By Taylor Stinson
When you’re on the go, it can be hard to pack a lunch. However, Ryerson’s downtown campus provides a variety of healthy, fast lunch options to grab in between classes. Say goodbye to your usual coma-inducing burger and fries for lunch with our list of five healthy fast food places within a 10-minute walk of campus.
No Artificial Fillers
Chipotle is a well-known healthy option located right outside of campus on Yonge Street. Known for sourcing from farms as opposed to factories, they have a “real ingredients” policy that bans artificial flavourings or fillers from their food and uses pasture-raised animals. Chipotle was also the first national chain to ban GMOs in their food, so you can rest easy while devouring that burrito.
Best Variety
Freshii has tons of options and they’re all super healthy. Their vast menu is extremely customizable and offers salads, soups, wraps, smoothies, rice and noodle bowls — the list goes on and on. Watch out for calorie counts, since the portions are massive. Eat some for lunch, and save the rest for later. And maybe skip out on the sauce. With locations at Yonge and College streets and the south end of the Toronto Eaton Centre, there’s a Freshii nearby, regardless of which end of campus you’re on.
Quick Sit Down
Marché is a series of different food stations located 10 minutes from campus and totally worth the trek. This popular European chain’s only locations in North America are in downtown Toronto. Marché is a hybrid of buffet and food court. Upon entering you receive a card that you load the cost of food onto and then sit down for a freshly prepared meal (think fully-loaded salads, pastas, pizzas, stir-fries and more). Keep in mind this place can get busy during the lunch rush as it services many of the buildings in the financial district, so give yourself a little extra time. Don’t worry though, the meal is definitely worth it.
On Campus
Extreme Pita is located in the Hub Cafe and is known for having an array of healthy toppings for their pitas. With loads of fresh vegetables, lean proteins like chicken and steak and the option for a whole wheat pita or salad, you just can’t go wrong here — especially considering the fact that it’s right on campus.
Best Vegetarian Option
Urban Herbivore is a chain restaurant exclusive to Toronto with three locations in the downtown area. The one closest to Ryerson is located in the Eaton Centre’s food court. This vegan café serves cold-pressed juice, nutritious stews, salads and sandwiches. Even if tofu isn’t your thing, remember that a plant-based, nutrient-rich lunch may just be the ticket to great energy levels and, as a result, academic success.
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