Raw Food In San Francisco

San Francisco is a raw food mecca?literally. There are numerous sources of fresh, organic produce in San Francisco, and plenty of vegan and raw food restaurants. San Francisco is a very health-conscious and ?green? city.

The Best Places to Buy Raw Food in San Francisco

One of the best places to buy raw food is Rainbow Grocery, which sells 100% organic vegetarian food. Absolutely no meat is sold here. Rainbow Grocery is an independently owned cooperative located in the Mission district on Folsom Street. Other places to buy raw food include: Whole Foods Market (2 locations in the city), Harvest Urban Market, Buffalo Whole Foods, The Real Food Company, Valencia Whole Foods and Other Avenues Community Food Store.

How to Buy Raw Food–Fresh From Your Local Farmers

You can also buy raw food from local farmers through a program called a CSA. CSA stands for ?Community Supported Agriculture.? When you join a CSA, you will receive a box of fresh produce each week from local farmers. Local CSA?s in the San Francisco/Berkley area include: Eatwell Farm, Mariquita Farm, Farm Fresh To You, and Riverdog Farm. To find a CSA near you, visit Local Harvest?s website.

Another great source of fresh produce is local farmers? markets. Buying direct from farmers is cheaper than buying produce from a grocery store (usually). Plus, you can buy in bulk. Even better, S.F. farmers? markets offer organically grown food?along with the standard, conventionally raised produce. Finding organically grown produce at farmers? markets is not common in many East Coast cities. So, San Francisco is especially lucky in this regard.

San Francisco Raw Food Restaurants

Over the last 5 years, more raw food restaurants have opened their doors, as consumers seek healthier alternatives to the destructive American diet of processed foods and excess fat. Raw food restaurants are a great way to eat healthy when traveling. The San Francisco/Berkley area has five raw food restaurants, plus several juice bars. Be sure to grab The Raw Food Restaurant Guide for more information (see below).

Raw Food Support Groups in San Francisco

The best way to succeed on a raw food diet is to have people who encourage and support you. San Francisco is lucky to have many raw food support groups and potlucks. According to Living Nutrition?s website, there are six raw food potlucks in the Bay area, including one in Marin. You may also consider forming a Raw Food Meetup group. According to Meetup?s website, 85 people in San Francisco want to form a raw food Meetup group.

Whatever you do, try to incorporate more raw foods into your diet. Your body will thank you!

Author: Emily Rutherford
Article Source: EzineArticles.com