Dietitian Services
Nutrition Program
If you have any allergies, food restrictions or intolerances, we highly suggest you contact us. We can help you eat great and stay safe in the dining hall.
Contact the Dietitian, Jenn Bostedo: jbostedo@gourmetdiningllc.com
Biggest Loser Contest Plant strawberries Fall apple tasting earth day
Our Mission is to build a healthy foundation in nutrition knowledge, increase awareness of health issues, and expand the palate while improving food choices.
Gourmet Dining’s Nutrition Services program at NJIT is lead by Jenn Bostedo, RD. The program’s focus is wide reaching, encompassing the entire campus community from students to professors to teams and athletic directors. Services offered include
– one on one counseling
– group outreach sessions like monthly nutrition events in the dining hall to engage students
– guest classroom lectures
– menu nutrition analysis, workshops for Gourmet Dining employees.
Understanding nutrition and special dietary needs is an integral part of how we craft our services at Gourmet Dining. One on one nutrition therapy counseling is available to all students without charge. With a team of nationally accredited Registered Dietitians to lead the program, counseling encompasses a wide range of concerns, including:
– how to maximize dining hall options for the student with allergies
– navigating the challenges of ‘carb counting’ with a diabetic student faced with vast dining hall options
– teaching healthy cooking techniques to the inexperienced ‘picky’ eater at the self-operated wok and omelet stations
– counseling on team training issues and nutrition to athletes
Group nutrition outreach sessions are provided during meal times in dining halls at each of the 8 university campus’ monthly. Topics change with current research updates and newsworthy health concerns, and content is provided in a fun and informative manner. Equipping the students with expanding nutrition knowledge is essential to a producing a healthy adult down the road.
A national trend reflected in our youth is increased weight status. To address this recurring theme, the ‘Gourmet Dining Biggest Loser’ weight loss competition is held yearly. During the Spring 2011 semester, on 6 campuses across New Jersey, students and faculty participated in the competition, for the chance to win a prize and change their lives indefinitely. Participants are provided with dietary evaluation, counseling, diet and fitness recommendations, and continuing support weekly through the 10 week program. Success for the 300 participants has exceeded expectations with several losses greater than 30 pounds and the average loss of 5 to 10 pounds.
Gourmet Dining Nutrition Services are a beneficial resource to professors who would like to supplement their lessons with a food and nutrition expert. Coaches and teams also realize the performance value of scientifically based nutrition information. Resident groups take advantage of nutrition expertise for their organization’s social activity requirements.