Those of you who know me are already aware of the fact that I follow a (mostly) vegan diet. I've been on and off between vegetarian/pescetarian and vegan ever since high school and at the moment I would say I've found the perfect balance between the two. Around 80% of what I've been consuming over the past month or so has been vegan. The other 20% was saved for special occasions (restaurants, family dinners) or the one night where I'll admit I just REALLY wanted a slice of pizza. People constantly ask me the reasoning behind my dietary choices and I have a few. Firstly, I was raised pescetarian (vegetarian but with fish incorporated into the diet) so a large part of why I eat this way is out of habit. When I was in grade eight I decided I wasn't going to eat fish and seafood anymore, I didn't like the idea of consuming any living creatures, which is the other reason behind my decision against animal products. In grade twelve I was vegan for over six months, but eventually found it too challenging to keep up, especially once I moved into residence at university. The summer before second year I started eating seafood again as I was working at a restaurant with a lot of seafood on their menu. Come the fall though I went back to being my usual vegetarian self. A year ago, ironically right after I got hired at a frozen yogurt shop, I made the vegan switch again. A lot of the girls there were vegan/vegetarian which helped motivate me to change my diet again. I kept it up until a couple months ago, when I started incorporating small amounts of dairy and fish around once every couple weeks. If you're reading this and are considering becoming vegan please note that when I use the word 'diet' I do NOT mean diet in the sense of losing weight. I am by no means a dietician but I can speak from personal experience when I say that going vegan is not the best way to lose weight and it doesn't necessarily mean you are healthy. I've had weeks where I've been eating vegan and have eaten terribly unhealthy--fries, candy, sorbet, vegan desserts (to DIE for, but unhealthy when you eat the WHOLE BATCH OF COOKIES in two days...what? I didn't do that ;)). As you'll discover below, there are plenty of ways you can splurge on junk food as a vegan. I'm still working on my health but I genuinely enjoy following a vegan diet, which is why I continue to do so. I'm constantly trying new vegan things and taking advantage of all the vegan-friendly restaurants that Toronto has to offer. Given that I have so many favorites, if people request it I may do a part two to this. Also, if you have any suggestions to add please comment below!
Definitely close to the top of my list in terms of vegan restaurants around Toronto. I've been attempting to make their Green Kick juice at home (kale, pear, ginger, lemon, dandelion) and some days I manage to master it. My favorite salad is their Big Bowl with carrot-ginger dressing. If you're not in the mood for a salad then their Tostadas are a MUST. Mexican food vegan style? Yes, please! They have brunch on weekends and although I've only been once it was divine! Below is a picture of their raw vegan pancakes which I would highly recommend.
2. Raw Foodz dressing and Quinoa Salad!
At last year's Vegetarian Festival I met the creators of this amazing dressing and a few months later started to demo for them--yes, it is THAT good. Amongst their seven flavors they have a vegan caesar AND ranch, which is a rare find as a vegan. I love making quinoa salad with a mix of veggies and beans (my favorite mix is carrots, peas, corn, edamame and chick peas!) Tomorrow I'm going to a pot luck and I actually plan on bringing this dynamic duo with me.
3. Luna Bars
Literally crack for vegans. Their Caramel Nut Brownie tastes like a brownie in the form of a granola bar. They are rich in protein, fibre and antioxidants too so you don't have to feel too bad about this splurge.
4. Humm! Caramelized Onion Hummus
If you've discussed food with me ever then chances are this has already come up. My family is Middle Eastern so I can assure you I've tried A LOT of hummus throughout my life. This one is by far the best hummus I have ever tasted. It's not the traditional taste you normally expect out of your hummus, and if that's what I was going by then my Uncle T's hummus would definitely be the winner, but it has such a bite to it that it becomes a challenge to put it away after just a few tablespoons. Most grocery stores have it so I suggest you go and get some. Like, right now.
5. Fresh
Most people in Toronto who are vegan/vegetarian or have friends who are have most likely been here. I've actually been to all of their locations but my favorite is still the one in the Annex. When I'm going to indulge then I'll either get the Quinoa Onion Rings with the House Mayo or the BBQ Burger (which also has a few of the onion rings piled on top!) The Buddha Bowl is also a favorite of mine. If I'm looking for something lighter and healthier then I usually get the Big Salad with the Peanut Lime dressing (I also like the 3-6-9 too). Sundried tomatoes are a favorite of mine so I usually get a side of those as well as their tempeh put on top (I really like the way they cook their tempeh, I have yet to master a version as delicious). I'd love to hear your favorites so feel free to comment below with yours!
6. Sadie's Diner
I've only been here a couple times, it's not super close to me and given that it's a diner isn't the healthiest vegan food, so I keep it for a special treat ;). If you're a fan of diners like I am you should definitely check it out (you can find it at Adelaide and Portland). They also have a juice bar in Kensington Market! Basically anything you would find at a regular diner they have--but in a vegan version! When my mom and I went we indulged in the Oreo Doughnut below. Now can you see why being a vegan isn't always healthy? Irregardless, it was DELICIOUS.
7. Hibiscus
Hidden in a little space in Kensington Market lies one of my favorite vegan salads. If you can't tell by the picture below, it's the perfect combo of veggies and grains--savory, but still satisfying. Their crepes are also super yummy--they can make a vegan nutella crepe with dark chocolate and hazelnut cream! It's also fairly inexpensive for what you get.
8. Nud Crackers
I recently discovered these at Niagra Veg Fest. They're a really good snack if you're on the go and want something sweet but not too sugary. My favorite is the cacao energy which is a blend of dehydrated banana, sesame seeds, cacao and coconut.
9. Solar Raw Kale Chips
If there's one thing I'm picky about it's my kale chips. I find most of them made with too much oil and nuts for my liking. When I have time then I'll make them at home, but sometimes I'm too busy for that. There are many different brands out there but the only two I buy are the Solar Raw "Hemp Cream & Chive" as well as the ones made by the company Be Nourished. The Solar Raw ones are a bit on the salty side but they make an excellent replacement for popcorn at the theatre. Be Nourished is a cleanse company so there's are much lower in calories and are a lot cleaner. Both are good choices, it just depends what kind of taste you prefer.
10. Amy's Pizza
Generally I don't buy this anymore--but only because I literally can't make it without eating the whole thing in one sitting. When I was younger my mom used to by them all the time, so I blame her for this addiction. They aren't all vegan but there is a dairy-free version as well as one made with soy cheese. If you're new to being vegan and are craving pizza this is a great alternative, as I know it can be hard to find places that deliver vegan pizza.
That's it for now vegan lovers! I hope this has motivated you (vegan or not) to go out and try some new vegan products, as there is so much out there to taste! If you have any hidden vegan treasures in your kitchen I would love to hear about them!
With love,
Ciara ♥
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