Sobeys – Great Nutritional Advice: No purchase necessary

June, 2017

Getting nutritional advice in a grocery store seems like such a natural service to provide that it’s strange to think it’s a relatively new concept. Today, people are more informed about their health and eating habits, so St. Albert Sobeys decided it was time to offer free nutritional advice to its customers. For nearly two years, the Wellbeing Department (situated right by the pharmacy) has been offering everything you need to take charge of your overall health—from sports nutrition products to expert advice from Laura Johnston, St. Albert Sobeys Wellbeing Counsellor.

Laura sources a lot of the natural foods and supplements you find in the Wellbeing Department. So, if you have a question about allergen-containing foods, dairy substitutes or have been diagnosed celiac, she can answer all of your questions on how to supplement your diet to keep you healthy. St. Albert Sobeys has the largest gluten-free section north of Red Deer, as well as one of the best dairy-free selections in the area. Why? “St. Albert residents really care about their health; they’re more in-tuned with their bodies and recognize they may have an allergy or an intolerance. People here are ready to choose products to treat their symptoms,” explains Laura.

Research has shown that humans are creatures of habit, and we’re no different when we go grocery shopping. People take the same route within the store when they choose their groceries. For this reason, the Wellbeing Department team offers tours of the store to show customers what else is available. If you’re on a weight-loss program or need to modify your diet due to a medical condition, Laura is happy to take you “off the beaten path” and show you where to find the salt or sugar substitutes, or where to find all the different types of protein. If you need a one-on-one consultation, she’s there to help. St. Albert Sobeys also offers workshops and seminars such as a four-week weight-loss program at Servus Place. Laura also helps local athletes and sports teams on how to keep fuelled during and after exercise.

The Wellbeing Department isn’t just a gimmick to keep up with today’s food fads. The Sobeys team truly believes in the Sobeys motto, “Eat better, feel better, do better.” And when people have access to contradictory information from the Internet, TV shows, and friends and family, it’s nice to know that someone like Laura is here to answer all your questions about supplements, gluten-free products, alternative health food products and more—and her advice is free, no purchase necessary.

Meet Laura Johnston, BSc, C.H.N.

Laura has a Food Science and Nutrition Degree from the U of A and a Natural Nutrition Diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, which makes her a certified holistic nutrition consultant. She’s also a triathlete, so she’s uniquely qualified to answer questions about the sports supplement lines carried by Sobeys.