Metz & Associates, Ltd. a leading dining and environmental services management company is planning a series of Wellness Fairs focused on the nutritional importance of nuts and seeds at several colleges and universities in celebration of National Nutrition Month in March.

“In keeping with this theme and to promote a healthy lifestyle, we will highlight the benefits of nuts and seeds in a balanced diet,” said Kathy Gonzalez, MEd, RD, LDN, Vice President of Nutrition & Education Services at Metz & Associates, Ltd. “Many people don’t realize that nuts and seeds are excellent sources of protein, as well as great providers of many important vitamins and minerals. They can be a very important part of a healthy diet.”

Wellness Fairs are currently planned at the following college and universities served by Metz & Associates, Ltd.: March 8 - Mt. Aloysius College; March 16 - University of Pittsburgh at Bradford; March 17 - Cheyney University; March 23 - Misericordia University; & March 25 - Lebanon Valley College.

The array of nuts and seeds featured by Metz at the fairs, include pine nuts, walnuts, cashews and almonds, as well as sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, chia and flaxseed. The health benefits of these items will be showcased through nutrition information tables, displays featuring a variety of nuts and seeds and listings of the nutrients they each provide, a display cooking station with recipes that utilize nuts and seeds, as well as various health screenings and other nutrition information.

“A highlight at all of the fairs, will be our “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” Nutrition game,” Gonzalez said. “This fun and interactive game is sure to be a hit with college students as they pit their knowledge of proper nutrition against that of a 5th grader during an enlightening Q & A,” Gonzalez said.

Those schools with nursing programs, such as Misericordia University, are getting their nursing students involved by doing informational sessions on topics such as the signs and symptoms of stroke, as well as blood pressure and other health-related screenings.

The recipes featured at the fairs were developed by Ryan McNulty, C.E.C., Director of Culinary Development, Metz & Associates, Ltd. They include orzo with spinach & pine nuts, cashew & vegetable stir fry, almond crusted chicken, walnut vinaigrette, hummus with toasted sesame seeds, a chia berry smoothie and a homemade energy bar made with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

“The students are sure to enjoy sampling these new recipes as the incorporation of nuts and seeds added a great texture and much enhanced flavor,” McNulty said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to seeds they might not have been familiar with, such as chia, and to show them how easily these nutritious items can be incorporated into their daily diet.”

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.