Since start this campaign with Loblaws, I have learned so much already!  The Guiding Stars program makes choosing better products easier and when you meet with the Loblaws Dietitian, you will learn so much more!

Free Services available from your local Loblaw’s Dietitian

Each store with a Dietitian will have Free services available.  Appointments or registration may be required, so check your store!

Here are some of the services available at my local store:

• Complimentary Nutritional Services (Available by Appointment Only)
• Healthy Eating for the Everyday Athlete and Athletic Recovery
• Healthy Hydration
• Zucchini, You Can Never Have Enough
• Effortless Overnight Oats

Who are the Dietitians?

I called my local RCSS and made an appointment to meet with the Dietitian.  If you are in the Oakville or Milton area, I highly recommend that you meet with Karolina!  She is very knowledgeable and personable and we had a great time!  

About Karolina Otto

Karolina Otto serves as your In Store Dietitian and supports all health and nutrition initiatives. Karolina brings 20 years of experience with an extensive background in foodservice management, nutraceuticall sales and marketing, child health and senior nutrition education. Karolina is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for making healthy eating fun and delicious. Her mission is to provide customers and associates with inspiring health as well as value-oriented solutions they can incorporate into their shopping experience and everyday lives. Karolina is a graduate of McGill University holding a B.S. degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and is a member of Dietitians of Canada. She is recognized for her passion for nutrition, health and wellness.

What happens at your appointment?

It all depends on you! Each appointment with the dietitian is customized to you and your health needs. You will learn how to shop and eat based on any diet needs that you have — diabetes, food sensitivities or allergies or sport training requirements, just to name a few.

She will give you all the information you need to make good food choices to keep you healthy.

Shopping with the Guiding Stars

After Karolina told me all of the great services she and Loblaws provide to Loblaws shoppers, took me for a tour of the store. 

After she understands what her clients’ nutritional needs are, she shows them around the store, teaching them about food choices, how to read labels and how Guiding Stars helps them make better choices.

Produce

Since most produce doesn’t have a nutritional label on them, the Guiding Stars book lists everything you need to know.  She explained that this is particularily important to diabetics who are concerned about their caloric intake.  She also explained that since stars are give based on higher levels of fiber and lower levels of sugar, some fruits won’t get many stars, if any at all.

Understanding the Guiding Stars

As I mentioned above, those food that have a higher level of fiber and lower levels of sugar, will get a higher number of stars.  

Reading Labels

This was an eye opener for me.  I thought that I knew a lot about reading labels, but there were some key factors Karolina taught me.

The number of the nutritional label isn’t one serving. It is the weight of the food that is around 100 calories.  So even tho the label says that 8 crackers are 100 calories if it is over 35 grams, that is more than one serving of that food group. 

On my mark, get set, shop!

Armed with my new knowledge about serving sizes, Guiding Stars and labels, I am ready to make better nutritional choices for my family!  I really recommed meeting with a Loblaw’s Dietitian!

(And if your’e lucky enought to be in the Milton or Oakville area, you’ll meet with Karolina who is fantastic!)

Click here to find a dietitian near you!