

The US Dietary Guidelines encourage consumption of more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products or equivalent products, which have less than 30% calories from fat.  Lean, low-fat, or fat-free meats are recommended, but saturated fats and trans fats should be limited. Food selections should contain little added sugars or caloric sweeteners.

Based on this criteria, the following guidelines have been implemented as part of the “Choose Orange” program at OSU. 

Inclusion Criteria:

• All fresh fruits and vegetables / all dried fruits and nuts
• All fruit in natural juice or light syrup
• Entrees and side dishes equal to or less than 30% of the calories from fat, zero trans fats
• Frozen meals same as freshly prepared entrees and side dishes
• Bread 100% whole wheat
• Convenience store food

Cereal:  less than 6 grams of sugar or at least 4 grams of fiber
Meal bars: 10 grams of sugar or less and 4 grams of fiber or more
V8 juice (vegetable juice)
Fruit juice: 100% pure juice
Yogurt (low-fat and light yogurt) Low-fat Milk and cheese
Milk 2%, 1% or skim
Canned ready to eat meals:  30% or less calories from fat, 0 trans fat, 3 grams or less saturated fats

Exclusion Criteria:Artificially flavored drinks

• Sports drinks: Gatorade, Red Bull, etc.
• Soft drinks
• Coffee, tea
• Candy, gum, chips, cookies
• Sugar based drinks and smoothies

It is important to remember that portion sizes also play an important role – this includes drinks, meals, and salad dressings.  If you have questions about your nutrition, please utilize the FREE Ask the Dietitian (please link “Ask the Dietitian” to the email address) service, or schedule an appointment with our registered dietitian, Elizabeth Lohrman, 744.WELL (9355).