Nutrition at Choices Markets... We're here to help!Nutrition at Choices Markets... We're here to help!

At Choices Markets, we are pleased to offer foods that support your healthy lifestyle, including local, natural and organic choices and selections for special diets. Please use the menu on right to navigate this section. The Choices Dietitian, Desiree Nielsen, BSc RD(t), and her team of nutrition consultants is here to help you select foods that meet your specific nutrition needs and provide you with the best in holistic nutrition, helping you to separate nutrition fact from fiction. Here at Choices, we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy body — you really are what you eat! In line with our philosophy, we also believe in supporting complementary and alternative medicine in your community. Choices Markets is proud to bring you seminars from a wide range of practitioners in Vancouver, South Surrey and Kelowna. Click here to see what is coming up this month at Choices. Food is more than just nutrition: its fun! Playing in the kitchen is one of the best ways to fall in love with food again. Our Executive Chef, Antonio Cerullo, creates healthful, tasty recipes each month which you can find in our newsletter and recipe database. Our new website is an ever-expanding resource for sustainable, sensible nutrition: stay tuned in the coming months for improved nutrition information; expanded product listings and nutrition articles. Confused about label reading? Check out our label tutorial here. Looking for gluten free cookies? Try our product listings section. Looking for the best marinade for pork, the most sustainable diaper choice or anti-inflammatory foods? Ask our experts! Have a nutrition question? Email us anytime at nutrition@choicesmarkets.com

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	Nutrition tip of the month: Picnic Food Safety 101 By Emily McPhee, RHN ‘Tis the season for picnics and backyard barbecues! For those of you eager to dine outdoors, here are a few food safety basics to ensure your festivities are free from food-borne illnesses. Although it may seem obvious, many picnickers are unaware of the first law of picnicking: all hot foods must be kept hot and all cold foods must be kept cold. When temperature-sensitive foods sit out for more than two hours, they pose the risk of bacterial contamination—this can lead to food poisoning. Remember that food safety also begins before the picnic. When packing your picnic, keep raw foods separate from cooked foods, especially meats. Pack raw meat in sealed containers and place on the bottom of the cooler so that the juices don’t leak onto other foods. As for your dinnerware, bring separate utensils for raw and cooked food. Store anything that has touched raw meat in a separate, sealed bag. A hidden culprit at picnics is not necessarily the food itself, but rather the soiled utensils that have been left out and then reused later. Be sure to have plenty of clean utensils on hand. In addition, if you are including melons as part of your spread, make sure to wash them thoroughly as the skins can be contaminated with bacteria. Finally, it’s wise to keep hand sanitizer on hand and use it before and after eating. Whether you are enjoying a backyard barbeque or a picnic at the beach, always remember to keep these useful food safety tips in mind. Emily is available on Fridays at our Kerrisdale location (W 57th Ave), and can be contacted at: emcphee@choicesmarket.com or by phone at (604) 263-4600

MEET THE CHOICES DIETITIANMEET THE CHOICES DIETITIAN

Desiree Nielsen, BSc RD(t) received her degree in Food Nutrition and Health  (Dietetics major) from the University of British Columbia and completed her dietetic internship with Capital Health in Edmonton, Alberta. Registered with the BC College of Dietitians, Desiree is also a proud member of Dietitians of Canada.

Desiree advocates that good food is the cornerstone of a lifestyle that prevents chronic disease and promotes energy, vitality and overall wellbeing. While she ensures her practice respects traditional knowledge and beliefs, Desiree maintains a commitment to evidence-based nutrition. To her, food is more than the nutrition it provides — it is a vital part of our culture, our celebrations and our lives. Desiree’s love of food extends well beyond her work: she enjoys strolling through farmer’s markets, hoarding cookbooks and one day hopes to become an expert patio gardener.

Have a nutrition question? Ask Desiree at nutrition@choicesmarket.com.

MEET OUR NUTRITION CONSULTANTSMEET OUR NUTRITION CONSULTANTS

Emily McPhee, RHN, received her Registered Holistic Nutritionist diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and is also a Chartered Herbalist. Emily is a firm believer that our quality of life can be improved through optimal nutrition. She believes that in order to attain balance in the body, the first step begins with a healthy diet. In her spare time, Emily enjoys creating her own unique recipes and has fun cooking while listening to good music.

Emily is available on Fridays at our Kerrisdale location (W 57th Ave), and can be contacted at: emcphee@choicesmarket.com or by phone at (604) 263-4600.

Vasi Naidoo, BSc., RHN, graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Pursuing her passion for health and wellness, Vasi believes that a solid foundation of proper nutrition along with an exercise program that promotes physical and mental well being will lead to optimal health. She enjoys empowering clients to take charge of their health, enabling them to achieve a balanced lifestyle. Vasi loves cooking and travelling to exotic destinations: the different cultural experiences, ideas and spices she returns with are inspiration for unique creations in the kitchen.

Vasi can be reached at our White Rock location on Mondays and Wednesdays or by e-mail at 787nutrition@choicesmarket.com or by phone at (604) 541-3902.

Misuzu Noguchi is currently in her final year of the Dietetics major at the University of British Columbia before beginning her internship later this year. Misuzu strongly believes that proper nutrition is essential, not only for physical and mental health but also for emotional and social wellbeing. Misuzu's other interests include running, playing music, learning about other cultures, and she dreams of one day pursuing nutrition-related work abroad.

Misuzu can be reached at our White Rock location on Sundays or by email at: 788nutrition@choicesmarket.com.

Nadene Shirtliff B.A., MSc., is a former Registered Dietitian with a masters degree in nutrition. Nadene has many years of experience in the health care industry and is passionate about nutrition, health, and fitness. Nadene believes that the foundation for good health is found in nutrition and exercise. Nadene loves creating new recipes in the kitchen and in her spare time enjoys reading and participating in several different sports.

Nadene can be found at our Kelowna location (1937 Harvey Ave), and can be contacted at: 788nutrition@choicesmarket.com or by phone at (250) 862-4864.