How to Become a Raw Foodist in Toronto

Many people have the misconception that becoming a raw foodist has to be an expensive, highly complex, and time-consuming process when in actuality, it’s the exact opposite. It’s quite easy, especially if you live in Downtown Toronto. We have access to so many great shops, as well as many restaurants that are either fully raw, vegetarian, or vegan with raw options availability.

When I mention that I’m predominantly a raw foodist to people who are unfamiliar with this dietary lifestyle choice, they seemed puzzled. I often get a response along the lines of, “Do you live off eating carrots and celery sticks and munch on lettuce all day long like a rabbit?”

For any meal, snack or drink that you can think of that is normally cooked – there’s an existing raw recipe, that’s easy to follow. If not, you can create one with your imagination.

When, I became a raw foodist, over 14 years ago, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, my selection of resources were a lot more limited – remember, this was before Facebook was invented. There was a limited pool of people who attended our monthly raw potluck — those who attended raw workshops enabled me to share ideas and learn new receipts. After taking so many seminars, eventually, I started teaching raw food workshops myself. Here in 2019, there are a bountiful amount of raw recipe books readily available in physical and online book stores worldwide.

Fast forward to 14 years later, when I’m grateful to call Toronto my home. I can easily and readily be a raw foodist “on the go” with my version of “fast foods” when and if needed. Even when I’m travelling, it’s easier as well. So, it’s a great time to become one. The benefits of following a raw food diet are seemingly endless. They include:

• Saving time with food preparation

• Ultimate and cleanest fuel for your body to run at its fullest capacity

• Increased levels of energy

• Left feeling full yet light vs. heavy and sluggish after eating cooked meals

• Look and feel younger

• Improved circulation

• Better digestion

• Faster recovery time from workouts, sickness and injuries

• Require less sleep and wake up feeling more rested

• It’s better for the environment (more compost and less packaging)

• Strong and healthy hair and nails

• Clearer, radiant, hydrated-looking skin

• Increased libido

• Help you achieve your desired healthy weight for your body type

• Heightened mental alertness

• Nutrients more bio-available

Some examples of raw foods you can make in 5 to 10 min or less:

• Smoothies

• Fruit & Vegetable juices

• Guacamole & Salsa

• Collard Wraps

• Nori wraps

• Salads

• Granola

• Halva

• Ice cream

• Chocolate avocado mousse

• Cut up veggies and nut butter

None of these require the fancier expensive kitchen tools. Just your basics.
Best places to shop in Toronto:

• Herbs and Nutrition health food store

• Whole Foods

• Big Carrot

• Various Farmers Markets all over the city, including:

  • St. Lawrence Market

  • Brickworks

  • Wychwood Barns

  • Sorauren Market

  • Dufferin Grove

  • Trinity Bellwoods

  • Borden

Best raw food restaurants in Toronto:

• Live food bar restaurant

• Rawlicious

• Planta

• Fractal foods cafe/Alternative Thinking

Great raw websites

• www.upayanaturals.ca

• www.rawfoodworld.com

Talk to your doctor or health professional before making changes to your diet if you have any current ongoing health conditions and taking medication for it.
Many prescriptions warn against grapefruits or drinking grapefruit juice as possible contradictions to your dosage. The fruit will interfere with your prescription dosage by fluctuating /elevating your medication levels and grapefruit is a natural blood thinner.
Angela Allain is a Raw & Holistic Nutrition Expert as well as a Registered Massage Therapist. She is available for holistic nutritional consultations and group workshops in-person and online. Are you looking for assistance reaching your personal nutritional health goals?
Book your appointment today with Angela and get healthy now!
Email: info@keepintouchtoronto.com
Phone number: (416).894.6840
Website: www.keepintouchtoronto.com