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Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences Program (BSNS)

Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences

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Rachel Villarreal, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND
Clinical Associate Professor/ Program Director MS in Dietetics / Interim Program Coordinator for Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences (BSNS)
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences Program
EHABW 2.206
Email: rachel.villarreal@utrgv.edu
Email: bsnutritionalsciences@utrgv.edu
Phone: 956-665-5269 (administrative offices)
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Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences Program (BSNS)

Food Preparation Fall 2021

BS-NS food prep 2021  BS-NS food prep 2021


UTRGV Bachelor's in Nutritional Sciences Testimonial | Maria & Alexandra


The city of Edinburg has proclaimed March as National Nutrition Month!

nutrition month    nutrition month

National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. Recently, our BSNS students along with Prof. Rachel Villarreal attended the City of Edinburg's council meeting where Mayor Richard Molina made a proclamation that March is National Nutrition Month. They encouraged the residents to personalize their plates through healthy food choices and to be more active. Happy National Nutrition Month!


Avoiding COVID complications, health experts urge moderation this holiday season

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (KVEO) November 29, 2020   — The holidays are typically a time for a little extra indulgence. But with COVID-19 proving especially dangerous for overweight individuals, moderation is recommended this year. “There’s just a lot of celebration, especially in our country with celebration comes food and drinks,” said Registered Dietician Dr. Lisa Salinas. 

Dr. Salinas estimates people gain between five and 10 pounds around the holidays which can result in health complications.  “There’s a change in the hormones running through our body, change in cortisol, also differences in insulin sensitivity,” she said.  With the threat of COVID-19, Dr. Salinas says it’s especially important to not overdo it this year.  


RGVision Magazine "Balanced Nutrition"

We are happy to announce that Dr. Lisa Salinas was interviewed for RGVision Magazine Health. She was asked for her expertise as a  Registered Dietician Nutritionist and UTRGV Lecturer for the article.

Balanced Nutrition
By  Rocio Villalobos  |  June 26, 2020

Though there is no perfect way of eating, putting in the effort to eat a balanced diet can lead to more energy and maintaining a healthy body mass index.

Registered Dietician Nutritionist and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Lecturer Dr. Lisa Salinas said the way people should eat is dependent on what outcome they are looking for. She worked in hospitals and private practice before joining UTRGV in 2018 and focuses on “big picture general health,” which generally leans in the direction of a more plant-based diet.

Read the full article here


Nutrition students were in the Experimental Lab today making cheese.  - Feb. 25, 2020

Cheese making in Experimental Lab today   cheese   Making cheese in the lab  


This morning the NSHS students attended the City of Edinburg health and wellness fair. They provided heart healthy nutrition information for attendees. February 25, 2020

NSHS students at the health fair    NSHS students heart healthy info    NSHS students


2019 Holiday meal celebration by Nutrition students and faculty

holiday meal


Food Preparation End of Course Meal

BS-NS students in the Food Prep 3452 Lab A prepared a Japanese-themed end-of-course meal.

food prep students    food prep students cooking    food prep students    nutrition student    ramen


Healthy and 'Heart'-y Holiday with Lisa Salinas, Ph.D. and Deepu George, PhD

How does a hearty quinoa salad sound to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner? We had two special guests prepare a delicious protein-filled dish and discuss ways to start off the year on a positive note.

Lisa Salinas, Ph.D., from the College of Health Professions, prepared a delicious quinoa salad while discussing 3 ways to improve mental health with Dr. Deepu George, from our Behavioral Health department at UT Health RGV.

Recipe Link: http://bit.ly/QuinoaHolidays


BSNS students gave out information on diabetes for the diabetes awareness night with the UTRGV men’s basketball team.

Diabetes awareness BSNS group    Diabetes awareness night    Diabetes awareness BSNS educates students

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) men's basketball team hosted Diabetes Awareness Night during its game against Texas A&M International on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. The UTRGV men's basketball team is partnering with the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association to raise awareness about diabetes in the RGV by offering resources and information to fans while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

BSNS Students participated by giving out information and educating the community about diabetes and healthy eating. 


The BSNS students participated in the breast cancer awareness expo in Edinburg.

breast cancer awareness expo    breast cancer awareness expo    breast cancer awareness expo


UTRGV Community Garden at the Edinburg campus

community garden 1    community garden 2   

community garden 3    bs-ns students

October 1, 2019 - BSNS students planted vegetables in the community garden at the Edinburg campus.


safety fair

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, Ms. Rachel Villarreal participated in the 1 st Annual Community Health & Safety Fair at the Sekula Memorial Library and some students from the Nutrition program were also there to provide information about healthier food choices.

Pictured above are the Nutrition students encouraging the community to take the fruits, veggies, and pledge to eat more plants, and a group photo of the students, including Ms. Villarreal and David Torres, city of Edinburg Mayor Pro Team.


The BSNS Program is approved by the UT System, THECB, and SACSCOC, launching on August 27th, 2018.

The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences Program (BSNS) is focused on graduating students with exceptional knowledge and skills in wellness and nutrition. The BSNS program is designed to prepare students for nutritional sciences careers and position them to pursue higher education at the levels of Masters and Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences, Dietetic programs at the Masters level, in addition to related fields at the UTRGV and other Higher Education institutions within the US. Nutritionists are specialists in the use of nutrition and food to promote health and wellness.


Clinical Assistant Professor, Rachel Villarreal is Making Headlines in the News for healthy eating lifestyles

Ms. Villarreal has been asked for her expert advice in Nutritional Sciences by news outlets for their healthy living articles. You can watch the video from KRGV here:

KRGV - March 28, 2019 - Heart of the Valley: Food Stamp Recipients Advised to Opt for Healthy Foods

 

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