Nutrition

hayden


Hello, my name is Hayden Thrasher! As your LMU dining registered dietitian, I provide health and wellness support. Wellness is a special topic because it means something different to each person, we all have needs that are uniquely our own, and I love celebrating this diversity!  I am here as a resource to help support and connect you with options that meet your needs, whether you have food allergies, celiac disease, are an athlete, are interested in plant-based options, or are interested in general health and wellness topics. My goal is to help create a positive health culture where your food choice options and eating habits aid in increased mental and physical health, personal and academic growth, community, and a joyful college experience. I take a non-diet, “all foods fit” approach to nutrition and health and love teaching students about intuitive eating and debunking nutrition myths and fads.

I am available for student consultations on topics such as: 

  • Food allergies, celiac disease, diabetes, or other special dietary needs 
  • Eating healthy on campus 
  • Vegan and vegetarian nutrition 
  • Weight management 

I can’t wait to work with you.  Please feel free to reach out to me with questions at Hayden.Thrasher@sodexo.com.

 
Are you thinking about what's on the menu today? You can click below to see what's available

The Lair Marketplace

Roski

Iggy's Cafe


Coming soon- The Everyday App

 Everyday

 

 

Your guide to dining with food allergies here at Loyola Marymount University

Food Allergies

 
Do you have food allergies, celiac disease, or other dietary concerns? Please contact General Manager John Fisher or call our offices at (310) 338-2977 before arriving on campus to set up a meeting with our dining team. We look forward to meeting you and discussing options to fit your dietary needs
 
We take pride in serving you wholesome ingredients, preparing recipes accurately, and providing nutritional analysis and ingredient statements through our online menus. We work carefully to address food allergies, celiac disease, or other special dietary needs. We have created integrated tools and specialized programs to help you manage your unique nutritional needs. You may choose to use all or just a few to make planning meals and nutrition easy. Our on-site team is here to support you through your dining journey, all you need to do is ask! 
 
We really do work with any student that needs help figuring out how to have a great experience- see below for some parent feedback:
 
" Thank you Our student had an opportunity to meet with the Chef today and they talked about safe foods to order in as well as some safe ways some other foods can be prepared.  They’re going to connect weekly to do a little menu planning for her and she’ll be doing a little food prep on her own to fill in and have back up meals.  I greatly appreciate everyone’s help on this.  I know it’ll be a work in progress but I can’t tell you how special this opportunity truly is and what a blessing this team is.  I know not all schools would accommodate allergy students in this way." 

"I want to thank you very much for all of the information below. It is very helpful for me to understand that there ARE options available far more than what my son is telling me. I guess we are just facing the reality that he needs to get used to the offerings and that due to his choices and quantities we may need to up that meal plan for him" 


 

Every location on campus has a variety of foods to enjoy. All our menus are clearly labeled with food allergens. We strive to offer enough variety and options that you should be able to enjoy a meal anywhere on campus. Our Grid Markets and other dining locations also have a wide selection of snacks and other food that can fit various dietary requirements.
You do not need a special meal plan on campus; however, for individuals with Celiac Disease or food allergies, please reach out to our General Manager, John Fisher.  With support from the registered dietitian, you and the onsite team will develop an accommodation plan that meets your medically required dietary needs.
Allergen information is available for all meals at each location on the menu or online.
Visit https://lmudining.sodexomyway.com/ or download the Everyday app (coming soon) to see current menus. 

A variety of items made without gluten are available across campus. Just check the menu on display to find an item that suits your needs. If you need assistance please ask a manager



 

Our managers and chefs are all trained in handling food allergies. Our staff has been trained to assist customers with gluten-free needs. If you need to know more about the ingredients of any menu item served on campus, please ask to speak to a chef, manager, or supervisor.
Please keep in mind that there are no gluten-free facilities on campus. LMU Dining Services attempts to maintain optimal food allergy safety standards to prevent cross-contact. Don't hesitate to contact our General Manager John Fisher if you are concerned about this.
Dining Services does not offer this service. However, we gladly welcome your input if you know about a great product. It will help us to increase the variety of gluten-free options.

vegMenu items with the vegetarian icon contain no meat, fish or poultry, or any meat products such as soup base. Our vegetarian offerings meet the needs of lacto-ovo vegetarians and may include eggs and/or dairy products. Look for this logo on menu items at all of out locations or ask any manager.

Vegan-35x35.pngVegan offerings contain no meat, fish, eggs, milk or other animal-derived products such as honey. Look for this logo on menus at all of our locations. Vegan items are available at all of out locations and in the stores or if you don't see it just ask a manager.


 

Yes, contact our General Manager John Fisher, to set up an in-person dining tour to help you navigate and understand each station’s unique offer!
Please always carry two doses of emergency epinephrine. While dining services have emergency procedures in place, we do not store epinephrine in any dining locations.
Just ask. Ask any employee; if they do not know, they will get a manager or chef to speak to you.
You can also call us any time at (310) 338-2977 or reach out to our General Manager, John Fisher.

Basics to help you succeed

  • Eat regularly – When you get to school, take time to figure out a meal pattern that works for you – this may look different from how you previously ate at home! Aim to eat every 3-4 hours or focus on three meals and a few snacks daily.
  • Focus on the five components of a satisfying meal 
  1.         Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Volume, and Pleasure
  2.         Not only does the body want carbohydrates, protein, and fat for a satisfying meal, but it also wants enough volume and pleasure to feel full.
  3.         Volume – How much food you need to feel full and energized isn’t static! For the most part, you’ll want to feel a slight roundness or full sensation in your stomach without feeling physical discomfort.
  4.         Pleasure – think tasty sauces, finishing a meal with something sweet, adding cheese, different herbs or spice blends, or adding flavor boosters like crumbled bacon, toasted nuts, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Try new foods – likely you’ll have access to foods you’ve never tried before; try them out! College is a great time to learn your personal food preferences.
  • Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” – and instead acknowledge the nuances of food – energy, a form of self-care, a way to connect with others, pleasure, cultural expression, etc. 
  • Engage in joyful movement - movement can increase energy and help you decompress mentally and physically.
  • Identify ways to relieve stress – listen to music, schedule study breaks with friends, and try a guided meditation through apps like Calm or Headspace.