ALDI Teams Up with Registered Dietitians to Simplify Healthy Living for Shoppers

ALDI is aiming to empower shoppers to maintain their New Year resolutions with the new ALDI Advisory Council of registered dietitians. ALDI hopes to make healthy living simple and affordable by offering a variety of high-quality food products, including nearly 70 varieties of fresh produce and a selection of organic produce, as well as fresh meat, dairy and bakery items, company officials say. "Shoppers no longer need to pay a premium to buy healthy food options for their families," says Chuck Youngstrom, president of ALDI. "At ALDI, we not only aim to provide our shoppers with high quality, nutritious options, but also the knowledge to help them eat and live healthier on a budget." The ALDI Advisory Council is comprised of five registered dietitians to help bring useful and practical information to shoppers: Mary Donkersloot, RDN: A recognized authority on nutrition and consultant for individuals dealing with weight management issues by helping them with portion control, and guidance on quick and healthy eating at home and on the go. Tara Gidus, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN: Served as a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for five years and works with groups on various topics such as achieving a healthy weight, maximizing energy, enhancing sports performance and creating a positive body image. Sylvia Klinger, MS, RD, LDN: A leading expert in cross-cultural Hispanic cuisine as it relates to nutrition and health with in-depth culinary and cultural expertise to introduce new strategies for wellness. Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD: An educator and author of the "Real Mom Nutrition" blog and works to encourage families to be active and eat healthier through whole, fresh foods and home-cooked meals. Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD: Served as a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics for nearly 10 years, and is an expert in family nutrition. Starting this month, shoppers can find tips and articles from the ALDI Advisory Council on the ALDI website, ALDI Simply Smarter Living Blog, Facebook page and "ALDI fresh" catalog currently available in stores and online. As ALDI expands the resources available to its shoppers through this council, it will continue to expand its offerings of food options, including organic, specialty and gluten-free products, as well as nearly 70 kinds of fresh produce, officials say. The Fit & Active brand features food products made with less fat, less sodium and fewer calories than conventional options. ALDI also rolled out its SimplyNature line of all-natural and organic products, in addition to organic produce selections, to all U.S. stores earlier this year. "Our shoppers and Facebook fans are increasingly requesting options that meet their health and wellness lifestyles," says Youngstrom. "We strive to cater to the needs of our evolving health-conscious shoppers by not only expanding our offerings, but also by helping them make informed choices through our Advisory Council."