Wegmans to Hold In-store Nutritional Event

Since January is traditionally the time when many embark in earnest on their new year's resolutions to lose weight, Wegmans Food Markets has tasked its nutrition team, lead by nutritionist Allison Parker, to develop healthy, easy and affordable meal options for shoppers who want to eat more healthfully.

Customers can check out the grocer's ideas in its weekly flier, on the homepage at Wegmans.com, or experience them in person at the "Back on Track Event" tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all Wegmans stores. Throughout the store, departments will highlight the best choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, with how-to demos and tastings. Shoppers will learn how to "liven up" salads and "upgrade" oatmeal," as well as garnering useful tips on such topics as getting organized, eating right, and saving money. At the pharmacy, customers will find out how to beat colds and flu, and which products can help ease symptoms.

Among Parker's tips for smarter eating: Turn a salad into dinner by adding a lean source of protein and salad-bar extras like beans, nuts, or croutons - but watch the amount of salad dressing; make stir-fries at home with whole grains, instead of going out to eat; shop the center store for healthy, affordable staples like brown rice; go meatless once a week; and bring a fruit- and veggie-laden lunch to work rather than buying a sandwich.

Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans operates 72 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland.