Shoppers Drug Mart launches online nutrition service

Shoppers Drug Mart wants to help Ontarians make better food choices by giving them online access to registered dietitians.

The nutrition counselling is available via video or telephone, Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. After a preliminary, 60-minute consultation, the dietitians will provide a tailored nutrition plan and they will follow up to ensure patients are staying on track.

Citing research from Mintel, the Loblaw-owned pharmacy chain said nearly 40% of Canadians found it difficult to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy food. The counselling service, it said, was designed to address that.

"Our goal is to make personalized nutrition counselling convenient for residents of Ontario," said Theresa Firestone, senior vice-president, health and wellness services, in a press release. "Our online nutrition service provides the same expert counselling you receive in-store but from a location and time that is convenient for you."