Nutrition
Lifestyle Changes
Eastern Medicine provides us with a variety of lifestyle techniques to maintain and strengthen our health, vitality and overall well-being. The main techniques of dietary modification, meditation, tai chi and qi gong are drawn from the same theories and principles as the medical practices of acupuncture and herbal medicine and have the same power to heal disease and transform our way of life.
What is Meant by Lifestyle Change?
The term lifestyle change is used to discuss the many techniques, theories and practices which help people build their own health and heal disease. Many practitioners of eastern medicine will make recommendations to their patients involving diet, behavioral change and exercise techniques. Eastern philosophy and medicine has a deep pool from which we can draw practical advice to help us build and maintain health.
What Are Some of The Techniques?
- Meditation
While meditation is often related to various religious disciplines, in essence it is a scientific technique for relaxing our mind and bodies. Regular practice of meditation has been shown to physically change the brain and brain chemistry. For the most part these changes are related to our ability to deal with and handle our emotions and “stress.” Beyond relaxation, meditation allows one to make changes in their habits and interactions that can help us avoid the things, ideas, and actions which lead to poor health and a poor state of mind. The relaxation and increased ability to focus provides one with the strength to make the changes they need in their life. - Dietary Therapy
Chinese Medicine Theory, along with many other philosophies, offer ideas for dietary change that are outside of calories and vitamins and minerals. The theories look at the qualities of food - temperature, flavors, etc. and relate those to specific types of people and specific conditions. As a general example, hot people (headaches, angry, etc.) are helped by choosing more cooling foods and avoiding those which contribute to heat. - Qi Gong:
Energy is Qi and the practice of moving this energy is Gong. Qi Gong is essentially exercise but it is drawn from eastern philosophy and accordingly has a different focus than western forms of exercise. Qigong generally focuses on breathing techniques and slower movements to facilitate relaxation and the movement of energy through the body. The relaxation allows the blood and energy to flow more freely in the body. The improvements in circulation lead to better health and greater immunity from disease. - Tai Chi:
Tai Chi is form of martial art and operates on the same base principles as Qi Gong. It is a structured form of exercise with a clear lineage of teachers and a strong body of research to support its effects. Historically, and in recent years, Tai Chi has been shown to facilitate a number of positive health changes related to immunity, blood pressure, physical stability, protection from osteoporosis, etc. Tai Chi is an enjoyable and increasingly popular form of exercise.
TORONTO FARMERS MARKET
ORGANIC MARKETS - YEAR ROUND
Appletree Markets [New for 2009]
Thursdays from 3pm-7pm, beginning April 23rd, 2009 - running year round
North Toronto Memorial Community Centre - 200 Eglinton Ave W (behind the building - by the tennis courts/ice rink), 416-899-1990
appletreemarkets.wordpress.com
Appletree Markets is a non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting a local, community shopping experience. The market was started by Lesley Stoyan and Chris Trussell, co-owners of Daily Apple, a North Toronto based natural lifestyle company, specializing in food and fitness programs. Our mission is support local farmers, producers, artisans, artists, small neighbourhood shops and like-minded organizations. Our motto: Think globally….shop locally.
Several vendors are lined up including: St John’s Bakery, Riverside Foods, Kawartha Ecological Growers, Chocosol, In the Raw, Daily Apple, Green Gate Farms.
Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market
Thursday from 3 to 7 pm, year round.
Dufferin Grove Park.
www.dufferinpark.ca/market/market.html
North west corner of Dufferin Grove Park which is a block south of Bloor and just east of Dufferin.
Join local farmers for an excellent selection of fresh, mostly local and organic vegetables, fruits, baked goods (including vegan pies, squares and cookies), grains, fair trade coffee and chocolate, and much more. On Sept. 21, 2006 there were 92 varieties of produce available.
Breads and simple vegan pizza slices are served fresh from Dufferin Grove’s wood-burning brick ovens. Veggie meal offerings also include an organic (usually vegan) soup, chili and vegan rotis.
Hours: Thursday 3pm-7pm, year round.
The Green Barn Farmers’ Market
Saturday mornings
76 Wychwood (s. of St Clair at Christie)
greenbarnfarmersmarket.org
Local and mostly organic market located in the exciting new Artscape Wychwood Barns project. Update: they are outside for the summer.
Come out to the market to enjoy real, good food with great music, the fabulous setting of the historic Wychwood Barns, and every fresh delicious thing Ontario has to offer!
Hours: May-Oct 8am-noon, Nov-Apr 9am-noon, year round.
St. Lawrence Farmers Market
Saturdays starting at 5 am, year round
92 Front St. E. (at Jarvis), 416-392-7219
www.stlawrencemarket.com
The South Market contains over 50 specialty vendors, including Ying Yang Soy Food (see above). The North Market features a huge Farmers’ Market on Saturdays starting at 5am – a tradition begun on this site in 1803 and continuing today. Over 50 local farmers and producers bring their seasonal produce and other items to market in the city. Several stalls carry organic products.
Hours: Saturday 5am-5pm, year round.
The Village Market
Saturdays from 8:30am-1:30pm, year round
9100 Bathurst St, n. of Hwy 7, Thornhill
www.villagemarket.ca
Wide selection of veggies, and the freshest organic milk, yogurt, butter, cream, and cheese. Plus bread, pies, and pastries, whole foods cafe, natural crafts, live music, vendors and a great atmosphere. The market is located in the Toronto Waldorf School north of Hwy 7 in Thornhill.
Hours: Saturday 8:30am-1:30pm, year-round
SEASONAL MARKETS
Birchcliff Farmers Market
Friday (3-7pm) from June 5th to October 23rd, 2009
St. Nicholas Church Garden, 1512 Kingston Rd (near the Scarborough Bluffs), 416-686-6528 www.marketsbythebluffs.com
Highlights: fresh organic fruits and vegetables picked daily from Ontario organic farms, organic dairy, prepared fresh foods, perennials and cut flowers, all natural handmade soaps, soy candles, organic fresh breads and baked goods, organic hand blended teas, artisans, music and more! It all takes place in a beautiful garden setting.
Hours: Friday 3pm-7pm, June to mid-Oct.
Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market
Saturday from 8am to 1pm, May 23 – mid Dec, 2009
Located off the Bayview Extension (550 Bayview Ave)
evergreen.ca/rethinkspace/?p=148
Festive Saturday morning true farmers’ market. Kids activities. TTC access.
A dynamic new producers-only farmers’ market that strives to be organic, but the most important element is local food. There is a lot of youthful dynamism and enthusiasm at this market. Prepared-food vendors are encouraged to buy directly from the farmers and many interesting partnerships are springing up. There are food workshops and activities for the whole family as well as children’s entertainment. Look for a daily farmer’ food stand in the parking lot and a drop off point linking farmers and chefs. For information: eharris@evergreen.ca www.evergreen.ca/rethinkspace/
There is a free shuttle bus available on Saturdays to and from Broadview Station. See website for bus schedules and more directions. There also might be a continuation of the TTC 28A bus from Davisville Station. Last year they did a four-month test of the Saturday service. Initial analysis by the TTC suggests permanent service is viable; a decision is expected in early 2009.
Hours: Saturdays 8am to 1pm, late May to mid-Dec.
Goody’s Natural Market (formerly High Park Market)
Inside the park, beside Grenadier Restaurant,
Outdoor organic fruit and veggie market.
Barbi writes early May: “It is all organic as far as I could tell, their sign says Organic and Local Produce at Discount Prices. But, right now a lot of it is not local. She said that in the summer the focus will definitely be local.” Note: they are not a market of farmers – more like a seasonal produce store.
Hours: Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm, May to Oct.
MyMarket – certified local farmers’ markets
1-800-387-FARM (3276)
www.my-market.ca
MyMarket(s) are Canada’s first certified farmers’ markets featuring real farmers, selling only what they produce. We are committed to helping shoppers enjoy the benefits of eating local as well as supporting farmers from the Greenbelt, our protected countryside.
2009 will be their second year.
SickKids Hospital – Tuesdays 9am – 2 pm, June 2 – Oct 27, 2009
Bloor at Borden (in the Annex) – Wednesdays 3 – 7pm, June 3 – Oct 28, 2009
East Lynn Park (near Danforth and Woodbine) – Thursdays 3 – 7pm, June 4 – Oct 29, 2009
Liberty Village – Sundays 9am – 2pm, June 7 – Nov 1, 2009
Riverdale Farm Farmers’ Market
Tuesday from 3-7pm in front of Riverdale Farm. May 12 to October 27, 2009
www.friendsofriverdalefarm.com
Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit, prepared food and more.
We are a neighbourhood market striving to be as organic as possible. You will find fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit brought to market by the farmers who grew them as well as delicious prepared food, bread and baked goods. We have vendors specializing in vegetarian and gluten-free products. Eating in season is important to us.
Hours: Tuesday 3pm-7pm, May-Oct.
Sorauren Farmers’ Market
Monday from 3pm - 7pm, May 11 - Oct 26, 2009
South end of Sorauren Park at Sorauren and Wabash, south of Dundas.
www.westendfood.coop
Our mandate is to support and promote local and urban sustainable agriculture, and educate the community in the foods they eat. As part of our commitment to local food, preference is given to Greenbelt farmers, and we actively promote new farmers and small, local and sustainable producers. We offer a full selection of local, organic, and sustainable vegetables, fruits, artisan cheeses, and flour/grain products, and more – with 20 vendors, more than half of which from the Greenbelt and GTA foodshed. There is also a selection of prepared foods made locally with locally grown and processed ingredients. We encourage walking, cycling or TTC to get to the Market. Volunteers welcome.
Hours: Monday 3pm-7pm, May to Oct.
Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market
Tuesdays 3pm-7pm, May 12 to Oct 27, 2009
www.trinitybellwoods.ca
This new organic market takes place in the north end of the park, south side of Dundas between Crawford and Shaw. This tree-shaded intimate market has a wonderful vibe. In addition to plenty of fruits and veggies, you can find such things as fresh vegan pesto, homemade hummus, zataar flat breads, specialty teas and more. Runs this year from May 13, 2008 to Oct 28, 2008. Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park welcomes volunteers to help with various tasks.
Hours: Tuesday 3pm-7pm, mid-May to end of Oct.
Saturday 9am-1pm. May 23 to Oct 31, 2009
North end of Withrow Park, south of Danforth, between Logan and Carlaw. The Withrow Park Farmers’ Market is a community based initiative, and we are looking for area residents to fill various volunteer positions.
Hours: Saturday 9am-1pm, Late May to end of Oct.
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