5 Calcium-Rich Foods You Can Find at Ontario Winter Markets Right Now
Whether you are in Ottawa navigating the canal winds or commuting through Brampton, maintaining bone density is critical this season. While supplements help, your grocery list is your first line of defense. Here are 5 calcium-packed foods available right now at local markets across the province.
1. Ontario Greenhouse Bok Choy & Kale
We often equate calcium with dairy, but dark leafy greens are structural powerhouses for your skeleton. Thanks to high-tech greenhouses in Southern Ontario, fresh Bok Choy and Kale are available locally year-round.
Bone Tip: One cup of cooked bok choy contains nearly as much calcium as half a glass of milk, without the lactose. It’s perfect for winter soups.
2. White Navy Beans
A staple crop for many farms near Cambridge and Southwestern Ontario, white beans (navy beans) are incredible for bone density. They are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps your body structure calcium properly.
3. Raw Almonds
Perfect for snacking on the go. If you are in Mississauga or the GTA, look for raw, unsalted varieties at your local bulk store to keep your sodium intake low. High sodium can actually cause calcium loss, so sticking to raw almonds helps maximize absorption.
4. Sardines (Vitamin D Booster)
While not grown in Ontario, they are a staple in our grocery aisles. Sardines are one of the few foods naturally high in both Calcium and Vitamin D. According to Osteoporosis Canada, getting enough protein and Vitamin D is essential for preventing fractures as we age.
5. Fortified Plant-Based Milks
If you are shopping in Newmarket or Whitby, you’ve likely noticed the explosion of plant-based options. Ensure you choose Ontario-made oat or soy milks that are fortified. Look for the label “Calcium and Vitamin D Added” to ensure you aren’t missing out on nutrients found in cow’s milk.
Good Food Builds Bones, But Are Yours Strong Enough?
Eating the right foods is step one. But osteoporosis is often called the “Silent Thief” because you cannot feel your bones getting weaker until a fracture happens. This is especially risky during icy Ontario winters.
Introducing: “REMS on Road” – We Come to You
We understand that driving into downtown Toronto for a medical test isn’t always easy, especially from Collingwood or Barrie. That is why we launched our REMS on Road initiative.
We are bringing our mobile, radiation-free bone scan clinics directly to your community. Using portable REMS Ultrasound Technology, which is licensed by Health Canada, we can assess your bone fragility score in just minutes—no hospital waiting rooms required.
đź“Ť Now Serving These Ontario Communities:
Our mobile units are currently booking appointments in:
- Barrie (Simcoe County Region)
- Collingwood (Georgian Bay Area)
- Newmarket & Aurora
- Whitby (Durham Region)
- Brampton (Peel Region)
- Cambridge (Waterloo Region)
- Ottawa (National Capital Region)
- Mississauga (Peel Region)
No Doctor Referral Needed. Immediate Results.
Why Choose REMS Technology?
Unlike traditional DEXA scans which use X-rays, REMS uses ultrasound. This means it is 100% radiation-free, making it safe for everyone. It is the new gold standard for preventative bone health.
Don’t wait for a slip on the ice to think about your bone health. Contact our team today to find out when the REMS on Road team will be in Whitby, Ottawa, or your neighborhood next.