Plant Life Nutrition opened at 2140 East Hastings in May of 2014, but recently changed hands in November. Originally the store was specifically for sports nutrition, but has since shifted to stock more natural versions of these products as well as a wide variety of supplements and superfoods for general health. A variety of organic raw food snacks and medicinal mushrooms are also available, as well as hard to find specialty items like blue green algae and raw vegan Paleo protein. We recently caught up with Plant Life’s Store Manager and Nutritionist Shawna Barker BSc., RHN, who graduated from UBC’s Nutrition Program and the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Shawna has been working at Plant Life Nutrition since January.
When we ask Shawna what she likes about the East Village area, she says it’s the diversity and growth that stands out the most. “You have quite a mix of people, families and businesses here,” she says. “Everything and everybody is very friendly.” For Shawna, keeping customers informed is one of her favorite aspects of her job. “I like providing people with information to empower themselves to be healthy,” she tells us. “I like helping people realize that eating healthy does not need to be boring.” Shawna is also a raw foods chef, and will soon be hosting a Nutrition Seminar each month at Plant Life Nutrition to teach people about a variety of health topics and sample simple recipes. She also offers one-on-one nutrition consultations that can be booked through the store, offering help with specific health issues or questions. Stay connected with Plant Life Nutrition on their Facebook, Instagram and their Website to find out more about their monthly seminars.