For anyone eating keto, paleo, vegan, kosher, dairy-free, sugar-free, those looking to eat healthier or those with dietary ailments — this is your spot.
Low Carb #1 STOP, located at 6036 Rama Rd, Rama, ON, opened last Nov. 18 after owner Janet Paquin Watson drove over an hour to get to Newmarket to buy keto-friendly food.
“I decided it was time to have one here, and with the help of my daughter, we did just that,” Paquin Watson said.
At Low Carb #1 STOP, you’ve got choices
Although the name of her store suggests that it’s all low-carb, and that was her initial plan, she listened to the community's needs and expanded her selection, so there’s something for everyone.
“We want to be known as a healthy hub for healthy choices. We don't want just to be classed as keto. We opened it up because of keto, but along the journey, We found that as we talked to people before the store opened, who were like, ‘Hey, are you going to have this in your store and have that in your store?’ So as we went along, We went, well, you know what? Let's just go healthy all the way. So that's what we did.”
Paquin Watson said her store has only been open for three months, and it’s constantly growing.
“We want to get as many choices for people as possible,” Paquin Watson said. “We love to see the excitement when people come in the door and see how much product we have. Finally, they found something that they're going to be able to eat.”
It was a struggle when she first started eating a keto diet because much of what she loved to eat was no longer an option. Having a local shop stocked with the diet alternatives she loves is incredible for her, and she hopes other locals will feel the same.
“When I walked into the one in Newmarket, I was like a kid in the candy store.”
She’s on a mission to create that experience right in Rama. Paquin Watson will research diet-friendly sweet and crunchy snacks, read reviews, and stock shelves with the items her customers and their families crave most.
“We will have customers come in asking for sugar-free snacks for their kids or chip alternatives.”
“We're hoping that when they come here if there's something that they are looking for, we either have it in my store or will be able to get it for them before their next visit.”
They offer frozen, ready-made keto-friendly meals, soups and desserts, proving that nothing is off-limits. You can even eat low-carb muffins and cheesecake.
Changing your diet is more delicious than you think
If you want to make a diet change, Paquin Watson is available to help talk you through food options.
Paquin Watson said her nutrient-rich replacement foods are more filling, causing you to eat less and feeling full but not bloated.
Customers should watch out for monthly sales, including food for all dietary needs.
Paquin Watson has seen the impact a healthy lifestyle can have. She’s had customers who follow a keto diet and have lost between 28 and 100-plus pounds.
“I find that when you eat this kind of food, you feel better all the way around. You feel more motivated. You feel healthier.”
They eventually want to expand, offering fresh fruits and vegetables — but for now, her focus is offering food that you can not find in the big box stores that meet the special dietary needs of her customers.
Stop by Low Carb #1 STOP, located at 6036 Rama Rd, Rama, ON, today and follow the store on Facebook for updates, new products and specials.