This summer, Toronto has offered up a multitude of ways to eat healthy. Between the new farmer’s markets and events such as Tasty Thursdays and today’s Street Treats Fair at Nathan Philips Square, fresh, local, healthy food is available all over the city. But eating healthy is only part of the equation when it comes to your total wellbeing. True, the summer months are usually a lower stress, more casual, care-free time for most people,... [continue]

This weekend is going to be a scorcher. Lured by the siren song of the ice cream truck, it will be hard to resist that choc-vanilla twist cone, or Rocket Pop. Then there’s always the convenience store on the corner for a Strawberry Shortcake or Freezie. Of course, after too many of these sweet treats, your bikini or swimming trunks have a snugger fit than you were hoping for while strutting your stuff on the... [continue]

When most people think of herbs, they think of cooking. When some people think of herbs, they think of healing. If you have ever had a warm, soothing cup of chamomile tea before bedtime to improve your sleep, you were healing yourself with herbs. Those pesky dandelion plants that are taking over your yard? Guess what—their leaves are packed with vitamin C and iron, and they are bitter, which helps improve digestion. Want an alternative... [continue]

This Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., you can enjoy the inaugural weekend of the Don Valley Brick Works Farmers Market. Many of your favorite vendors from Toronto's other organic farmers markets will be there, including Chocosol, who might just let you ride their bicycle powered chocolate blender. You can also buy your weekly loaf from St. John's Bakery or Alli's bread, and pick up your spring veggies from several local organic... [continue]

This Victoria Day weekend, two things will be on the minds of many Torontonians—beer and BBQ. The weather is good, you’re hanging with your friends, and you just want to kick back and chill with a cold one and a burger. You may have heard about what BBQing can do to your health and the environment, but let’s face it, it’s hard to resist the smoky aroma wafting from your neighbour’s backyard. Don't stress yourself... [continue]

There’s nothing quite like leisurely strolling on a warm, sunny Saturday, exploring shops, nibbling some treats, and sipping some wine. Can this enticing combination be had in Toronto? Yes—tomorrow is the last day of Santé, the 9th annual Bloor-Yorkville wine festival, with several events left to round out your activities this Mother’s Day weekend. First stop for you and Mum—Village of Yorkville Park on Cumberland between Avenue Road and Bellair Street, where you will find... [continue]

It’s time to dust off your basket, bust out the sandals, and head outside to relish the seasonal bounty of Ontario. Tuesday marks the unofficial start of open-air Farmer’s Market season, with the opening of Friends of Riverdale Farm Farmers’ Market. Now in its 7th year, it runs every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. The timing is perfect; how good is it going to feel basking in the sun, the suddenly-warm air rejuvenating your pale... [continue]

ROFL for real—Sunday May 6 is World Laughter Day 2007. Founded in 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria, this event is now celebrated in over 50 countries, and there are more than 5000 laughter clubs around the globe. Everyone has heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine”—it may well be true. Laughter is an effective way to reduce stress, which is implicated in many serious illnesses such as heart disease, depression, and cancer. It... [continue]

Another weekend of trade shows is upon us. The belle of the ball this year is the Green Living Show, but there are two other significant expos for which you should make room in your schedule: the Good Food Festival and the Yoga Show. This is the 15th year of the Good Food Festival at the International Centre on Airport Road. For $12 you can enjoy cooking demos, free samples and great prices on all... [continue]

Are you hungry? Not "man, I could go for an Oh! Henry" hungry, or "that chow mein was good but I should have ordered some chicken balls" hungry, but "another three cents and I can get a loaf of bread this week" hungry. If you’re reading this, chances are you don’t fall into the latter category, but many people in Toronto do. In fact, according to the publication Who's Hungry [PDF], a staggering 1 in... [continue]

Spring has finally sprung in a big way, just in time for Earth Day. Tomorrow, why not try something new, while also doing your part to help save the planet? Number three on the “Top 10 Actions” to help the environment on the Earth Day Canada website is try eating meat-free at least one day a week. The reason according to them is this: a meat-based diet requires seven times more land than a plant-based... [continue]

If you don’t have lunch plans for tomorrow, you may want to pencil this in. April 19 marks Camros Organic Eatery's first anniversary at 25 Hayden Street, one block south-east of Yonge and Bloor. Although tucked away on a side street in what used to be a travel agency, Camros has managed to attract hoards of loyal followers. They come for the positive vibes, the commitment to the environment and of course the organic,... [continue]

Tomorrow is the Yorkville Whole Foods Market Community Support Day. In celebration of Earth Week, 5% of their net sales will go to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), whose mission is to ensure that our “Living City” is built upon a natural foundation of healthy rivers and shorelines, greenspace and biodiversity, and sustainable communities. Staff from the TRCA will be on hand tomorrow so you can ask questions, and get informed. Whole Foods... [continue]

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. A time of change and new things. It makes sense that spring marks the start of the complementary health trade show circuit, with virtually every weekend promising another venue in which people can explore and learn. Some shows are a bit too “wacky” for some, but a few manage to tread close enough to the mainstream to attract a broad audience. These shows have exhibitors and lecturers... [continue]

With the explosion in popularity of natural, organic and local foods, grocery shopping has become a confusing experience. Now that supermarkets, big box stores and major manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon, it’s getting harder and harder for consumers to trust their food source. Luckily for us Torontonians, we don’t have to settle for the fluorescent food section at the nearest Wal-Mart Supercentre. St. Lawrence Market has been thriving downtown for over 200 years,... [continue]

It’s Easter again, and they’re everywhere: those cute mini-cupcakes in the bakery section, topped with colourful frosting, begging to be eaten. We’re all attracted to bright sugary treats for an obvious reason—they taste good. However, many store-bought baked goods contain not-so-nice things like preservatives, refined white sugar, and trans-fats which can be detrimental to your health. As well, commercial food colouring has been linked to many unpleasant issues including allergies, hyperactivity, and even cancer.... [continue]

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