Some of Toronto's vegan spots

Apiecalypse Now! (Bloor/Christie)

It's very exciting for a vegan to have somewhere to grab pizza slices -- and it's pretty central too! There are about eight staples and a few other menu options, as well as changing sweets in the counter to enjoy afterwards. Some fun options include Pepperphony, BBQ Buffalobotomy, and The Pig Destroyer Destroyer. Enjoy a pizza picnic at Christie Pits across the street if the weather permits.

Bloomer's (Bloor/Ossington)

Another bustling spot on what is clearly becoming the vegan strip in Toronto, this cool eatery serves delicious coffee, salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, desserts and even bagels! Order at the counter and head out for a stroll along Bloor, or take a seat in what is arguably the closest thing to a vegan coffee shop in the city right now. You can hang out with friends or do some work on your laptop.

Bloomer's Cobb Salad

Bunner's (Keele/Dundas, Spadina/College)

We couldn't know for sure, of course, but this cute spot might bear some resemblance to heaven. It's small but open with a bakery-wide counter filled with goodies, like cinnamon buns with icing in regular or mini. Naturally, they feature cupcakes, cookies, pies, brownies, ice cream, and even some savoury items too. There's also a no-judgement vibe because, in heaven, there would be no such thing as calories.

Doomie's (Queen/Lansdowne)

Straight out of Los Angeles, the anti-vegan vegan establishment proudly displays the sign 'No Salads'. They serve warm, greasy food instead, like their signature Mac Daddy. (Hint: You can order their classic burger in the same style if you don't plan on sharing). There's also an extensive list of "crazy fries", decadent desserts, and alcoholic milkshakes, as well as free non-alcoholic drink refills. After visiting three times, I'd recommend sharing an entree so you still have room for dessert!

Doomie's Mac Daddy in classic burger size with crazy fries

Doug's Public Kitchen (Allen Road/Glencairn)

Owned and run by vegan chef, Doug McNish, this midtown spot is easily accessible and has free parking. It's not fancy, but the food is scrumptious 'clean eating'. They also try to be mindful of other dietary restrictions by offering gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and raw options (though there's a disclaimer for people with severe allergies that suggests they can't guarantee no cross-contamination).

Fresh (Spadina/Bloor, Spadina/Richmond, Queen/Crawford, Yonge/Eglinton)

Possibly one of the most successful mainstream local vegetarian places, Fresh has acquired many regulars since opening in 1999. Health-conscious patrons can go for bowls, salads, fresh juices and smoothies, but there are also awesome quinoa-breaded onion rings, burgers, wraps, and Sweets from the Earth desserts. Some locations have a great patio for nice weather, while the newest Yonge and Eglinton spot features a slightly more glam ambiance.

Fresh Powerhouse Bowl

Hogtown (Bloor/Dufferin)

This is a great option when you just want a casual vibe, comfort food, and you might be travelling with non-vegans. It's basically classic American dishes that happened to be veganized, like macaroni and cheese, the pulled pork sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, collard greens, taco salad, chili cheese fries, chicken fingers with barbecue sauce, and more. Then, you can choose between desserts like chocolate mousse and apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

Hogtown Philly Cheese Steak and Mac 'n Cheese

Kupfert and Kim (Spadina/Richmond, King/York, Bay/Wellington, Bay/Harbour)

The 'meatless and wheat-less' restaurant has expanded greatly over the last four years, with perfect placement amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown work traffic. Their super healthy breakfasts and fresh lunch or dinner bowls combine amazing ingredients with smoothies, coffees, other beverages and raw desserts rounding out the menu. Try the Oaxaca bowl with a PB & J energy ball.

Live (Dupont/Spadina)

Part raw, part cooked and more of a 'granola' vibe, the transit-friendly spot is more convenient than some others (especially for midtowners) given that it's located across from the subway. It's also perfect for health-conscious non-vegans and vegans alike. The chickpea patty burger and kale Caesar salad are fabulous, but some other great options include pizza, nachos, smoothies, and raw desserts. It also has an adorable and quaint backyard patio for summertime eating.

Live Breakfast Burrito

Rawlicious (8 locations, including Bloor/Bathurst opening soon)

This all-raw vegan joint is hip and happening with a natural vibe, and everything delicious and clean. It's the kind of food that seems overpriced, but is worth it when you consider the effort involved and the wholesomeness of eating things like bread made from sweet onions and wraps made of the greenest lettuce leaves. Everything is fresh, seasonal and cold except for their hot coffee options. They have raw desserts too, including an awesome salted caramel square.

Rawlicious Taco Wrap

Through Being Cool (Bloor/Lansdowne)

Best known for its wide selection of big donuts that change every day in their glorious case, including classics like sprinkled, chocolate glaze, Boston cream, cinnamon buns and fritters, TBC (as it's known for short) has also stepped up its meal game, with pizza rolls, sandwiches, Caesar salad, seitan, egg-less salad, pot pies, burgers, and more. Their relatively recent introduction of 'freezer cakes' is a game-changer: they're clearly inspired by the Deep 'N Delicious classics we grew up with.

Urban Herbivore (Yonge/Dundas, Spadina/College, Dovercourt/College)

Perhaps the closest thing to vegan 'fast food' place you can find locally at the moment. They offer a fresh and bountiful salad bar where you can pick five ingredients from the many options in front of you, sprinkled with seeds and coconut bacon and the dressing of your choice (lemon tahini is most popular for good reason). There are also sandwiches, soups, fresh juices and fantastic desserts, including muffin tops and some of the best vegan cupcakes (like Hostess).

'Urb Herb' Make Your Own Salad

Vegan Danish Bakery (Thornhill at Yonge/Centre)

The original all-vegan spot in the area makes everything delicious! You can cupcakes, cakes, muffins, butter tarts, cinnamon buns, cookies, truffles, and true Danish treats (including gluten-free and special order items, like mini cupcakes). They also make pizza rolls and empanadas, plus they sell Stokes nut cheese, some staple packaged items, and various books. Since expanding into an adorable coffee-shop style eatery with bistro tables, you can indulge in delicious sundaes and bagel options, too!

Vegan Danish Bakery Salted Caramel Pecan Cashew Sundae

Yamchops (College/Crawford)

Known ironically as a 'vegan butcher shop', this unique Toronto joint has glass cases full of prepared foods that you would expect from the term. Instead of meat, they sell items like beet burgers, no pork pulled pork, tuna-less tuna, kale Caesar salad and, of course, yamchops! The store also offers pre-orders for pick-up or delivery, as well as complete juice cleanses with a plethora of choices. And the chocolate almond pudding is better than any of the packaged crap you had as a kid.

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Busted arguments for eating meat

People come up with a million excuses to continue eating meat. I have heard so many justifications and, even worse, those who mock veganism or put it down for the reasons they have made up in their minds. Here are a few of the common stances...

"Meat is the best source of protein."

That would be wrong. Chickpeas, lentils, various other beans, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, seitan, textured vegetable protein, peas and other vegetables are all rich in protein with more than enough to satisfy your appetite and daily nutritional requirements. There are a growing number of substitutes from which to get ample protein, as well as other vitamins and minerals. Check out some of my staples.

"Humans are natural carnivores / omnivores."

Based on our flat teeth and long intestines, it is believed that our bodies are physiologically designed to eat plants. True carnivores have sharp teeth to bite into raw flesh and short intestines to properly digest meat.

 Perhaps we were once carnivores, as cave people, but we have naturally evolved over thousands of years. The same can be said for the image many people reinforce that we are highest up on the food chain. After all, it doesn't take much strength and toughness to drive to the grocery store.

"Vegan food is tasteless!"

Some vegan food can be bland, sure. But that goes for all food. You may find stuff you like and stuff you don't like, but that's part of the fun! People have a tendency to assume vegan food is going to be weird or bad and if they're not happy with the first taste, they'll be damned to try anything else. There are many different styles of food, from mock meats to rice and pasta dishes. Not everything is salad, salad, salad either.

"Not eating meat, dairy and eggs causes people to become malnourished."

Actually, there are many studies that point to meat and dairy actually causing health problems. People who cut out meat and dairy have often noticed clearer skin, shinier hair, subsided symptoms of IBS, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, arthritis, and more. Apparently, a raw vegan diet can even reverse grey hair!

"But meat is delicious!"

If humans actually ate animals without cooking up their meat and slathering it in barbecue sauce, seasonings and whatnot, it probably wouldn't taste good. It can also make humans sick when not cooked, so what does that tell you? Ecoli and salmonella are publicly addressed concerns about uncooked meat.

Similarly, there are so many commercials that advertise medications for issues like heartburn and lactose intolerance. Doesn't it make better sense not to consume the foods that cause them, rather than just cook away the bacteria or mask the symptoms of indigestion?

"Animals don't feel pain or have personalities anyway. They are bred for us to eat."

Have you accidentally stepped on your dog's tail or hung out with someone's cat? All animals (yes, fish too) feel pain and are unique individual beings, just as people are. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise.

People spread this lie to remove their rightful guilt when they watch movies like "Babe", "Bambi", "Dumbo" and "Charlotte's Web". Aside from the fact that they speak a language humans can understand, these are arguably more accurate depictions of animals, in all seriousness, than what slaughterhouses would like us to believe.

Animals communicate with each other and are sensitive, often maternal, creatures who don't want to suffer and die. If you are a "dog person" or a "cat person", you already understand this. So why would you think that cows, pigs, lambs, chickens, turkeys, ducks and fish are any different?

A day in the life of a vegan

Most people don't think about what it means to be vegan beyond the food we eat. While some may give up meat for health or dietary reasons, ethical vegans abolish all ingredients, materials, products and processes that come from or harm animals.

I usually start off the day with almond milk and coconut sugar in my instant coffee and some ancient grains toast. I like Live Clean shampoo and conditioner when I wash my hair, which are affordable and easy to find in stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart. The company's hand soap, skincare and baby products are also great.

Buck Naked Soap Company is owned by one of my former colleagues and I happen to love the different kinds of over-sized bars like Drunken Soap, Warm Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter. Nowadays, I use products like Desert Essence facial cleanser and Kiss My Face for toner, as well as Jason Powersmile for toothpaste. Everything is easy to find in Loblaw's organic aisles, health food stores, or online.

Vegan products are actually very accessible if you make the effort, and they are increasingly easier to find. I use Meow Meow Tweet deodorant cream (a bit pricey but works great) and make-up from 100% Pure and Pure Ananda. I like moisturizer from Arbonne for my face during the day and coconut oil at night, plus hand cream from Yes to Carrots or Arbonne. Some additional products include Lacc nail polish (at Shoppers), Almost Natural nail polish remover, and Rescue Cream instead of products like Polysporin.

Most of my clothes are made of cotton, polyester, rayon, linen or acrylic. My shoes are fabric or polyurethane with rubber soles and "man-made" insoles. I don't wear leather, suede, wool, cashmere or angora, and I have stopped buying anything new that contains silk. I even stick to vegan perfume now, which is either Stella McCartney most of the time, or Pacifica scents that are nice and light.

When I'm at home, I sit on mostly fabric or wood furniture (no leather) with cushions and pillows made of polyfill (not down feathers). My dishes are earthenware, not bone china. I do laundry with products from Eco Max and Echo Clean, and clean the bathroom and kitchen with Method and Mrs. Meyers.

At the grocery store, I stick to as much organic produce as possible. Some of my staples are avocados, leafy greens, mushrooms, bell peppers, bananas, clementine oranges, and frozen raspberries. My regular purchases also include Silverhills ancient grains bread and buns, Silk almond milk, Gardein meat substitutes, Bob's Red Mill nutritional yeast, Earth Balance butter, Yves canned chickpeas and black beans, and Earth Island vegan mayo.

For additional foods, I like Sabra hummus, Sunflower Kitchen soups, Neal Brothers tortilla chips and salsa, Casbah quinoa and freekeh, Rizopia brown rice pasta, PC Organic brown rice, and Eden Organic lentils. My latest favourite item is Bee Free Honee.

Check out your local stores and websites like V Word Market and Well.ca to find these and other great vegan-friendly products.