Nutrition/Y.E.S. Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find the answer you need, contact our registered
dietitian.
What is the Y.E.S. program?
The Y.E.S. program is designed to help you learn to make healthy food choices.
It involves a series of table cards with important nutritional information,
information sessions,
and this website, which posts important information online.
Why are the portion sizes in West End so large?
West End Market was designed to be similar to a restaurant that you might find
somewhere other than a college campus. Since the trend today is for restaurants
to serve large portions, West End Market is following the trend. Unfortunately,
some of the portions are larger than some people should be eating. Sharing with
a friend can be a good idea in this case. Or just eat half now and save the
rest for later (store it safely!).
To get an idea of standard portion sizes, go to the American Cancer Society website .
Are there any healthy foods in any of the dining centers?
Yes! There are lots of healthy choices in the dining centers. Although there
are some choices that are higher in fat or sugar than other choices, it's important
to remember that All Foods Can Fit into any healthy lifestyle. If you make your
choices based on the three basic principles of healthy eating, balance, moderation,
and variety, you will have a healthy eating plan in all of the dining centers.
Is the nutrition labeling in the dining centers and on the web page accurate?
In an effort to help students and faculty understand what they are eating, Housing
and Dining Services strives to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date
nutritional information. To provide this information, we locate nutrient information
on hundreds of products via manufacturers, the USDA database, and package labels
for foods served in Owens Food Court, D2, Hokie Grill & Co., Shultz Dining
Center, and West End Market. Using this information, we are able to create a
database with nutrition information on the hundreds of food items that we use
every day to create your meals. All nutrition information is then generated
by using our computer system to analyze each recipe on our menus. This enables
us to give you the most accurate information possible. Sometimes recipes change
due to changes in products or feedback from our customers. When these changes
take place, the nutrition information is updated on the computer system, which
immediately updates the web
page. The labels in Shultz, Hokie Grill & Co., and Owens Food
Court are then also updated. So when you see something that has changed, it
is because we have had to change our recipes or a product used to create that
menu item.
Are the wraps found in West End Market and Hokie Grill fattening?
This has been a favorite question at the "Ask the Dietitian" sessions. First,
don't label things as fattening or not fattening. All Foods Can Fit into a well
balanced diet. Second, the fat content of your wrap will be influenced by what
you put in it. Wraps can be a very nutritionally complete meal. Think of the
contents; there are meat, vegetable, and grain sources present. Dressings will
add extra calories, so keep that in mind when planning your meals. To answer
the question, wraps do contain some fat but not an excessive amount for a person
who eats a balanced diet. Enjoy!
For questions, comments, and suggestions regarding the YES program, contact
Ms. Jenny Lindsey, administrative dietitian, at yes@vt.edu
or at (540) 231-6431.
