What are you having for lunch today? Look what we are serving in the Cafeteria at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center!

My office is located in the kitchen. So...the aroma of food (and the smiles of my co-workers) greet me first thing as I walk in to work each day! Today, when I walked in to work I smelled parsley, teriyaki, something spicy, tomatoes and chocolate chips! The food that we serve in the Cafeteria here is so.....amazing! Sorry that I can't share the smell and taste with you here on the blog; but I hope the pictures below of what we are serving today at the cafeteria will give you an idea.

If you happen to be around Burlington,MA please stop by and you will understand why I get excited for lunch each and every day at work.

Pictures of the Cafeteria


At the Soup Station

Healthy Vegetarian Chili and Chicken Rice Soup 





Healthy Vegetarian Chili



Chicken Rice Soup

Favorites Station

Chicken Parmesan, Italian Meat Loaf, Garlic Bread, Zucchini and Fresh Tomatoes, Country Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Vegetables

Pizza Station

Pepperoni, Spinach Thin Crust Pizza, Cheese and Double Stuffed Pizza

Deli Station

Made to order Deli (cold sandwich, panini and wraps)

Grill Station

Made to order (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner items)

Salad Bar

27 fresh and healthy selections at the salad bar 

World Cuisine Station

Daily International flair



Serving a Chicken Teriyaki Noodle Bowl Special today (03/25/15)



Apart from the cafeteria, we also have Jazzman's Cafe & Bakery http://www.jazzmanscafe.com/. Our bakery items are made fresh daily by our in house Jazzman's baker. We also serve a wide varitey of Jazzman's coffees, teas, salads, sandwiches and soups.  







The Jazzman Team- Lindsey, Bora, Lanita and Ashley

Although we have great food and beverage variety here, the thing that we are most proud of is how passionate and friendly our co-workers are towards everyone we serve. At Sodexo account at Lahey, we believe in  "Making everyday a better day for all those we serve".

Left to Right: Nassim, Rose and Jason

Left to Right: Ravi, Jeremy,Chef Dave,Lei Li, Justin, Kellsey and Manny

Left to Right: Rudy, Tim, Dan, Stephen and Marc

Front row (Left to Right): Justin, Alyssa and Barbara
Back row (Left to Right): Ashley,Joan, George, Lei, Herb,Kristen,Kellsey,Jason,Rose and Brandon 

Left to Right: Sarla, Doug, Ravi and Steve

Left to Right: Linda and Alex 



It's the attitude that matters! Happy Spring!!!

Spring officially starts today, March 20 at 6:45 P.M this evening. Although we are ready, unfortunately mother nature is not quite ready yet for spring. Mother nature still wants to give us a few more snow showers and cold weather before we can finally celebrate spring. So...last night, I had my "Aha!" moment. I have no control over the weather, but I have full control of my own attitude! So...this morning, I woke up 30 minutes earlier, pick up my brightest color sweater (In Salmon color!Perhaps I have unintentionally made a fashion statement :)), made myself a nice Malaysian breakfast (Malaysian beef jerky and chicken floss sandwich) http://www.mycookinghut.com/2010/09/10/malaysian-bbq-pork-jerky-chicken-floss-sandwiches/ and of course have my favorite Peet's Coffee. Before I left home, I am already celebrating Spring! It's the attitude that determines spring not the weather! "When life gives you lemon, make lemonade". In my case, I will even add a little honey to make it extra special :)

When I came in to the Hospital today, I wish everyone that I came across "Happy Spring". Some look at me with their eyes wide open and says "It's so...cold", some wished me back and some asked me where is the sun? Guess what I told them? "I am the sun!". See my bright sweater? I brought a smile to them.

See, spring is in the air!

On behalf of the Environmental Services and Food and Nutrition team at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, wishing everyone a Happy Spring!
 



Left to Right: Randy, John R, John P and Sopaul 

 

Left to Right: Betty, Doug and Maria

Marianthi



Left to Right: Justin,Rose,Genese and Rich



Left to Right: Lindsay, Bora, Lanita and Ashley



Left to Right: Manny, Linda and Genese



Left to Right: Herb, Rich and Peter

 

Marc



Left to right: Stephen, Manny and Shaina



Left to Right: Irene and Gus



Miguel

Left to Right: Sara, Edlie, Mariano, Andre and Sonia




Left to Right: Joujoute and Edlie



Left to Right: Edlie, Ana, Dilia, Maria and Jean Jeudy








    


 

It's so...cold out there...but spring is coming tomorrow. A little "smell of hope" will warm up your day!

Spring is officially starting tomorrow, Friday, March 20. Since Boston had the snowiest winter on record with 108.6 inches of snow this winter, http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/boston-snow-record-break-snowiest-winter-ever/43991418 I am sure all Bostonians couldn't wait for spring to come. Unfortunately, there is a chance of snow again tomorrow on the first day of spring! One couldn't help but felt deflated. It looks like the good old winter is not going to leave us just yet.

Just when I give up hope and bundled myself up for the cold 19 degree Fahrenheit this morning, upon walking in to work, I "smell" a ray of hope. Ya..You read it right. There is such thing as, "smell of hope". It comes in the form of " the smell of your favorite baked goods (Chocolate?Vanilla?Cinnamon?Oohhhh..I better stop :))", "smell of your favorite shower gel", "smell of your favorite candles" or "smell of your favorite Coffee". It can come in different variety depending of what makes you feel happy that moment. Today, my "smell of hope" comes in the form of curry. It reminds me of home,and one of my favorite holidays,  Diwali http://sodexoatlahey.blogspot.com/2013/10/diwali.html . My lips started to curve up. A smile is evident. I am happy. I am warm and of course I want my curry :)

So....what are you waiting for? Go get your "smell of hope". I have told you where I found mine today. If you happened to be around Burlington,MA, stop by for a wonderful Indian cuisine prepared by Chef Ravi Rajkarnikar and the production team lead by our Executive Chef, Chef David Cox.

Good luck in your search! It will be great if you could share it with me.

Have a great day and Happy Spring!

Today Special at the Cafeteria World Cuisine Station- Chicken Vindaloo, Basmati Rice, Vegetable Pakoras, Channa Massala 

Left to Right: Ravi Rajkarnikar and Chef David Cox

(Left to right): Ravi Rajkarnikar, Stephen Wetterwald, Jeremy Melanson

Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle to Reduce Cancer Risk- by guest blogger, Katherine F. Lundy RD, CSO, LDN, Dietitian Specialist, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Article by guest blogger- Katherine F. Lundy RD, CSO, LDN, Dietitian Specialist, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

 
    The 2015 National Nutrition Month theme, "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle," encourages people to adopt eating and physical activity goals that focus on reducing calories, making informed food choices, and enjoying exercise daily so that a healthy weight may be achieved and maintained.

By eating well and increasing physical activity, you can feel and look better as well as reduce your risks for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and blood vessel diseases, as well as certain types of cancer. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon/rectum, breast (after menopause), endometrium, kidney, thyroid, and gallbladder.

As a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition, I am so pleased that this year's National Nutrition Month theme is in line with the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for physical activity and healthy eating to help reduce cancer risk. Recommendations for reducing cancer risk in adults are as follows:

1.   Aim for a healthy BMI, which is between 18.5 and 24.9. There are many theories about why obesity is linked to cancer risk. One theory is that obese people often have chronic, low-level inflammation which is also associated with increased cancer risk. Also, fat is an active tissue which produces hormones, and certain excess hormones may promote the growth of certain tumors. You can calculate your BMI at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm.

2.   Increase your physical activity to 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Examples of moderate physical activity are walking, leisurely bicycling, baseball, doubles tennis, and mowing the lawn. Examples of vigorous physical activity are jogging or running, circuit weight training, swimming laps, aerobic dance, cross-country skiing, soccer, and heavy manual labor. Set and achieve small physical activity goals first. All the activity does not need to be completed at one time. You may consider pairing a brisk morning walk and an evening group work out class, like Zumba.

3.   Eat a variety of healthy foods with a focus on natural plant sources. Processed foods that read “low fat” may actually be very high in added sugar calories. Be a smart consumer and read your food labels! Some of these foods may make weight maintenance difficult.

4.   Limit the amount of processed and red meat you consume. Bacon, sausage, lunch meats, and hot dogs are examples of processed meats. These foods are not only high in saturated fat, but also high in sodium. Choose meat preparation methods that are healthful as well, such as baking, broiling, or poaching; and, if eating red meats select lean, 3-ounce portions.

5.   Aim for five to nine, ½ cup servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Remember to choose a variety of colors to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. When eating these fruits and vegetables, use small portions of sauces, dressings, and dips, if any at all.

6.   Choose whole grains rather than refined grain products. The first item listed on the ingredients label should be “whole wheat” or “whole grain.” Try using different grains with your meals such as millet, quinoa, or barley. Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates such as pastries, candy, and sugary breakfast cereals.

7.   Enjoy alcoholic beverages in limited amounts, if at all. It is recommended that women consume no more than 1 drink per day, and men consume no more than 2 drinks per day. Remember, these servings are not cumulative, so they cannot be “saved-up” for the weekend. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. Be aware that many mixed drinks contain added sugar from sodas and juices, and may be difficult to fit into a reduced calorie diet.

In a world filled with more food choices than ever before, navigating the grocery aisle, and eating foods that are best for your specific lifestyle and health conditions can be very challenging. Individualized counseling from a Lahey Health dietitian is covered under the Harvard Pilgrim-Lahey Health Select HMO and Value plans, as well as many other health insurance plans.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 781-744-8000.

Katherine F. Lundy RD, CSO, LDN
References:

CA CANCER J CLIN 2012;62:68-69

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/causes-prevention/risk/weight-activity/obesity-fact-sheet

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html

http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/nutrition/healthy-eating/bite-into-a-healthy-lifestyle

Happy St.Patrick's Day! Come celebrate with us at the Cafeteria at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Burlington on March 17,2015

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

Each year St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 by the Irish community around the world.  It is a religious event to commerate the patron saint of Ireland- Saint Patrick. Over the years, this has become a very important holiday in cities with a big Irish community. It's a day where everyone comes out to celebrate and learn the Irish culture through parades, foods, drinks, Shamrocks and of course everything green :). To learn more about St.Patrick's day history, please click on this link  http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day

Boston has the longest-running public parade in the country (since 1737) and was ranked #1 Best St Patrick's Day parade in the United States in an article by US news http://travel.usnews.com/features/Americas_Best_St_Patricks_Day_Parades/ The parade will be held in South Boston this year on Sunday,March 15 starting from 1pm. It will be the second largest parade in the country. According to southbostonparade.org, the parade is viewed by 600,000 to 1 million people each year. I have attended the parades a few times. I always enjoy the event as it has something for everyone. It is a family friendly event and a great way to celebrate the Irish culture.

At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, we will be having a St.Patrick's Day special during lunch in the main Cafeteria from 11am-2pm on St. Patrick's day- March 17, 2015

Our menu will include:
1)Corned Beef
2)Cabbage
3)Carrots
4)Turnip
5)Red Bliss Potatoes

The meal will be served with a 16oz Dasani water, 8 oz soda, any size fountain drink or coffee for only $6.95

Come join us you happened to be around Burlington that day!

Erin Go Bragh!