October 1, 2013

Thanks to Master of Human Nutrition graduate Svetlana Thaler ‘12, the Drexel community has yet another way to eat healthfully on or near campus. In a research project she conducted with Professor Nyree Dardarian, Thaler examined the options available at local food trucks, giving each truck a rating based on a set of criteria that focused on the number of affordable menu items that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar and sodium.

Here are some tips based on her research poster, which is hanging in the Drexel Recreation Center:

1. Look for foods that include fruits, vegetables and grains. This way, you’re more likely to score vitamins, minerals and fiber.
2. Avoid fried foods, sweets and heavily processed foods, which are generally high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
3. Order low fat dressings instead of regular options.
4. Ask for whole grain bread as a replacement for white, processed breads.
5. Keep your portion sizes in check.

Trucks Serving the Highest-Scoring Healthy Options

Oriental Fast Food (healthiest choices: steamed vegetables and tofu, vegetable soup)
Fruit Truck (small fruit assortment)
Nuts Stand (raw assorted nuts)
Kami (edamame, multigrain rice)
Pete’s Little Lunch Box (Nature Valley bars, salads)
Mike D’s (Nature Valley bars, salads)

Trucks with The Fewest High-Scoring Options

Chewy’s
Spot
Say Cheese Philadelphia
La Dominique Creperie
Insomnia Cookies