Cool friends doing cool things

Name: Sandra Chabot
Occupation: Studying Holistric Nutrition at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition
Website: www.freetobloom.ca

I met Sandra a few years ago through a mutual friend. Throughout my time of living in LA, Sandra has undergone a lot of changes and has shifted her life in an beautiful direction. She is completely focused on her health and well being and loves to share her knowledge with others on her amazing blog- Free to Bloom. She is currently studying Holistric Nutrition at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition and once I am back in Toronto we are going to swap Yoga and Nutrition Lessons with each other! Cannot wait! It seems like "being healthy" is quite trendy right now and there is an overwhelming amount of products and information out there at the moment so I chatted with Sandra about some of her must haves, the reason for her shift

If you had to pick one food item that you could not live without, what would it be?
Clearly a really tough question, but I would say lemons. I use them every single day. They're just so cleansing and help get things moving. When life gives you lemons, you know it'll be a good day!

What's your favourite morning smoothie?
Green and packed with nutrients. Mine usually consist of either spinach or kale, zucchini, lemon, parsley, an apple or pear for sweetness, protein powder, and a very long list of additional goodies that provide me with mind-body energy for the day.

Describe a typical Monday for you.
I start every morning by tongue scraping and drinking a big glass of lukewarm lemon-cayenne water. Mondays I have school, so I head to class for the day making sure to smile at strangers on the way. In the evening, I take it easy and get myself organized for the week ahead - I’m all about R&R. Then dinner. I’m very lucky to have a wonderful man who cooks gourmet meals. Afterwards, I’ll indulge in a hot epsom salt bath with some aromatherapy. Of course, this is complementary to all the studying and FTB work I have to do.

Favourite place in Toronto to shop for healthy groceries and products?
The St. Lawrence Market is truly a gem. I get all of my local and organic produce there on Saturday mornings. Believe it or not, it’s actually cheaper to shop for two than it ever was shopping for just myself at conventional supermarkets. For all of my extra goodies I stick to Essence of Life Organics in Kensington Market or Vibrant Lifestyle in Liberty Village. Community is important. 

What made you change your lifestyle?
Energy. I needed more of it and I wanted to eliminate the bad energy. My first big shift was going vegetarian, which now after three years solid I’m slowly going off of it. Our needs change and we have to be aware of this to maintain optimal health.

5 products you think every person living in a city should not be without.

#1. A BKR glass water bottle (they are so darn pretty and sleek!)



#2.  Buffered Vitamin C for stress and immune support. 

#3. A good pair of running shoes preferably with neon on them

#4. A salt inhaler- Amazing for respiratory issues. I use it in the mornings and before bed to feel a little more zen

#5. A shower filter- both your skin and insides will thank you!

Tweet