Meet Joy McCarthy! She is a well-respected Holistic Nutritionist, RNCP CNP based in Toronto. She is also the owner of Joyous Health, speaks at various corporate events on the subject of Wellness and is the Nutrition Expert for the Global TV Morning Show. And as if that were not enough, she is also the author of the popular “Joyous Health” book. Clients search her out from around the globe for her expertise. We had the chance to find out her thoughts about farmers markets. Read on and find out what makes her such a delight to deal with.
Blog interview with Joy:
1. How did you get introduced to your first farmers market experience?
My first farmers market experience was only about 10 years ago. However as a kid, my family would visit farmers and pick our own fruit like apples and strawberries but back in the 80’s it wasn’t as trendy or popular to visit a farmers market. When there is a lot of produce in season I visit my favourite markets every weekend. I love the whole experience from meeting farmers to choosing the freshest produce and mingling with other like-minded farmers market lovers! The vibe at the markets is all around joyous!
2. What is the most interesting or oddest or funniest farmers market story you have experienced to date?
The first time I discovered donuts being deep fried in coconut oil was at a farmers market. As a bit of background, coconut oil is a safe oil to heat to a higher temperature so the thought of a “healthier” donut was very exciting to me! The large majority of donuts are fried in vegetable oil is very UN-heart health friendly. So if you are going to eat a donut, make sure you enjoy every indulgent morsel mindfully. And no, I do not recommend you eat these regularly! 🙂
3. From a health and personal perspective, what do you think and want visitors to walk away from after visiting their local farmers market?
Shopping at a farmers market is one of the best ways to get super fresh, local and more often then not, organic food. When food hasn’t traveling thousands of miles to get to the market (like most grocery stores) it is more nutrient-dense and far tastier too.
4. If you could visit any market in the world, which one would it be and why?
There isn’t one market in particular I would love to visit because every city has a unique market. I would love to see them all! However, one of the most memorable markets I’ve ever visited was in Paris — the Raspail Market. Dozens of stalls lined the streets with everything from fresh veggies and fruits to cheese, crafts and take-away prepared foods. It was the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had at a market. The market seemed to go on for miles with more variety than I’ve ever seen at a market. It was lovely to shop with the Parisians too.
5. If you could take anyone with you to the market–who would it be?
I love shopping with friends and family – those are my favourite people to spend a few hours wandering around at a market. Time is precious these days so I love spending it with those I love and what better way than shopping for a week’s worth of fruits and veggies, fish and cheese (my hubs LOVES cheese) than at a market.
Off To The Market 