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Nutrtion-Services-Food

Nutrition Counseling and Sports Performance

Nutrition Sciences Services and the Center for Nutrition & Performance bring comprehensive, evidence-based nutritional services to Drexel University and the greater Philadelphia area. Our work is grounded in collaboration, cutting-edge research and robust community outreach. The innovative programs of Nutrition Sciences Services and the Center for Nutrition & Performance reflect a deep commitment to helping others lead happy, healthy lives through the science of nutrition.

We believe you deserve to feel your best while meeting every challenge. Our nutrition practice has a demonstrable and significant impact on individuals managing chronic health conditions, athletes seeking to optimize their performance and those who simply wish to put their best foot forward.

The programs of Nutrition Sciences Services and the Center for Nutrition & Performance cater to a wide audience that includes workplaces, individuals, student-athletes and professional sports franchises. We serve both the Drexel campus and the broader community, ensuring that scientific nutrition education and best practices are available to all.

Our expert faculty and staff can help you meet your goals through one-on-one nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN). Nutrition Counseling Services are available at the Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions' Three Parkway facility, a state-of-the-art clinical and research space located in the heart of Philadelphia, and in University City at the Drexel Recreation Center.

Individual Nutritional Counseling

Meet one-on-one with a Drexel University registered dietitian for expert guidance on your unique nutritional needs. Learn to optimize your eating habits, enhance athletic performance or manage diseases through therapeutic diets. Your initial session begins with a complete nutrition and medical history, including a scientific assessment of body composition.

Counseling is available to all members of the greater Philadelphia community, as well as to Drexel University students, faculty and staff.

Drexel employees can earn 15 wellness points for each session attended (max of 90 points per calendar year). For information about Drexel’s employee wellness incentive program, please visit the Human Resources website: http://drexel.edu/hr/benefits/a-healthier-u/wellness-incentive-program/.

Pricing: FREE, up to six sessions per year, for members of Independence Blue Cross insurance plan (please call your insurance provider to verify benefits).

Cost without insurance coverage: consult $140.00, 30-minute re-visit $70.00, each additional 15 minutes $35.00.

MEET THE DIETITIANS

Nyree Dardarian, EdD, RDN, LDN

Nyree Dardarian, EdD, is a professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at Drexel University and director of the Center for Nutrition & Performance (CNP). She is a board-certified specialist in Sports Dietetics and fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a certified ISAK anthropomitrist.

Dardarian provides sports nutrition services to professional sports teams, Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer, MLS), the Philadelphia Flyers (National Hockey League, NHL) and US Squash players.

Dardarian is a TEDx speaker whose work has been on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer twice, most notably for eating at McDonalds for 30 days. She is a frequent contributor to local and national media including CBS Philly, WHYY, Prevention Magazine and Women’s Health Magazine in topics ranging from nutrient content, weight management, sports nutrition and nutrition for specialized populations.

She developed the formulation of Dragon Gels™, an in-sport fuel used exclusively by the teams she supports. Dragon Gels™ are produced, packaged and distributed through the Metabolic Kitchen, Drexel University.

Andrea Irvine, MS, RDN, LDN

Andrea Irvine serves as the assistant director for the Center for Nutrition and Performance. In this position, she provides evidenced based nutritional education and counseling to teams and individual athletes to enhance optimal sports performance, well-being and overall health. She is responsible for providing ongoing performance nutrition strategies, participating in research and data collection, development and maintenance of social media and the management of the fueling station and lounge. Irvine is also an adjunct professor for Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions in the Nutrition Sciences Department.

Irvine is an active member of the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA), the Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Dietetic Practice group (SCAN) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). She is a board member for the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND) where she is currently serving as treasurer elect (2022). Previously, she served as Region 1 Co-chair from 2018-2020. Irvine is certified as an ISAK level 1 anthropometrist.

Kaitlin Poillon, MS, RDN, LDN

Kaitlin Poillon is the Nutrition Counseling Services practice manager and outpatient registered dietitian at Drexel University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Delaware as well as a Master of Science in Dietetics from the University of Rhode Island. Poillon is a passionate and knowledgeable licensed registered dietitian with years of ongoing professional experience in many different settings, including acute clinical care, weight loss, oncology and outpatient nutrition counseling. She possesses extensive knowledge of medical nutrition therapy to prevent and/or manage many different disease states, including but not limited to diabetes, heart eisease, GI diseases, cancer, renal disease and many more. Poillon focuses much of her outpatient work in helping clients form healthy, sustainable and balanced relationships with food. She states, “My ultimate goal is to share my knowledge of nutrition and love for food in helping others lead happy and healthy lives.”