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 a large selection of healthy foods, including natural, organic choices and foods for special diets. Our knowledgeable nutritional consultants are available to answer your nutrition questions and to help you select foods suitable for your unique dietary requirements.

Healthy Living or Gluten-Free store tours are available at our 16th Ave, Yaletown, or South Surrey locations. (Other locations by request). Sign up by calling or stopping by the customer service counter of your preferred location, or by email at nutrition@choicesmarket.com. One of our nutrition consultants will contact you.

We are also pleased to offer a growing list of both Nutrition Articles and Special Diets in this section of the site. And ever wonder what everything on a product's fact labelling means? Visit our Nutrition Labels page to find out!

	Nutrition tip of the month: Making Friends with Fat Those of you devoted to eating healthy are presumably familiar with the negativity surrounding fatty foods. What’s not always emphasized is that some fats play a necessary role in a well-balanced diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential for optimum health. Studies show that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids positively impacts cardiovascular, immunological, neurological, reproductive, psychological and pediatric health. A diet lacking in omega-3 may cause you to experience fatigue, poor memory, mood swings, depression and poor circulation. As one of the few nutrients that cannot be manufactured by your body, omega-3 must be obtained from food. There are three major types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA and ALA. An efficient source of omega-3 will provide you with pre-formed EPA and DHA, which are directly absorbed by your body. These wholesome fatty acids can be found in delicious cold-water, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, mackerel and sardines. You’ll even find them in marine life such as krill and algae. It’s recommended that we eat these varieties of fish twice a week to absorb sufficient amounts of omega-3. If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry, there are alternatives. Flaxseed oil, pumpkin oil and seeds, walnut oils and leafy green vegetables all contain ALA, which is slowly and partially converted to EPA and DHA. Taking supplements is also an option. Fish oil capsules are acceptable and effective, but ensure they are manufactured by an established company with a proven track record of supplying fresh and pure supplements.

Meet our nutrition consultantsMeet our nutrition consultants

Christine Borgstad has completed a BSc in Dietetics from UBC and also holds a Bachelor of Natural Resource Science Degree. Christine is passionate about helping people to improve their health. Feel free to give her a call at (604) 736-0009 or stop by our Kitsilano location (16th Ave) if you would like to discuss your nutritional concerns with her, and for information on how to make environmentally friendly dietary choices. Christine can be reached directly at nutrition@choicesmarket.com.

Emily McPhee received her Registered Holistic Nutritionist Diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and is also a Chartered Herbalist. Emily is dedicated to helping others improve their quality of life and achieve balance in the body. She looks forward to answering your questions and to helping guide you through all of your nutritional needs. Emily is available on Saturdays at our Kerrisdale location (W 57th Ave), and can be contacted at: emcphee@choicesmarket.com, or by phone at (604)263-4600.

Michelle Fiddler attended the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and received her Registered Holistic Nutritionist Diploma. She also works in the Health Care Department at the White Rock location. Michelle is committed to helping people make healthy choices that impact the body and the eco-system. She is passionate about whole foods, alternative medicine and holistic healing. She awaits your questions and looks forward to discussing healthy alternatives and whole living. Michelle can be reached at the White Rock location on Sundays, by email at 787nutrition@choicesmarket.com or by phone 604-541-3902.

Vasi Naidoo has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiology and Psychology, and received her Registered Holistic Nutritionist Diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Vasi is passionate about holistic healing, natural nutrition and assisting people in achieving optimal health and vitality. She looks forward to addressing your nutritional concerns and guiding you through healthy alternatives and lifestyle changes. Vasi is available on Mondays to answer your nutrition questions at Choices Market's South Surrey location. She also works part time in the Healthcare department. She can be reached by e-mail at 787nutrition@choicesmarket.com or by phone at 604-541-3902.