Toronto: The city of go-go-go. The place where everybody is in a hurry to get from point A to point B, where rush hour is a nightmare, and making time for life’s essentials (food, sleep, socializing) can be tough.

In a setting like this, making time for a tasty, nutritious meal your body is craving is nearly impossible. So what do we do on our lunch break? Generally, we do one of two things. Either we grab the romaine lettuce salad that is filled with water and holds no nutritional value, topped with a high-fat dressing that will end up making you hungry three minutes after you eat it. Or, we opt for the greasy stuff. The burger and fry combo that is cheap and conveniently waiting for you the minute you step foot into the restaurant. The problems there are the weight gain from consuming your recommended calorie intake in one sitting, stomach pains, and instant regret.

At least this is how things used to be…

On May 21st, 2013, Crave Healthy Habits opened its doors at 145 King Street West as part of the Toronto Path. Three young entrepreneurs decided to put a stop to the unhealthy food choices people were making by offering a restaurant option that is quick, healthy, and delicious. With the introduction of par-steaming, Crave found a way to prepare a meal in three minutes or less, sending their customers out the door quickly to face the rest of their jam-packed day with a full, happy belly.

The salads and hot boxes are made with fresh ingredients that are highly nutritional and are topped with dressings that are prepared in house, preservative-free. Customers have the choice of quinoa or brown rice as a base for their meal, and may add protein including oven roasted chicken or turkey, smoked salmon, or tofu.

Don’t be shy – Come by, say hi, and try our Californication, Summer Breeze or Chisaya Mama (we’ll help you with the pronunciation on that one!)

We promise you’ll come back again, craving more.

by Ashlee Lacasse