Abbey LeBoeuf: Fueling Campus Nutrition with Expertise and Dedication

Abbey LeBoeuf, hailing from Houma, Louisiana, has a rich educational background that laid the foundation for her role as Sodexo’s District Campus Dietitian.

She completed her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, majoring in Food and Nutrition with a minor in Health Sciences. Subsequently, she pursued her graduate degree and dietetic internship at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, earning a master’s in human nutrition.

During her academic journey, Abbey actively contributed to the sports nutrition departments at both LSU and Vanderbilt, gaining valuable experience and insights into the nutritional needs of athletes.

After completing her graduate studies and successfully passing her registration exam, Abbey established a private practice focusing on sports nutrition for high school-aged athletes. Her dedication to the field extended to a three-year tenure as a Clinical Dietitian at West Jefferson Medical Center before joining Sodexo.

Abbey holds the distinction of being a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, underscoring her expertise in providing specialized nutrition support.

Abbey LeBoeuf's journey into the field of nutrition was inspired by her background as a high school pole vaulter with dreams of college-level competition. While she didn't pursue pole vaulting in college, she found her passion for nutrition and worked as a nutrition intern at both LSU and Vanderbilt athletic departments during her undergraduate and master's degrees, respectively.

Campus Nutrition:

In her role as a campus dietitian, Abbey draws on her experience as a nutrition intern to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in a university setting. She recognizes the distinct factors affecting college students, such as financial constraints, time limitations, and diverse food exposure. Abbey emphasizes the importance of simplicity and practicality in promoting nutritional awareness among students.

Nutrition Philosophy:

Abbey believes in the inclusivity of all foods in a healthy diet, acknowledging the complex relationship between food and various aspects of life, including social interactions, culture, and overall well-being. Her approach focuses on providing students with the tools to maintain a healthy diet, emphasizing basics like a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, tailored to individual needs.

Collaboration with Sodexo:

Abbey highlights the unique position of a campus dietitian, allowing collaboration with various departments. She expresses enthusiasm for working with the culinary team to address food allergies and implementing evidence-based nutritional approaches. Abbey is particularly excited about Sodexo's Mindful program, which goes beyond nutrition to consider the holistic well-being of individuals.

Specialized Diets and Allergies:

Abbey is committed to addressing food allergies, collaborating with the office of disability services and the culinary team to ensure students are informed about dining options. She aims to provide comprehensive training to kitchen staff on handling food allergies and creating an inclusive environment for students with diverse dietary needs.

Engagement with Students:

Abbey is actively involved in planning events centered around Sodexo's Mindful program, promoting not only nutritious eating but also exercise and mental health. She collaborates with Sodexo marketing and the campus Health and Wellness Coordinator to organize cooking demos, empowering students to cook healthy recipes at home.

Trends in Campus Nutrition:

Abbey identifies the increasing demand for plant-based and vegetarian/vegan food options as relevant trends among students. Sodexo's initiative aligns with this trend, offering a variety of customizable plant-based meals. Abbey stays updated on trends through nutrition podcasts, continuing education presentations, and Sodexo's network of dietitians.

Measuring Success:

Abbey advocates for continuous improvement by measuring student engagement and attendance at events. She believes that surveying students frequently provides valuable insights into their interests and priorities. Abbey's primary goal is to enhance students' understanding of nutrition and empower them to make informed decisions for their overall health

Advice for Students:

Abbey encourages students to make small changes that can have a significant impact on their health. She emphasizes the provision of recipes, handouts, and upcoming social media projects to provide students with valuable resources and information on nutrition.