ISU AYCTE Station Makes Healthy Dining "Simple"

Iowa State University students looking for a one-stop-shop solution to the search for a healthy meal now have one with the opening this semester of the new Simple Plate station in the school's all-you-care-to-eat Union Drive Marketplace. The concept behind the station is to offer dishes that feature minimally processed ingredients with an emphasis on vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

The chef-created, simply balanced plates feature roasted, grilled, sauteed, steamed or baked items and there is a daily vegan option. For those worried about celiac disease, no gluten containing ingredients are used at Simple Plate and most of the recipes don't use artificial colors or preservatives. In addition, the food is pre-portioned for convenience.

On a recent day, the lunch menu featured...
• Shredded Beef Rice Bowl with Black Beans, Cilantro Lime Onion and Queso Fresco;
• Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas;
• Hominy Salad with Basil Shallot Vinaigrette.

That evening's dinner menu consisted of...
• Herb Roast Turkey with Sweet Potato Hash and Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts;
• Grilled Herb Tofu with Sweet Potato Hash and Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts;
• Hominy Salad with Basil Shallot Vinaigrette.