Healthy Eats in the Rose City

So here we are, almost one month into 2015. How are those resolutions going? Sticking with them?

While I never set a true resolution of a diet, like nearly every other person in the world, I certainly was hoping January would be a time for healthier eating. Especially after my 9+ weeks on sabbatical, where I spent most of my time eating and drinking too much, I’m trying to get “back on the wagon!”

But let me tell you, it’s really hard in this city. There are just so many good restaurants. How can you say no to friends wanting to catch up while enjoying brunch at Beast? Or fro yo at Eb & Bean? Or trying a new restaurant like The American Local? Too many good things to eat here!

However I have a quasi-solution! Suggesting a restaurant with a fun ambiance and delicious, healthy options. Here are a few of my favorite places which all fit the bill.

Note: I am no dietitian nor have I actually done any nutritional studies on these items, but I can promise you they are made with lots of fresh vegetables, local ingredients, and will leave you feeling satisfied without feeling bloated or heavy.

Garden Bar – I admit I wasn’t sure what to think about this make-your-own salad shop but I absolutely love it. You get to select 6 of your favorite ingredients from a wide variety of options of greens, produce add-ins, protein and cheeses. My most recent favorite concoction was arugula, spinach, pickled onion, red grapes, toasted hazelnuts, roasted chicken, all tossed with the Bourbon Maple Sherry vinaigrette. If you aren’t feeling creative or need some inspiration, they also have suggested salads like the Bliss Detox made with kale, carrots, beets, radish, apple, pickled onion, pepitas, avocado, chia seed and a pink peppercorn cider vinaigrette.

Addy’s Sandwich Bar – If you work downtown or like to hang out in the area on the weekends, make sure you hit up this cute sandwich shop. Their Power Salad is the perfect choice for a healthy lunch that will also leave you full until dinnertime. You can pick your choice of seasonal side salad like kale with a lemon vinaigrette, and a choice of chickpea spread, chicken salad or tuna, then it all gets topped with a hard-boiled egg, avocado and sunflower seeds.

Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery – If you’re looking for a nice dinner or happy hour spot, Cyril’s is the place to go. Ok, you might get tempted to pick up one of their fabulous cheese plates and some wine, but you won’t regret ordering one of their seasonal salads. I particularly love the Farro Salad made with roasted squash, onion, raisins, feta, pepitas, arugula and a red wine vinaigrette.

Tabor Bread – I really love this place. If it was closer to my place, I would probably be there all the time. Their Green Salad is a large bowl of mixed greens, feta, fennel, toasted seeds, pickled red onion and an herbed vinaigrette. It is served with a slice of their phenomenal housemade whole-grain bread.

Breken Kitchen – Despite this place being open since 2010 just up the road from me, I didn’t know about it until just before our trip. It is a funky, airy, modern space, with large tables, comfy couches and a large patio for when it gets a little warmer. Their Paleo Bowl is delicious – roasted chicken, green beans, roasted shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower and a flavorful chimichurri sauce.