Calgary

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Healthy Eating

Introduction to local food options, farmersโ€™ markets, grocery stores, and tips for maintaining healthy eating habits in Calgary.

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Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Eating in Calgary, Canada

Calgary, a vibrant city in Alberta, Canada, is known for its diverse food scene, which caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and lifestyles. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Calgary offers plenty of options for healthy eating, from restaurants to grocery stores, and even farmers' markets. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate healthy eating in Calgary.

1. Dietary Options in Calgary

Calgary is a health-conscious city with a growing demand for diverse dietary options. Hereโ€™s an overview of whatโ€™s available:

Vegetarian and Vegan

  • Availability: Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Calgary, with many restaurants offering dedicated menus or plant-based dishes. Grocery stores also stock a variety of plant-based products, including meat substitutes, dairy-free alternatives, and vegan snacks.
  • Popular Ingredients: Lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, jackfruit, quinoa, and a variety of fresh vegetables are staples in vegetarian and vegan diets here.

Organic

  • Availability: Organic produce and products are easy to find in Calgary. Many grocery stores have dedicated organic sections, and farmers' markets are excellent sources for fresh, locally grown organic fruits, vegetables, and meats.
  • Certification: Look for the "Canada Organic" label to ensure the product meets national organic standards.

Gluten-Free

  • Availability: Gluten-free options are abundant in Calgary, with many restaurants and bakeries catering to gluten-intolerant or celiac customers. Grocery stores stock gluten-free bread, pasta, snacks, and baking supplies.
  • Specialty Stores: Some stores specialize in gluten-free products, making it easier to find safe and delicious options.

Keto, Paleo, and Low-Carb

  • Availability: These diets are gaining popularity in Calgary, and many restaurants and stores offer keto-friendly and paleo-approved meals and products. Look for items like almond flour, coconut oil, grass-fed meats, and low-carb snacks.

Cultural and Ethnic Diets

  • Calgaryโ€™s multicultural population means you can find healthy options inspired by global cuisines, including Mediterranean, Indian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern diets. Many ethnic grocery stores stock specialty ingredients for these diets.

2. Costs of Healthy Eating

Healthy eating in Calgary can range from affordable to premium, depending on your choices and where you shop or dine.

  • Grocery Costs:

    • Organic produce: $3โ€“$6 per pound (e.g., organic apples or carrots).
    • Plant-based milk: $4โ€“$6 per liter (e.g., almond, oat, or soy milk).
    • Gluten-free bread: $6โ€“$8 per loaf.
    • Grass-fed beef: $10โ€“$15 per pound.
    • Fresh vegetables (non-organic): $1โ€“$3 per pound.

  • Dining Out:

    • Vegetarian or vegan meal: $15โ€“$25 per dish at mid-range restaurants.
    • Organic or farm-to-table dining: $20โ€“$40 per dish.
    • Smoothies or cold-pressed juices: $7โ€“$12.

  • Farmers' Markets: Prices are often competitive, and you can find deals on fresh, local produce.

3. Notable Restaurants and Grocery Stores

Here are some of the best places in Calgary to find healthy food options:

Restaurants

  1. The Coup (924 17 Ave SW)

    • A vegetarian and vegan restaurant offering creative, plant-based dishes made with organic and local ingredients.
    • Must-try: Buddha Bowl, Vegan Poutine.

  2. Ten Foot Henry (1209 1 St SW)

    • A vegetable-forward restaurant that blends healthy eating with gourmet flavors.
    • Must-try: Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato Salad.

  3. Seed N Salt (Various Locations)

    • A fast-casual spot specializing in salads, grain bowls, and smoothies.
    • Must-try: Aรงaรญ Bowls, Avocado Toast.

  4. Hearts Choices (4127 6 St NE)

    • A vegan cafรฉ and market offering Thai-inspired dishes and plant-based comfort food.
    • Must-try: Vegan Pad Thai, Jackfruit Tacos.

  5. Pure Modern Asian Kitchen & Bar (1129 Kensington Rd NW)

    • Offers gluten-free and health-conscious Asian-inspired dishes.
    • Must-try: Gluten-Free Sushi Rolls, Miso Soup.

Grocery Stores

  1. Community Natural Foods (Various Locations)

    • A local favorite for organic, gluten-free, and vegan products.
    • Offers bulk bins for grains, nuts, and seeds.

  2. Blush Lane Organic Market (Various Locations)

    • Specializes in organic produce, grass-fed meats, and sustainable products.

  3. Amaranth Foods (Various Locations)

    • A health food store with a wide selection of organic, gluten-free, and vegan products.

  4. Safeway and Co-op (Various Locations)

    • Mainstream grocery stores with dedicated sections for organic, gluten-free, and plant-based products.

  5. Ethnic Grocery Stores:

    • T&T Supermarket: Great for Asian ingredients, including fresh produce and tofu.
    • Basha Foods International: Specializes in Middle Eastern and South Asian products.

Farmers' Markets

  1. Calgary Farmers' Market (510 77 Ave SE)

    • A year-round market offering fresh, local produce, organic meats, and artisanal products.

  2. Crossroads Market (1235 26 Ave SE)

    • A great spot for affordable, fresh produce and specialty health foods.

  3. Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market (1320 5 Ave NW)

    • Seasonal market with a focus on local and sustainable products.

4. Cultural Considerations

  • Local Preferences: Calgary residents value locally sourced and sustainable food. Many restaurants and stores highlight their partnerships with Alberta farmers and suppliers.
  • Seasonality: Due to Calgaryโ€™s cold winters, fresh local produce is more abundant in the summer and fall. In winter, imported produce is widely available but may be more expensive.
  • Dining Etiquette: Tipping is customary in Calgary, with 15โ€“20% being the standard for good service.

5. Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet in Calgary

  1. Plan Ahead: Use apps like Yelp or Google Maps to find healthy restaurants and grocery stores near you.
  2. Shop Local: Visit farmers' markets for fresh, affordable produce and support local farmers.
  3. Meal Prep: Cooking at home is often more cost-effective and allows you to control ingredients.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Calgaryโ€™s dry climate can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of water.
  5. Explore Ethnic Stores: These stores often have unique, healthy ingredients at lower prices.
  6. Join a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture programs allow you to receive fresh, local produce directly from farmers.
  7. Stay Active: Pair your healthy eating habits with outdoor activities like hiking or biking in Calgaryโ€™s parks and trails.

Conclusion

Calgary is an excellent city for maintaining a healthy diet, with its wide range of dietary options, health-conscious restaurants, and access to fresh, local ingredients. Whether youโ€™re dining out or cooking at home, youโ€™ll find plenty of ways to enjoy nutritious and delicious meals. By exploring the cityโ€™s grocery stores, farmers' markets, and restaurants, you can easily adapt to a healthy lifestyle in Calgary.