Hollywood, FL (November 05, 2008) –- In recognition of National Diabetes Month, Salad Creations, VITAZEST® Water and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation have teamed up to create a diabetes-friendly, create-your-own-salad meal that is available in Salad Creations restaurants around the country. While Salad Creations is already a fresh alternative to fast-food, the new diabetes-friendly menu takes the concept one step further by identifying the food options that are lower in carbs, sugar, sodium, fat and calories. Featured menu items were selected and approved by dietitians at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and a recognized world leader in cure-focused research.
“This menu is a good option for people with diabetes because the choices are high in fiber and are nutrient-dense, which means the foods provide good nutritional value without excess calories,” stated Elizabeth Capo, a dietitian at the DRI. “We also made sure that the portions were sensible and that the ingredients were fresh and all-natural.”
Customers can top off the meal with a vitamin and fruit enriched water by VitaZest. Exotic and tropical choices like Kiwi Strawberry, Passion Fruit and Pomegranate, among others, are certain to whet appetites.
“Millions of people are suffering with diabetes. We are happy that we could team up with VitaZest and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation to provide a valuable service and educational tool for our customers,” stated Jeff Levine, founder and CEO of Salad Creations. “Not all people with diabetes have the benefit of discussing meal plans with a dietitian. The diabetes-friendly meal just alleviates any guess work.”
Diabetes is growing at an epidemic rate. In this country alone, nearly 24 million children and adults have diabetes, and an additional 57 million have pre-diabetes. Studies show that a combination of exercising and eating right leads to good health, and small changes in diet can make a big impact. For those already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is committed to finding a cure, and leads the world in bringing promising treatments to patients in the safest and fastest way possible. To learn more about the DRI’s life-saving work, visit www.diabetesresearch.org.
The new menu is available at Salad Creations restaurants now and will continue to be available throughout the year at most locations.
Contact:
Lauren Schreier
lschreier@drif.org