Woman holding bowl of fresh berries for a healthy breakfast Written by Ellie Wilson, MS, RD Senior Nutritionist January is resolution season, with weight loss topping the chart for many people. January 17th through the 23rd is Healthy Weight Week, and Friday the 22nd is Healthy Weight Day for women.  In the spirit of keeping it fresh, here are some ideas for helping set and really reach your goals in a healthy way. Visualize the Process, Not the Result Research has shown that visualizing the end result can trick us into thinking we have already made a good effort, which then reduces execution of our plans. The better strategy is to keep visualizing what you are doing to reach your goal –  planning a menu, making lunches each day, exercising – basically, visualizing the lifestyle actions that will get you to your goal, versus what you will look like at any stage. The doing is what brings the success. Craving Crusher A study released last year tested a method for distracting us from capitulating to cravings. Tapping your forehead, ear or toe for 30 seconds has been shown to successfully diminish cravings for even our most favorite items. The research was done at Mt. Sinai in New York City, and offers an easy and accessible tool for those plagued by visions of favorite foods when they are managing calories. Get Lean with Protein Including some protein with each meal has multiple benefits for weight loss – it helps to preserve muscle, and improves satisfaction with meals and snacks. Several studies have shown greater fat loss with higher protein-calorie controlled diets. Proteins include lean meats, seafood, beans, legumes, nuts and low fat dairy, so there is great variety to keep interest and appetite engaged. Fiber Facts Whole grains and higher fiber foods, containing both soluble and insoluble fiber, help us fill up without filling out. High fiber foods tend to be lower in calories, and are also good for digestion. Foods to choose include vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Enjoy a great New Year and success with all of your health goals!         Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs January 17th, 2016

HALLS REAL HONEY COUGH DROPS 

  When you’re sick with a scratchy throat and cough, you need a cough drop that will soothe your throat and taste great – without being too harsh or halls honey.jpgoverpowering.

 Introducing Halls Honey – a delicious way to gently temporarily soothe your sore throat and relieve your cough.  Each cough drop is uniquely formulated with Real Honey to provide sweet, delicious, soothing throat relief so you can feel better.

Look for Halls Honey Flavor in the Cold and Cough section.  

SOFTSOAP STAR WARS FOAMING HAND SOAPS

These colorful pumps will help encourage hand washing and collecting too! When little hands press the oversize pump, liquid soap magically transforms into foam softso8starwarhandsoap3and good clean fun. Good things come from using Softsoap brand products because good things are inside.  Every liquid hand soap is carefully formulated using safe effective ingredients. Available in three varieties: Yoda, R2-D2 and Darth Vader – Look for Softsoap Star Wars Foaming Hand Soaps in the Hand Soap Section. Written by Sara Lilkas, Marketing Intern Bags2Riches_fb_500x500Bags2Riches is back! Bigger and better than ever, this year’s game will have more instant winners with chances to win $10,000 in CASH, free groceries for a year and more! Instant win prizes are in addition to the staggering guaranteed $250,000 CASH Grand Prize! The Bags2Riches 2016 Giveaway[1] features three ways to play and more than $8,000,000 in prizes and discounts available to be won! You could be well on your way to turning your bags into riches simply by shopping at Price Chopper, Market 32, or Market Bistro stores! In addition to this year’s amazing $250,000 Grand Prize, you could be one of two guaranteed 2016 Ford Titanium Escape winners, or a $20,000 shopping spree winner! (And that’s only listing a few of the prizes included in the Bags2Riches 2016 Giveaway!) Now are you picturing what you would do with $250,000 in cash? Well to become our 2016 grand prize winner here’s what you need to do:
  1. Go to your local Price Chopper, Market 32, or Market Bistro location
  2. Pick up your game board to keep track of your collect to win stickers
  3. Start shopping and earn game tickets!
Now how do you earn tickets? Just like in last year’s Bags2Riches Giveaway, for every $25.00[2] you spend using your AdvantEdge Card at any Price Chopper, Market 32, or Market Bistro location you will receive 1 game ticket (up to 12 tickets per shopping trip!) Inside each ticket you will find three stickers to play the collect to win game and a possible chance for an instant win, or a PIN to be submitted online at bags2riches.com. Online sweepstakes prizes include $10,000 in CASH, free gas for a year and more, so make sure you enter every pin you receive! Once you have collected all the stickers for one prize there are a couple things you need to do. The first is celebrate accordingly (you just won an awesome prize YAY!), second go the to the Guest Service desk at your local Price Chopper, Market 32, or Market Bistro store and ask for a collect to win submission kit, then follow the instructions and submit your claim for verification. Wait there’s more! Don’t throw away your duplicate stickers!!!! Any duplicates you have can be submitted as part of the Double Up Sweepstakes for an additional chance to win. Submit any ten duplicate tickets by following the instructions on the game board for your chance to win one of three great prizes worth $5,000! Will you turn your bags into riches this year? There’s only one way to find out! Tickets can be earned through March 19th, so what are you waiting for? Start playing today for your chance to turn your bags into riches!    
[1] Please see Official Rules in store or at bags2riches.com for complete game details, prizes available, odds of winning, how to claim prizes. Sponsored by the Golub Corporation.
[2] $25.00 is after the deduction of AdvantEdge savings and coupons, excludes alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, gift cards, prescriptions, stamps, lottery tickets, Tickets to Go, ski tickets, tax, bottle deposits, and all telecom products and services. Other exclusions may apply
Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs January 10th, 2016

DUNCAN HINES PERFECT SIZE CAKES 

Duncan Hines Perfect Size Cake Mixes are now in the Baking aisle. Available in four different flavors, they are the perfect size when serving 2 – 4 people. Choose from Chocolate Lover’s, Red Velvet Dream, Golden Fudge or Strawberries and Crème. Includes a 6” baking pan for your convenience.choclover_300x421 Includes the frost – just ready to mix! There’s something for everyone! Look for Duncan Hines Perfect Size Cakes in the Baking aisle.  

ZYRTEC CHILDREN’S LIQUID

   Introducing Zyrtec Children’s Liquid! With just one dose, children’s allergy syrup works all day and all night to keep your child’s worst allergy symptoms under control.  This formulation features 24 hour once a day dosing in a non-drowsy sugar free and dye free formulation. Zyrtec Children’s Liquid controls sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes and itchy nose and throat. childern_syrup_n1-3.pngChildren’s Zyrtec is the #1 Pediatrician recommended brand for allergy relief.  Parents feel that children’s allergies can be frustrating because they are so unpredictable and complex.  Since allergies are part of their children’s life, they are looking for the best solution that they are confident will give their child the best relief every time. Look for Zyrtec Children’s Liquid in the Allergy and Cough Cold Section in the Health and Beauty Care aisle. Written by Sara Lilkas, Marketing Intern  Happy New Year! We hope that everyone had a happy and safe New Year’s celebration and that you are looking forward to 2016 as much as we are here at Price Chopper and Market 32. As part of 2016 we will continue to have craft beer tastings every month at all of our locations with Growler Stations. This month features breweries that call the Greater Capitol Region home and even feature ingredients from other local businesses. Learn more about the breweries being featured this month below! First up in 2016 is Brown’s Brewing Company, featuring their Uncommon brownsPorter. The Uncommon Porter features a blend of different coffee flavors from local coffee shop Uncommon Grounds which is based out of Saratoga Springs, NY. One of my personal favorite brews from Brown’s, the Uncommon Porter features caramel, chocolate, and just a hint of vanilla. Try Brown’s Brewing Company Uncommon Porter: Friday January 8th, 2016 Saturday January 9th, 2016 Since it is the beginning of a new year it is only fitting that a new beer should be featured this month! New from Founders Brewing out of Grand foundersRapids, Michigan (they are the one exception to the local brewers featured this month!) is the Azacca IPA. As the name implies this beer is made with Azacca hops which are named for the Haitian God of Agriculture. Azacca hops feature citrus and tropical tones. Try Founders’ Azacca IPA: Friday January 15th, 2016 Saturday January 16th, 2016 Shmaltz Brewery from Clifton Park, NY is the next brewery being featured this month! A year-round offering, the Slingshot American Craft lager features a citrusy aroma and is a light straw color. Brewed in the style of an American Pale lager, it is brewed without any “cereal” elements such as rice or corn. Try Shmaltz Brewery’s Slingshot American Craft:shmaltz-brewing-logo Friday January 22nd, 2016 Saturday January 23rd, 2016 New from the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company is the PB&J stout. A twist saratogaon their classic Oatmeal Stout the PB&J stout, is in fused with peanut butter and raspberry jam! Try Olde Saratoga Brewing Company’s PB&J Stout: Thursday January 28th, 2016 Friday January 29th, 2016 Saturday January 30th, 2016 To finish up the first month of the New Year, Davidson Brothers Brewing Company will be sampling their Coffee Stout. Featuring a caramel, chocolate, and coffee aromas, the Coffee Stout is a lighter and tasty stout. davidson brewingFor those who usually only drink lighter colored beers, don’t let the dark color of this brew fool you, the Coffee Stout is the perfect introduction to darker beers. Try Davidson Brothers’ Coffee Stout: Saturday January 30th, 2016 Sunday January 31st, 2016   Follow us on Twitter @PriceChopper and @market32bypc for updates and changes to the schedule. Please enjoy responsibly! Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs January 3rd, 2013

     SlimFast ADVANCED MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKES

              Losing weight has never been easier than with SlimFast.  Delicious, nutritious SlimFast controls hunger for up to 4 hours. And now, new SlimFast Advanced Nutrition has up to 20g of protein and as little as 1g of sugar.  Snack it off with savory chips!  Crunch it off with decadent bites!  Even cheat it off with delicious sweets. See results in just 1 week with America’s favorite weight loss brand.  It’s your thing! Control hunger for up to four hours with delicious and filling Mealshakes_creamy-chocolate_detail Replacement Shakes.  Each shake has 20g of protein, 1g Sugar and is full of nutrients to have you lose weight without feeling like you’re on a diet.  SlimFast Meal Replacement Shakes come in a variety of flavors so you can lose weight your favorite way. Look for SlimFast Advanced Meal Replacement Shakes in the Diet aisle.  

SlimFast ADVANCED MEAL REPLACEMENT BARS and 100-CALORIE SNACKS 

  Losing weight has never been easier than with SlimFast.  Delicious, nutritious SlimFast controls hunger for up to 4 hours. And now, new SlimFast Advanced Nutrition has up to 20g of protein and as little as 1g of sugar.  Snack it off with savory chips!  Crunch it off with decadent bites!  Even cheat it off with delicious sweets.  See results in just 1 week with America’s favorite weight loss brand.  It’s your thing. Decadent dark chocolate with fruit and nuts make these protein advanced nutritionbars taste like dessert.  Curb your hunger and watch the weight slip away.  If you prefer bars to shakes or just want to switch it up when losing weight, there are a variety of delicious flavors to choose from. Snack your way slim with new SlimFast Advanced 100-calorie treats.  These delicious chips and sweets will satisfy your hunger slim fast 100between meals and still help you lose weight! Look for SlimFast Advanced Meal Replacement Bars and 100-Calorie Snacks in the Diet aisle. Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs December 27th, 2015

CAMPOVERDE ENERGY BOOST FRUIT and VEGGIE BLENDER 

  Try Campoverde Fruit and Veggie Blenders for delicious and nutritious smoothies. The Campoverde Blenders are 100% natural pre-mixed fruits and vegetables with no sugar added or preservatives.  They come ready for the fruit and veggis blendersblender (washed, Chopped, peeled and without seeds).  Just add water, juice or milk. Campoverde four blend mixes were carefully selected to create smoothies with health properties for every lifestyle.  Energy Boost provides the energy that your body needs to be active.  Healthy Life strengthens the immune system and nervous system.  Fit & Wellness increases muscle mass for greater natural strength and Forever Young contributes to maintain a younger looking skin. Enjoy a smoothie prepared with a premixed portion and keep the rest inside the re-sealable package in the freezer. Look for Campoverde Energy Boost Fruit and Veggie Blender in the Frozen Food aisle. Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs December 27th, 2015

ARM & HAMMER CLUMP & SEAL MICROGUARD CLUMPING CAT LITTER

Introducing: Clump & Seal MicroGuard Clumping Cat Litter from ARM & HAMMER! Clump & Seal MicroGuard Clumping Cat Litter contains an antimicrobial agent to prevent odors caused by bacteria. This unique technology seals in and destroys odors, bothmicroguard-review Immediate odors, as well as… Potential future odors that may be caused by bacteria in the litter box. Clump & Seal MicroGuard contains heavy duty odor eliminators plus Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to immediately destroy odors on contact. ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal MicroGuard Clumping Cat Litter prevents bacterial odors and delivers guaranteed 7 day odor control. Look for Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Microguard Litter in the Pet Aisle. Written By Jerry Golub, CEO Jerry_jamOne of the most enjoyable aspects of our business is helping our customers celebrate their holiday traditions as they come together to create special moments and lasting memories.   Knowing that we play this role is incredibly fulfilling, as it speaks to our higher purpose and the important difference we can make in peoples’ lives. As I visit our stores during the holiday season, it’s apparent that our teammates share this feeling.  The excitement of the season seems to transcend their interactions with our shoppers and with each other.  As a result, the bonds that have been built over time between our teammates and shoppers appear to be highlighted and strengthened as a result of those exchanges. As a company, we are completely focused on delivering a great shopping experience on a consistent basis throughout the year.  Whether someone is shopping for a special occasion such as their holiday meal, or to satisfy any number of everyday needs, our goal is to be viewed by each customer as a valuable resource.  In order to accomplish this, we depend on all our teammates to understand and meet our shoppers’ many different needs through their interactions with thousands of individuals every day. I believe those interactions between our teammates and our customers have been even more important this holiday season than in past years.  During a time of uncertainty and disruption for many around the world, the reassurance of everyday connections we share and the caring we show each other during our daily routines can act as a very powerful grounding force for everyone. So I have two messages this holiday season. First, to all our teammates, I want to thank you for the incredible job you do.  You are able to set aside the pressures of your own daily lives, and focus on delivering a great shopping experience to our customers every day of the year.  For that, I am extremely grateful. Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a very happy, healthy, and fulfilling new year.  May 2016 bring an increased awareness of the humanity we all share and with it a universal goal of achieving peace, both in our own homes and in the world. Happy New Year, everyone. Musical Inspiration:  Here’s a recording of a classic, but very timely song, performed by some exceptionally talented local high school students at the 2007 “Melodies of Christmas” concert at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady.  This annual concert benefits the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center, and is also broadcast on Albany’s CBS station on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxCOrfS_NY0       Written by Sara Lilkas and Tyler Blance  We’re proud to support farmers and producers of the Northeast throughout the whole year! Our Christmas trees are grown and harvested on farms in New York and Vermont: When it’s grown here, we get it here. We recently were able to talk with Richie Hourihan, our farmer at Cabot Christmas Tree Farm in Cabot, Vermont about everything from growing Christmas trees from seed to keeping them beautiful once they are decorated at home! homegrown Christmas Trees   PC: How long does it take from seed for a tree to grow full-sized? RH: It usually takes about 12-20 years from seed to grow a full-sized tree. When planting new trees we usually transplant trees that are already about 5 years old and 14 inches tall.   PC: When do you start cutting down trees for the Christmas season? RH: I usually start cutting down trees the day after Halloween, however with the warmer weather this year we had to continually put off cutting down the trees. Every tree must go through 2-3 hard frosts or “killing frosts” before they’re ready for cutting and bring home. After 2-3 hard frosts the trees enter dormancy, when trees are cut in dormancy they last longer in household temperatures and hold onto their needles.   PC: How long did you have to wait to cut down trees this year as a result of the warmer temperatures? RH: This year we started cutting trees down a few days before Thanksgiving, and I was able to start delivering them the day after Thanksgiving.   PC: How many new trees do you plant each year? RH: About 3,000 new trees every year.   PC: What growing methods do you use for your Christmas trees? RH: No chemicals, sprays or fertilizers are used. The farm is USDA GAP [Good Agricultural Procedures] Certified. GAP ensures safe, environmentally friendly growing practices, regardless of the crop. We voluntarily go through this audit to verify the produce and trees we grow are handled and stored in the safest way possible.   PC: What’s your favorite variety of tree to grow? RH: Balsam fir. Balsam fir trees are indigenous to the area (since they are native to the area they grow fast than other varieties) and they hold up the longest once cut and put indoors. An added bonus to growing balsam fir trees is that the deer do not like to nibble on them unlike other varieties!   PC: What is your favorite part of growing Christmas Trees? RH: My favorite part of growing Christmas trees takes place in the summer time. After a long day on the farm attending to the other crops [Richie also grows berries, corn, and other vegetables] is mowing in between the rows of trees. I go out after dinner when it’s still light out and everyone who works on the farm with me has gone home. Mowing in between the trees is very peaceful, quiet, and I have a beautiful view of the mountains.   PC: What are some tips you could offer for keeping a healthy tree during the holiday season? RH: When you get your tree home, cut about an inch off the base. When the trees are first cut sap starts to bleed and forms a cement-like layer along the base of the tree preventing it from taking in any water.   PC: How often should you water your Christmas tree? RH: You should check to make sure the base is full every one to two days. A tree can use up to a quart of water a day!   PC: How should trees be disposed of, once the holidays are over? RH: I recommend checking to see if there are any local ordinances in place. Many towns recycle Christmas trees either into mulch to be used in gardens and parks or are used to make barriers to prevent soil erosion.   We would like to thank Richie Hourihan for being a partner with us and for taking the time to share his knowledge about harvesting trees. We love being able to provide locally grown products to our customers and that would not be possible without farmers like Richie. From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas.