It's somewhat ironic that I wandered into this health food store while I was heading towards the…read morevery unhealthy bakery next door. I like organic food stores, I like them because they have the potential to make you change your habits or the way you might look at the food you eat. I like them because they offer a range of choices and some really interesting produce. Naturally Aware is good, but not great. It has a decent range of oils, flours, pills and skin care. The store is small so be prepared for a struggle if its busy, but you'll be surprised how much the owner has managed to pack into the shelves and along the walls. I guess what I thought was missing was the excitement that I love when I go into a really great organic health food store. Because there was so much packed into the shop, it isn't presented in a very attractive or inspirational way. I like stores that have baskets filled with oats and muesli or a special corner devoted to tea. In this situation I feel like less is more. The store may have a more lasting impact if there was less to take in. That being said, you'll find things here that you would have trouble locating outside the CBD. For the already converted, it does have a really great range.

This is, once a month farmers market. It takes place in the reserve on Auburn road, access is easy…read morefrom the freeway, Toorak rd as well as the walking ./ bilk path along the freeway going along the back (you can even pay entry from that side). The variety of stalls present at this market is always good. There is usually a nice selection of vegetable stall holders, always a few good options for breads as well as hot foods. I love the buffalo Sausages and the fresh cheese! If you like fresh from the farm foods and friendly faces when your shopping then this farmers market is a great one to drop around for, happening Third Saturday of every month.

This market runs every 3rd (and 5th) Saturday. There is a good range of produce stalls and a lot of…read moreorganics, but if they don't say it's organic, it probably isn't. You can have organic produce without being certified though, so best to talk directly to the individual stallholders. Plenty of parking on site, but watch out for the Toorak tractor set, who think road rules and courtesy don't apply to them.

Opening in December The Source has buckets of almost every nut, dried fruit, seed, spice, cereal,…read moreoil, superfood and nibbly thing you can imagine. It's a very simple concept: decide on what to scoop, grab a paper bag and write the corresponding number on your paper bag If you like to mix up your own muesli you will have a blast here, you could create some pretty incredible combinations that would almost certainly guarantee you a super power. One my brief visit I noticed lots of the trendy foods - coconut sugar, cocoa nibs, mesquite powder, hemp and many more to pimp your green smoothie or raw foodie creation. There's plenty of cooking ingredients too -- flours, grains, pulses and pastas. Up the back there's oils including olive, macadamia, cold pressed sesame (I'll be all over this next time) and raw coconut oil. And pay a visit to the corner of chocolate goodness, they have carob and couverture to name a few, and there's plenty of fruit covered options so it's healthy right? I could go on all day, save me the bother and check it out! Oh and grab an energy ball for the road. You've earned it.

My new addiction - dried mango. YUM. The various protein balls are also delish and are rather…read morefilling without all the guilt of other snacks. Prices can add up pretty quick here but the quality is always excellent and the choice is amazing - nuts, fruit, flours, oats and everything in between. Mix and match your own combinations to create some kind of super food that will give you everlasting energy. Or just get that dried mango for a slightly sweeter hit. Staff are friendly and helpful to boot as well!

It's only a small store, but the Canterbury Fruit Emporium is stocked with beautiful seasonal…read morefruit, juices and youghurts. Last week I passed by and overheard a conversation that the owner was having with his wife. He seemed to be upset with the fact he had to charge so much for bananas, not because he thought nobody would buy them - but because he seemed to be disappointed that he had to charge such a price. The owners of the Canterbury Fruit Emporium take pride in their produce. This is evident from the presentation of their fruit and veggies, to the friendly service that they offer you each time. The Canterbury Fruit Emporium not only provides locals with beautiful seasonal fruit (hello Zucchini flowers!), but some of the other businesses too. I remember Matt, the owner of successful café Cornelius telling me that he bought all his fruit and vegetables from across the road. Leave it to the professionals, if Matt is making beautiful food with that produce, then its good enough for me.

Dineamic prouds itself on "making you feel better through better nutrition & great tasting meals…read moreyou can trust are truly good for you". Their chefs and nutritionists are either former footy players or athletes, are qualified in food science and nutrition; and this transpires in their products. They sell a broad range of frozen meals which make for a very easy and quick healthy dinner as you only have to pop it in the microwave and it's ready to go. You can choose between trays and pouches with a wide variety of core ingredients such as Salmon, Chicken, Beef and Pork fillet. They also have fresh salads which are really good for lunches. It's not the cheapest option out there but it will certainly suit those looking for a healthy and nutritious and yet tasty meal.

I came across this place when looking for an easy way to organise healthy meals on those busy days…read moreduring the week. They have a great variety of meals that are easy to whip up at home in a matter of minutes in a microwave or on the stove...but don't be tricked into thinking these are just another microwaved meal - Dineamic has some outstanding dishes and the Meal Plans they offer mean you can got a range of meals at a very reasonable price! And all their meals are amazingly TASTY!! If you're interested in healthy prepared meals that can sit in the freezer until needed give Dineamic a go, you can't go wrong!

Great selection of fresh fruit and veg, meat, baked goods and other produce. Many stalls are…read moreorganic and/or free range, which isn't always the case at many farmers markets. Plenty of parking, dog friendly, entry $2 for adults.

Best organic fruit and vegetables in the area. They also stock a great but small selection of other…read moreorganic groceries. Will definitely become a regular.

From the owner: Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Certified Organic Fresh Produce,…read morePantry Items, Milk, Cheese & Dips