GIANT Food Stores In Store Nutritionists Program Helps Customers Make Healthier Choices

Did you know that right here in our local Havertown GIANT Food store location, there is a nutritionist on staff?  I had absolutely no idea! Select local GIANT Food Stores including Havertown, Willow Grove, Flourtown and Exton PA have in store nutrtionists on staff ready to meet with customers to answer questions, speak with groups such as Mom Groups or school classes, offer free nutritional handouts or schedule private sessions for a small consultation fee of $20 (which you receive back in the form of a $20 GIANT gift card). This essentially makes all of the above FREE!

Whether you are looking to lose weight, learn how to properly read labels, find the right foods to eat to help manage diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or simply just wanting to eat healthier or create balanced meals that will appeal to even your most picky eaters, these in store nutrtionists can be a valuable resource to you and your family.

GIANT is basically offering affordable (and practically free) health and wellness education which is especially beneficial for those unable to afford to meet regularly with a dietician or when insurance will not pay or copays are simply too high for such specialty services. Nutritionists will meet free of charge with groups such as Moms Groups to discuss topics such as picky toddlers, reading nutrtion labels or eating on the go.  Or, if you need a more individualized plan to lose weight or manage other individual issues, the nutritionist offers private hourly consultations where she can work one on one with you to discuss your needs and create a plan for you.  Customers are welcome to schedule appointments as often as needed.  There is no required commitments.  You decide whether you need one or ongoing visits to help get your plan on track. I love that the nutritionists are also willing to help customers stick to their budget by incorporating sale products from  the weekly flyer (and any coupons the customer may have) into their suggested meal plans.  In addition, they are available to do walk throughs in the store to assist with grocery shopping and to point out and discuss healthier food options and how to properly navigate the store when shopping. What an awesome way for GIANT to give back to the community!

I recently had the opportunity to meet with nutritionist Courtney Schoepe at my local Havertown store.  Courtney is a registered dietician and nutritionist.  We met for approximately one hour to discuss the roles of GIANT in store nutritionists as well as to help create an individual plan for myself (to help promote weight loss) as well as tips and tricks for creating meals that will also entice my picky son and how we can easily eat healthy, nutritious meals on the go.  She listened carefully to all of my questions and was happy to answer each one without hesitation.  She was non judgemental of my weight nor my food patterns and offered suggestions and encouragement in a positive manner.  I felt completely at ease throughout our consultation.  Courtney suggested that based off of our discussion that not only may I not be eating enough calories, especially on days that I am incorporating tough workouts, but that I also should consider increasing my protein intake at meals and snacktime.  She offered snack suggestions which she printed off as an easy reference list as well as meal plan and recipe ideas.  She encouraged me to continue to track my food intake as I have been doing regularly using the My Fitness Pal app on my phone as well as continuing my workout routine schedule.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with my consultation.  Not only did Courtney provide me with great advice and guidance, but I also went home with recipes, pamphlets and lists of foods that will help me to meet my personal goals.  I love that fact that I can reach out or return at anytime by simply scheduling an appointment with Courtney.  Best of all – I know that each time that I meet with her, my $20 expense will roll right into a $20 GIANT gift card that I can then use toward my shopping trip!  You certainly can’t beat that!

To learn more about the GIANT nutritionist in store program, the nutrtionists, their schedules and classes as well as to schedule a consultation, you can find more information HERE.

Have you ever heard of GIANT’s in store nutritionist program?  If so, have you tried it or do you think it would be beneficial to you and your family?  I’d love to hear your feedback!