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Nutritional Information
Your one-stop for nutritional information

About Nutrition @ VU

Nutritious food on campus starts with Gail Gamble, Nutritionist for Villanova Dining Services. Gail holds a Bachelors degree in Culinary Nutrition from Johnson and Wales University. Building on an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, Gail perfected her craft under the tutelage of famous Chef Walter Staib, owner of the historic City Tavern in Philadelphia, and Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort. Gail also worked as a chef at the Viking Range store in Bryn Mawr, PA, preparing meals and teaching advanced cooking skills. Along the way Gail discovered her love for creating dishes that were delicious, as well as nutritious. Gail is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Nutrition at Immaculata University. Joining the Dining Services team in the fall of 2005, as Assistant Chef in St. Mary's Dining Hall, Gail immediately demonstrated both her interest and talent in serving delicious and healthy dishes for our students.

In March 2006, Gail competed in the NACUFS (The National Association of College and University Food Services) Culinary Challenge on the campus of Virginia Tech where she placed second and won an American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal. Over the summer of 2006, Gail was promoted to Nutritionist.

Gail's "National Nutrition Month" program in 2007 took first place in NACUFS' "Most Innovative Nutrition Program". In 2008, Villanova Dining Services committed to eliminating partially hydrogenated oils and MSG from all products purchased on served on campus. Gail is very knowledgeable in the areas of food allergies and food intolerances, her culinary background makes her uniquely capable in accommodating students and guiding them in finding food items on our menus, and in our convenience stores, that meet their dietary restrictions. Villanova Dining Services specializes in procuring and preparing food for students with food allergies and intolerances. Gail is currently in the process of re-designing the Nova Nutrition website. In the meantime you can contact Gail at 610-519-8991 or email if you have any nutrition related questions or concerns.

 

Nutrition Links

Healthy Tip

Nutrition 101: The Food Groups

Including all food groups in your daily eating is important because...
Grains Give your brain and muscles energy
Are a good source of B-vitamins and iron
Include grains like rice, potatoes, pasta, and whole grain bread at every meal.
Fruits and Vegetables Help eyes, hair, and blood and boost your immune system
Are a good source of vitamins A and C, minerals, and fiber
Try having fruits and vegetables like apples, broccoli, pear, carrots, squash, salad 5-7 times per day (2 1/2 cups of veggies and 2 cups or fruit).
Milk/Dairy Help maintain strong bones and teeth
Are a good source of calcium and protein
Have a serving of low fat dairy foods like 8 oz milk, 1 oz cheese, 1 cup yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding, or frozen yogurt 3 times a day.
Meat/Protein Help build muscles, fight infection, and heal wounds
Are a good source of protein
Try having beef, chicken, peanut butter, fish, tofu, or eggs at 2 meals daily.
Fats and Oils Keep hair and skin soft and gives a feeling of fullness
Are a good source of dietary fat
Include a little fat like salad dressing, olive oil, guacamole, nuts, or seeds at each meal.

 

 
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