Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) introduced this year's healthy meal options. This marks another step in the campus's exploration of healthy dining paradigms following the success of the Mediterranean plates last year.

This year's healthy meal, also framed within the principles of Mediterranean cuisine, places a strong emphasis on food diversity and quality. It advocates for a rich intake of vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of animal proteins that avoid red and processed meats.

The meal comprises three distinct plates. All are prepared without thickening agents or frying, and are characterized by their low sugar, salt, and calorie content, which allows the natural nutritional value of the ingredients to shine through.

Healthy plate A. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

Healthy plate B. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

Healthy plate C. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

These plant-centric meals are not only rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and prebiotics, which support improved gut health and stable blood sugar levels, but also incorporate high-protein, low-fat sources of protein essential for overall health maintenance. Furthermore, the use of healthy plant oils like rapeseed oil in the cooking process ensures the provision of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids.

In terms of pricing, the university offers the shrimp plate at 15 yuan ($2.05) and the chicken set menu at 13 yuan. These prices are notably low compared to similar offerings in the market.