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, 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 question about health or nutrition? Email us anytime at nutrition@choicesmarkets.com, or meet our experts and ask your question to our Wellness Expert Panel!

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	Nutrition tip of the month: The Bitter-Sweet Truth: Bitter is Better! By Vasi Naidoo, BSc, RHN In our culture, bitterness is often perceived as a sharp, unpleasant taste. Bitter taste is present in dark leafy greens (arugula, endive, escarole, collard greens, dandelion greens, bok choy), certain vegetables (Japanese eggplant, jicama, bitter melon), herbs and spices (basil, aloe vera, turmeric, fenugreek), beverages (coffee, tea, cocoa) and certain fruits (grapefruit, olives). Although they may be hard to swallow at times, bitter foods stimulate appetite, are beneficial for digestive function and are powerful detoxifying agents. Here are some tips for making these bitter allies a pleasant addition to your menu: • Combine greens with salt, healthy fats (olive oil) and spices to take the edge off of the bitterness and allow for more pleasant flavours to emerge. For example, try bitter salad greens dressed with olive oil, avocado, feta, goat or parmesan cheese and your favourite spices. Or try turnip greens with crab or salted cod, coconut milk and chilies. • Blanch greens before adding to soups, to reduce bitterness and prevent discolouration. • Grate, mince or puree spinach or kale into pasta sauces or soups. • Sprinkle lemon juice or balsamic vinegar over your sautéed, steamed or blanched greens. • Add puréed greens along with fruits and other veggies to balance the flavours in your freshly made juices or smoothies. Some of the powerful, disease-fighting phytonutrients that give vegetables their health benefits also happen to be bitterbut the benefits are sweet!

MEET THE CHOICES DIETITIANMEET THE CHOICES DIETITIAN

Desiree Nielsen, BSc, RD, 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.

Desiree can also be heard live on The Christy Clark Show on CKNW AM Radio 980 at 2PM on the following dates.

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

MEET OUR NUTRITION CONSULTANTSMEET OUR NUTRITION CONSULTANTS

Christine Borgstad completed her BSc in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia and also holds a Bachelor of Natural Resource Science Degree from the University College of the Cariboo. Christine believes that most people under-estimate the power of exercise and whole foods nutrition to improve happiness & well being. She enjoys helping people with special dietary needs, and showing people that healthy eating should not mean restricting delicious foods. She also has a special interest in teaching people about sustainable living.

Christine can be reached by phone at (604)952-2266 or email at cborgstad@choicesmarket.com.

For inquiries about choices Markets’ seminar program, please send an email to seminars@choicesmarket.com.

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.

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: 787nutrition@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.

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.