Food is something that is important to our well being as a necessity of life but is often not paid attention to. I was born and raised in the city of Toronto and grew up thinking I knew everything about food and where it came from. Little did I know that people around me and myself barely scraped the tip of the iceberg.
Growing up as a kid I had to be cautious around food due to my sensitivities and allergies. It didn’t help that my mom would make sure I didn’t eat foods I haven’t eaten before which can be a potential allergen. As I hit my teenage years I started to explore other foods with the support of my sister who motivated me to try new foods and to not limit myself. With the benefits of exploring new foods there was consequences that came with it and it ended up in me lying in a stretcher while paramedics hoisted me up into their ambulance van.
During my senior years in high school I experienced a wake up call at the dentists office where I received 6 fillings in my top front row. This is where I chose to cut out most of the foods I was eating like chocolate, candy, chips and soda.
Over a period of two and a half years, I’ve made a huge transformation in the foods I eat to assist my healthy lifestyle. All I wanted 2 years ago was to feel better about myself, improve my asthma and find alternatives to my allergies so I didn’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. With these goals, I’ve come a long way with doing my own research and purchasing whole foods and snacks without preservatives and additives. The only problem I have now is the fact that I am limited on finding healthy food that is safe for me and is sustainable.
Also the opportunity last year to work with Green Thumbs and Youth Voices helped me be more aware of food security issues in St. James Town and fresh local food at farmers markets. Now I enjoy walking into health food stores and organic markets because I feel like I am not only doing a favor for my body with high quality food but I’m also doing a favor for the environment. Another thing people don’t realize is that by investing in high quality food now, we can limit the medical expenses in the future.
In the present, I have made a huge impact on what my parents purchase and bring home. With my knowledge I have been able to educate them about certain nutrient dense foods and proper food preparation. Now I find my mom buying organic carrots and organic spinach and cooking with nothing but extra virgin coconut oil. Even though my parents don’t agree with everything I tell them I’m glad they support me in my future endeavors. With all this previous experience, I’m excited to attend Ryerson University for Nutrition and Food in the fall to really learn in depth. I’ve always had a stomach for good food and a thirst for knowledge.
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