Healthy finds: Real Food Alabang

Since I’ve started my ketogenic lifestyle six months ago, I have been obsessed with doing the groceries and finding new places to buy healthy ingredients. The choices are pretty slim, but the good news is that more and more health-food stores are popping up all over Metro Manila. And one of them is REAL FOOD, which is located in Molito, Ayala Alabang. This store was introduced to me by my good friend, Patty Laurel-Filart as we were (get this) doing our groceries. I complained how expensive it is to eat clean and healthy, and how limited we are with our choices. I think at one point I was ready to share my dream of buying land and turning it to a farm when she suggested that I check out Real Food. We were already in Alabang so she brought me there.

And guess what, I absolutely loved it! The store carries wholesome local brands that are healthy and organic, and the prices are really competitive. I mean, I totally get that you need to pay a little more to get quality ingredients, but sometimes it can be a little too pricey. I think it is great that we have another place to go to, and they’re all locally sourced (so good for our environment). Real Food has an impressive selection of produce, ingredients, dairy and meats, nuts, coffee and many more. I think we spent a good hour just discovering these local honest-to-goodness brands, and walked out with a big bag of groceries.

I remember how I kept telling Patty, “finally, a place to find these amazing local healthy brands!” Their products include: organic chickens; free range chicken fillets; organic bananas; mixed root chips, granola and organic popcorn; fresh burata, Bufalino, Marrone Di Veneto cheeses; creamy yogurt; Lola Naty’s Aceite de Coco Virgen, Salsa de Soja, Salsa de Pescado, Vinagre Savia de Coco; organic brown, black, white, and red rice; organic tomatoes and kale; mushroom patties and chickpea nuggets. The best part: it is right in Alabang–so convenient.

I loved that I was able to buy my MCT oil (super good for the brain and for jumpstarting ketosis), natural sea salt, liquid aminos (replace your soy sauce with this, it’s a healthier alternative), local cashew nuts and mixed root chips for Tristan. Oh, and I also got local coffee beans for Carlos (he was so happy)! The store is a must-see for keto-lovers, vegetarians, and for anyone who wants to eat clean.