We at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham are thrilled to introduce Sophie Dolan, a highly experienced Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – and Birmingham native – as the newest contributor to thepigbham.com! With her deep roots in Birmingham and extensive professional experience, Sophie is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh insights to Piggly Wiggly shoppers.
Background and Expertise
Sophie Dolan MS, RDN, has been a practicing dietitian for a decade. Born and raised in Birmingham, Sophie is deeply connected to our local community. She earned her degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), including a Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences. After completing her dietetic internship at UAB, she spent five years working at Boston Children’s Hospital, specializing in gastrointestinal disorders and weight management.
Since returning to Birmingham in 2021, Sophie has been running a successful private practice, Sophie Dolan Nutrition. Her rich background and expertise make her a fantastic addition to the Piggly Wiggly team, and we can’t wait for our customers to benefit from her knowledge.
New Recipes Every Week
Coming this August, Sophie will begin sharing her favorite recipes with Piggly Wiggly Birmingham shoppers and readers of thepigbham.com. Sophie promises to provide recipes that are tasty, healthy, simple, quick, and affordable – perfect for feeding the whole family. Occasionally, she’ll introduce adventurous new foods to keep things exciting.
Philosophy and Approach
Sophie’s philosophy on nutrition aligns perfectly with our values at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham. She believes that food is for function and that every body is different. Her approach, “nutrition by addition,” emphasizes incorporating nutritious foods into one’s diet rather than focusing on restrictions. This philosophy mirrors our commitment to providing fresh, high-quality ingredients that help our customers create balanced, delicious meals.
Personal Favorites and Pro Tips
Sophie grew up in a Greek family where food was central to their celebrations and daily life. Influenced by her roots, Sophie loves to incorporate the Mediterranean diet into her meal plans, as she often prepares hearty, colorful salads that are far from boring – the kind that makes you want seconds! Sophie’s favorite ingredients include leafy greens like spinach, Greek yogurt, eggs, and berries – all of which are available at your local Piggly Wiggly.
One of Sophie’s favorite tips is to “snack with intention” – choosing options with fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt, hummus with veggies, apple slices with peanut butter, and cheese with whole wheat crackers. Sophie firmly believes that food is an experience and that healthy food should taste delicious.
Local and Community Focus
We love that Sophie is a strong advocate for using local and seasonal ingredients, just like us at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham. She emphasizes that fresh, local produce not only tastes better but is also more nutritious and cost-effective. Sophie recommends choosing seasonal ingredients and loading your cart with a variety of produce – all of which can be found at Piggly Wiggly! Sophie’s practice even offers grocery store tours to help her clients model healthy and flavorful shopping.
Engagement and Interaction
If you have any questions or need nutritional advice, Sophie is here to help. You can reach Sophie Dolan MS, RDN through her practice’s website. (You may even be able to see her free of charge with your insurance plan.) Additionally, engage with her on Instagram @sophiedolan.rd for more tips and recipes, or catch her shopping at any of Piggly Wiggly’s 13 locations throughout the Birmingham, AL area.
Education and Credentials
- Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences – University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics – Auburn University
- Dietetic Internship – University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- Certificate of Training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults
We’re thrilled to have Sophie Dolan on board and can’t wait for our community to benefit from her expertise. Stay tuned for her insightful posts and delicious recipes on thepigbham.com, brought to you by Piggly Wiggly Birmingham.
