Sun Basket’s Nutritional Guidelines

Every Sun Basket recipe is developed to deliver a nutrient-rich meal with the most delicious ingredients available. Our team of registered dietitians has established nutritional standards for our meal plans that incorporate the recommendations of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, as well as the latest science, nutrition, and health research; recommendations from leading health organizations, and their own extensive clinical nutritional experience.  

Here’s the breakdown:

• Calories: Sun Basket meals typically provide between 550 and 750 calories, which is approximately 30% of the 2,000 calorie daily intake level used as a standard reference set by the Dietary Guidelines. Recipes for our Lean & Clean plan are always 600 calories or less.

• Protein: The recommended intake for the average individual is 50 grams,  though it’s important to remember that protein needs vary: for example, pregnant and nursing mothers require more, while infants and children require less. All Sun Basket recipes, except our vegan meals, provide at least 20 grams (40% of the recommended Daily Value) of protein per serving. Our vegan meals provide at least 15 grams (30% of the recommended Daily Value).

• Fat: Extensive research supports the health benefits of certain fats and recommends replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sun Basket focuses on using high quality ‘good’ unsaturated fats (olive oil, nut oil, seeds, avocados, etc). We follow the Dietary Guidelines recommendation to consume less than 10% of daily calories per day from saturated fat. Our Lean & Clean recipes have five grams of saturated fat or less.

• Carbohydrates: When it comes to carbs, focus on the source, not the number. We put complex carbohydrates—including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—at the center of most Sun Basket recipes, and limit simple carbs such as refined grains and sugars. Our Paleo meals have the least amount of carbohydrates.

• Fiber: The Harvard School of Public Health recommends children and adults consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Our meals provide five grams or more per serving in the form of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, which makes them an excellent source of fiber.

• Sodium: The Dietary Guidelines and Institute of Medicine recommend limiting sodium to 2,300 mg per day. We try to keep sodium levels at 800 mg per serving. You can always cut back on the amount of sodium by using only portions of the sauce or dressings and using minimal salt when seasoning.

• Sugar: The Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming fewer than 10 percent of total calories from added sugar. For a 2,000 calorie diet, this means no more than 48 grams, or 12 teaspoons of sugar, per day. We keep added sugars to a minimum; and choose unrefined sweeteners like agave, honey, coconut nectar, and maple syrup. Our Lean & Clean recipes have no added sugar.