In the mood to clean up your diet a little (or a lot) in these final weeks of summer? Toronto’s best healthy take-out restaurants offer high-quality sustenance and do not skimp on flavour. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch on a weekday or dinner on the way home from work, you’ll be satisfied at these spots, which have healthy take-out down to a science.
Founded by a former personal trainer and nutrition expert, Impact Kitchen offers nutritionally-dense power bowls, toasts, burgers, soups, and baked goods suitable for diets ranging from paleo to vegan to gluten-free. Stop by for a bite and cold-pressed juice or order delivery through Ubereats and power through the rest of your day.
This vegan, gluten-free kitchen serves up stacked sandwiches and toasts that make for a light but nourishing lunch. Grab yours for take-out, or dine in at their quaint Toronto patio on Roncesvalles. Delivery is available via Ubereats or Doordash. The Goods also has you covered during off-hours, with prepared meals, pantry staples, and meal kits. Meal prep delivery is available Tuesdays and Thursdays. Orders placed before 5 p.m. will deliver on the next delivery day.
For hearty, flavourful meatless meals that border on cheat-day worthy – think mac n’ cashew ‘cheese,’ cauliflower wings, and homemade veggie burgers, head to Parka. This menu will allow you to stick with your health kick, but also, be seriously satisfied. Order on their site for delivery or pickup.
For loaded salads that will not leave you hungry, AAamazing Salad lives up to its name. This extensive menu of salads, bowls, and wraps has options for meat-eaters and vegans, keto, and gluten-free folks alike. Delivery is available via Ritual.
Known for their meatless and wheatless all-day brunch menu, hearty bowls, baked goods, and wellness lattes, Kupfert & Kim is as quick and reliable as a fast food joint, but plant=based. Order on their site for pickup or delivery, or dine in at one of their 8 locations downtown and enjoy a full-service, licensed dining experience.
Mugi offers artisanal Thai cuisine, made from scratch – as in, all their curry pastes, broths, and sauces are made in-house, from whole spices. In addition, everything on the menu is vegan. These noodle and rice dishes and curries incorporate hearty ingredients like jackfruit, shiitake & tofu, that will ensure you don’t miss the meat. Call to place an order for pickup.
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At this point in the summer, many of us are feeling like it’s high time for a dose of antioxidants. Fresh-pressed juices can offer a potent dose of them, along with other vitamins and minerals and that do the body a world of good. Stock your fridge with some refreshing elixirs from these well-loved local juice dealers and treat yourself to an end-of-summer energy boost.
Healthy need not be boring, when you stock up at Whale Juice. Here, cold-pressed juice comes with the option to add toppings like tapioca, lychee, and aloe, and they also offer fruit teas, fresh-fruit milkshakes and icy fresh fruit slush blends. Treat yourself!
Elxr Juice Lab creates full juice cleanse packages that make the process of cleansing a no-brainer. Whether you’re looking for a mini reset, or you want to take your cleanse game to the next level, Elxr is where to go. Their juices, tonics and boosters and all plant-based, all cold-pressed, all organic, and also, very stylishly packaged.
For a robust selection of organic, cold-pressed and raw juices, meals and snacks that’ll inspire your next health kick, head to Village Juicery. Get completely set-up for your juice cleanse with one of their nutritionist-designed cleanse kits or work with one to create a kit that suits your needs to a T.
This completely plant-based cafe and meditation space is a one-stop shop for healthy living inspo. With a vegan menu of smoothie bowls and loaded toasts, cold-pressed juices and wellness lattes, and a roster of community programming (think: astrology forecasts and sound baths), Plant-Lyfe will help you embrace a whole new lifestyle.
These homegrown juices have their own cult following. Try a made-with-love organic, plant-based juices as a one-off in a glass bottle, or commit to one of three different cleanse programs (gentle, standard, and green). Greenhouse also offers resources to help you conduct your cleanse – from what to do, when, to how.
Stock up for a healthy work week here with cold-pressed, fresh, raw organic juices, as well as eats like power breakfasts (overnight oatmeals and vegan cheesecakes), energy balls and organic soups. Or, stop by their cafe for a fresh made breakfast or lunch.
Anti Vice makes their juices fresh to order, so you can be sure you’re getting the brightest flavours. Choose from a menu of seasonal blends like lemonade slushy (lemon, maple syrup and ice), strawberry lemonade or candy crush (orange, pineapple, strawberry, lime and kiwi) or, make up your own custom mix.
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As someone who enjoys a daily green juice, I’m a bit embarrassed to reveal that I had never done a juice cleanse before this. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of a cleanse and have often been close to ordering one but I was worried about not completing it and wasting not only the juice but also the money.
As if by fate, I was approached by ELXR Juicelab to try one of its cleanses and at first I shook my head at the thought of doing a juice cleanse during quarantine. Quarantine for me has been a time of cooking, baking, and constant grazing so the thought of replacing not only my morning cups of coffee, bagels, french toast, cookies, and more with juice seemed near-impossible. After chatting with a few friends, I realized that this is actually a great time to do a juice cleanse because I wouldn’t be tempted to go out to eat at restaurants and I had no industry events to attend, so what was holding me back? Nothing.

*If you aren’t sure a juice cleanse is right for you, consult a doctor and always listen to your body.*

The cleanse was delivered right to my door at 9 a.m. via contactless delivery and I got started right away with Toxic Flush which is like a spicy lemonade that kickstarts the detoxification process. In addition to being good for you, this tonic was absolutely delicious and I had to stop myself from downing it all in one go. Along with Toxic Flush came with the Tumeric Booster. This potent shot is great for its immune-boosting anti-inflammatory properties and with added black pepper, it makes it easier for our bodies to absorb.
Next up was ELXR’s Second Base which is a green juice and I’m not afraid to admit that I was scared it would taste awful because, let’s face it, most green juices can be reminiscent of grass. However, I’m also not afraid to admit that I was proved wrong and was pleasantly surprised to find this juice was SO good and didn’t have a grass-like taste at all.

By now it was early afternoon and I proceeded to tuck into juice after juice and found each one tasty, refreshing, and all-around enjoyable. Now, I’m not saying that I expected them to be nasty, but I wasn’t prepared for them to be this good.
It wasn’t until the late afternoon that I began to feel hunger and I developed a relatively strong headache. I made sure to keep drinking enough water but even as I stayed hydrated, my headache wasn’t going anywhere.

Dinner was another green juice, the Third Base, and it didn’t disappoint either. The juice tasted ‘greener’ than the Second Base but it was easy to drink and before I knew it, the bottle was empty.
All in all, the cleanse was much less scary than I thought it would be. I anticipated feeling deprived, hungry, and sluggish all day but it couldn’t have been more of the opposite. Day two came and went and I felt not only amazing and lighter in a way, but also proud of myself that I stuck with the cleanse and tried something new.
If you thought that ELXR was known for just its juices, then think again because the brand also makes tasty treats like chia seed parfaits, oatmeals, sprouted granola, and more. These are delicious any time of the day but they’re great for breakfast as well as post-cleanse for introducing food back into your diet.

What are your thoughts on doing a juice cleanse while we’re in quarantine?
DG: Whether you’ve just learnt to cook for yourself, are snacking more than usual as a result of heightened anxiety or boredom or becoming more health-conscious in an effort to keep your immunity up, I think it’s become increasingly evident that this pandemic has had an effect on the way most of us eat. Juice Cleansing is an opportunity to take a break from unhealthy eating habits which may have developed during your time in quarantine, or simply as a way to refocus your diet with a variety of organic formulas and vibrant plant-based superfoods that aim to detox, energize, repair and nourish the body from the inside out.
Do you have any tips on how to stick with the cleanse for the whole duration if someone is new to cleansing?
DG: For anyone that’s new to cleansing the most important thing to remember is that you need to listen to your body to ensure you come out of the cleanse feeling your absolute best. If you ever feel low on energy, It’s okay to introduce salads, soups or nuts into your diet. In addition, it’s super important to continue drinking lots of water or herbal teas in-between juices to stay hydrated.
Cleanses can span anywhere from 1-6 days at the discretion of the person participating. It’s important to pick a number of days that services you and your body without overexerting yourself to ensure maximum success. We also understand cleansing can be difficult with day one typically being the hardest. It’s important to monitor how you’re feeling, you can always take a break in between days while maintaining a plant-based diet and still feel the benefits.
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With the start of the new year, I always find I’m raring to go in the mornings. Maybe it’s the new goals or new energy, but I feel more motivated than ever to get out there and get stuff done. Smoothies are the healthiest way to get your day started when you’re on-the-go. With simple, tasty ingredients that boost your energy and your overall health, sipping on a smoothie is the perfect way to get your day started.
Here are 6 healthy smoothie recipes you should try right now!
Peanut butter is a great source of protein, and when mixed with old-fashioned oats, bananas and vanilla soy milk, this smoothie is the perfect way to start off your morning. It may taste like a dessert, but it’s healthy as can be. And with just a few simple ingredients, it’s ideal for hectic mornings or busy lunch breaks. Get the full recipe here.
Loaded with healthy ingredients like mango, spinach, chia seeds, hemp protein and unsweetened almond milk, this green smoothie is one of the most delicious good-for-you smoothies out there. It’s high in iron and fibre, dairy-free, vegan and paleo-friendly, plus it has over 100% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Get the full recipe here.
It may sound like dessert in a cup, but this smoothie recipe is packed with healthy ingredients that will make you feel great throughout the day. The apple cinnamon flavour is perfect for the winter season, so you can feel like you’re indulging without all the calories. Made in just minutes, it’s a quick and easy recipe to whip up daily. Get the recipe here.
Winter is prime time for getting sick, so if you want to prevent colds, flu and viruses, this immunity-boosting smoothie is the way to do it. Oranges and mangos are chock full of vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy immune system, and with a hint of turmeric and cayenne pepper, this nutritious smoothie is sure to become one of your favourites, with a kick! Get the full recipe here.
If the vibrant pink colouring isn’t enough to catch your attention, the benefits of this smoothie just might be. Beets are rich in vitamin C, fibre, potassium and manganese, and bananas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron and B6. Throw in some chia seeds, which are a great source of healthy fats and protein, and you have an unbeatable blend. Get the full recipe here.
This one’s for anyone who overindulged during the holiday season. I don’t know about you, but I definitely decreased my trips to the gym and increased my intake of baked goods and red wine during December. If you’re like me, this detox smoothie will help nourish and cleanse your system. Filled with healing ingredients like pink grapefruit, ginger, spinach and pineapple, it’s a fresh, delicious recipe you’ll love to sip on. Get the full recipe here.
Featured image: Instagram/ @befitsmoothies
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From friends to coworkers, seems everyone and their social media crush is jumping on the plant-based diet train.
Fuelled by vegan hotspot restaurants like (the super Instagrammable) Planta, and the growing number of options available in grocery stores as brands expand their vegan offerings, being a vegan isn’t only a hell of a lot tastier than it used to be, it’s also a lot more convenient.
Jillian Harris (The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Love It or List It Vancouver), who has adopted a plant-based lifestyle (“well, for the most part,” she admits) shares the things you need to know before going plant-based.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZlxSGjBH3E/?hl=en&taken-by=jillian.harris
Start Slow
Harris herself admits she grew up on a very basic diet of hot dogs, beef, and Kraft Dinner (as many of us did), and advocates starting off slow in adopting a plant-based lifestyle. “If you’re new to this whole plant-based eating thing, start out slow … you don’t have to go all or anything right out of the gate. Try introducing one plant-based meal a week or swapping your dairy products first,” said Harris. “I found this was the easiest place to start when we switched to a plant-based diet: replacing our milk, cream, butter, etc. with vegan options was a pretty easy transition for us.” She says an easy first step is swapping your butter for a plant-based option like Becel Vegan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bebnp7THc1B/?hl=en&taken-by=jillian.harris
Experiment
After a brief stint with a diet of gummy bears and spaghetti (before she knew gummy bears contain animal products), Harris says that in her early days of plant-based eating were filled with experimentation. Some recipes worked, she says, while others “totally flopped.” Like learning how to cook in general, trial and error – complete with tweaks and adjustments – is all part of the experience when adopting a plant-based diet ..
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgZE2CKn47i/?hl=en&taken-by=jillian.harris
It’s (Actually) Flavourful
Over time, Harris has discovered a few tricks of the trade. “If you’re finding your plant-based meals to be bland, I would suggest adding white wine, tamari, miso paste, concentrated veggie stock, liquid smoke, herbs, garlic, and a bit of good ‘ol salt and pepper to up your flavour game,” says Harris. “I use most of these ingredients in my cooking on a daily basis.” She says things like lentils and diced mushrooms are flavour-rich substitutes to ground beef, as they are of a similar texture and you can season them as you would your meat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfcMqfJH6Uu/?hl=en&taken-by=jillian.harris
You Don’t Have to Say Goodbye to Comfort Food
As Harris highlights, vegan foods can be just as comforting and satisfying as their animal product-containing counterparts. “Vegan comfort foods are delicious. That’s right, you can still have comfort foods even if you’re eating plant-based,” she says with a laugh. “I think this is one of the main things that scare people away; they think if they go plant-based that they’ll have to eat salads for every meal … but that’s not the case! You can easily achieve rich comfort foods by adding a dollop of Becel Vegan to them. I use it as a substitute for butter in my pasta sauces, soups and all of my comfort food recipes as it helps to make them rich and flavourful, plus, it’s a great option for a heart-healthy diet.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd2u7hqHUh0/?hl=en&taken-by=jillian.harris
It’s Cheaper Than You’d Think
For many, a vegan diet sounds great in theory, but the worry is that it will take a major toll on the wallet in a city where the cost of living is already sky-high. According to Harris, however, your grocery tab may increase at the start, but once you figure out your tastes and what works for you, it will actually level off eventually, if not become more affordable.
Don’t forget that adopting a plant-based diet is a major lifestyle change – and one that probably won’t happen overnight (personally, if I try it, it will be after BBQ season ends). “Eating plant-based takes time so make sure to be easy on yourself and try not to overthink it,” says Harris.
Featured image: Instagram/ @jillian.harris
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New year, new you!
It comes without saying that Holidays are a write off when it comes to our diets. Between parties and endless dinners – and of course treats in the office – we can’t catch a break. So it’s time to embrace all that comes with a fresh start, and get cracking on our healthy lifestyles.
While going to the gym and signing up for fitness classes definitely helps, you will absolutely find the biggest improvements when you start paying closer attention to your diet. And while it’s great to work in a leafy green salad every now and again, it’s the smaller super foods that might just have the most impact.
Check out 5 superfoods that made a huge impact in 2017, and are about to get some major attention in 2018.
1. Turmeric: Is it just us, or did this yellow-hued spice completely blow up in 2017? From lattes to protein balls and everything in between, this bold cabinet mainstay shook up the food scene in a big way. Look for turmeric in your everyday restaurant offerings the second the clock strikes midnight.
2. Nut Oils: 2017 was definitely the year of the nut butter, but 2018 will see a new lease on life for oils. It’s time to trade in your sunflower or basic cooking oil for a healthier alternative. These ingredients also ensure everything you’re making is plant-based – because why not.
3. Tiger Nuts: Yep, let’s continue embracing this ingredient, but in full-form. This superfood looks similar to a raisin, but is rich in dietary fiber, prebiotics and potassium. It’s also said that this ingredient will prove to a be a great muscle relaxer as it’s a great source of magnesium.
4. Watermelon Seeds: Don’t retire your chia seed smoothie altogether, but it’s time to work in a few watermelon seeds. Apparently, these small little superfoods need to be sprouted and shelled before you eat them – so don’t just start chomping on the seeds you picked out of a slice. And while that process might seem like a bit of a chore for the average person looking to intake a few extra vitamins, the juice is certainly worth the squeeze. One serving of these seeds boast 31 grams of protein as well as a healthy dose of magnesium.
5. Moringa: This superfood ingredient might just knock matcha off its high horse in 2018. Moringa is power-packed with vitamin C, amino acids and more. And sourced from India, Pakistan and Nepal, this ingredient is as exotic as it is down right healthy. Your smoothies will thank you.
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Holidays are the time of giving; giving gifts, but also giving to your gut. While most of us want to enjoy our time with family and friends, with enjoyment comes indulgence and more times than not some extra pounds we never asked for.
Before you grab your “stretchy” waist forgiving pants, consider that healthy treats aren’t necessarily gross and you can eat good without gaining. In fact, we think these healthy and festive treats may even become holiday traditions.
Take a look at 10 healthy holiday treats that will make you drool below:
Photo: Running in a Skirt
Not only are they easy to make (uh, no baking necessary!), but they’re also packed with festive peppermint AND protein.
Photo: Feasting on Fruit
This take on gingerbread sounds delicious and is an ice cream lovers dream – minus the fat since its main ingredient is bananas.
Photo: The Big Man’s World
Ready in 10 minutes, this recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdosing on processed sugars.
Photo: Mom Timeout
If you’re obsessed with Reese, make these! They’re basically a peanut butter cups healthier cousin.
Photo: The First Year
These Almond Caramel Clusters taste like Turtles, but have fewer calories. What’s not to like?!
Photo: The Big Man’s World
This Holiday recipe is low carb, gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo. All of these makes it the perfect snack to serve if you’re hosting a group with different diet restrictions.
This gluten-free take on your traditional Christmas sugar cookie is festive and totally delicious. Plus, you get creative freedom with the cookie shapes.
Photo: Meaningful Eats
Another gluten-free recipe for the win! This dark chocolate bark recipe is the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
Photo: Mom Timeout
Rather than buying a premade, festive popcorn mix, take control over the ingredients and make your own. The Snowday Snack mix is sweet, but without going overboard.
Replace the heavy and fattening cheese with cashews when you make this no bake recipe. These swirl bars are creamy while remaining dairy-free.
Featured image: Bakerita
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Last month I attended a luncheon hosted by fashion designer, entrepreneur and healthy living enthusiast, Izzy Camilleri. As I listened to the mission and vision behind her eating plan, I couldn’t help but think how simple it is to incorporate into your daily life, especially with the bustling holiday season on our heels. The eating plan was inspired by Izzy’s own busy lifestyle and a realization that we often put ourselves second to everything else on our to-do lists.
From hosting and attending holiday parties, to gift shopping, gift wrapping, decorating and travelling, it’s easy to get rundown and burnt out over the holiday season. It’s more important than ever to make sure we’re taking care of our bodies and fuelling them with nutritious food. Izzy’s Eating Plan is all about eating the right foods together and giving your body what it needs to function properly and feel awesome after every meal. It’s not about starving or depriving yourself, it’s about eating with intention and purpose. Here’s how it works:
In Izzy’s Eating Plan, foods are divided into three food groups, group 0, 1 and 2. Each meal and snack you eat should not exceed a total of two. You can have as much of group 0 as you want, but if you eat something from group 2, you can only eat it with group 0 items, and you can eat two items from group 1 with as many items as you want from group 0.

Image: Instagram/@izzyseatingplan
Group 0 includes a selection of meat, poultry and fish, along with shellfish, and an assortment of legumes and vegetables including broccoli and eggplant. Drinks included in group 0 are coffee (preferably organic), green and herbal tea, and water with lemon. You can also have liquids like chicken, vegetable and beef stock.
Beef, lamb, tilapia and trout all fall into group 1. As do dairy products such as cottage, feta and goat cheese and veggies like beets and butternut squash. Fruits including apples and grapefruit are group 1, as are legumes such as chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans. Diluted fruit juices also fall into this group.
Included in group 2 are meat and poultry like duck and pork, fish such as halibut and wild salmon, and dairy products including parmesan and brie cheese. Grains like brown rice and couscous are part of group 2, as are vegetables like corn and pumpkin. Fruits like avocado and coconut fall into this group, as well as desserts such as dark chocolate and fruit sorbets.
Since the goal of this eating plan is staying healthy and losing weight, keep your portion sizes reasonable. Protein serving sizes should be the size of your palm, and a handful or two of the other foods are usually enough.
Sample meals
The more you use the eating plan, the more it becomes second nature, and you get used to the foods you can and can’t eat together. Here are some sample meals and snacks you can eat on Izzy’s Eating Plan.
Breakfast: 2 eggs (group 1) + ricotta cheese (group 1) + spinach and bell peppers (group 0) = 2
Snack: Banana (group 2) and green tea (group 0) = 2
Lunch: Salad with chicken, arugula, artichokes, mushrooms and cucumbers (all group 0) + chickpeas (group 1) + goat cheese (group 1) = 2
Snack: Plain Greek yogurt (group 1) + peaches (group 1) = 2
Dinner: Haddock (group 0) + asparagus (group 0) + brown rice (group 2) = 2

Image: Instagram/@IzzysEatingPlan
See how easy it is! If you’re looking to eat healthy over the holidays, try out Izzy’s Eating Plan! You can get the book and full details here!
Featured Images: Instagram/@izzyseatingplan
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