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10 Healthy Restaurant Choices To Make in The New Year

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be terrible. Believe it or not, chefs around Atlanta are equally as capable in creating low calorie, savory items as they are with concocting our favorite fatty comfort foods and there’s tons of great restaurants with healthy options. Use this guide as a starting point to our favorite “healthy pleasures” around the city where you can substitute the cheesy and greasy for the fresh and filling. Restaurants listed below in alphabetical order.

The Kale Salad with Salmon at Flower Child

1. Flower Child

Multiple Locations

 Flower Child is here to satisfy both your stomach and your soul with clean food and good vibes. As a hybrid between fast casual and full service, you can take in the groovy 60’s hippie vibes at whatever speed you’d like. By adding new flavor profiles, pulling from different cuisines, and using fresh and locally sourced produce, Flower Child makes healthy eating exciting. Plus, there’s no need to worry about dietary restrictions – there are vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, Whole 30, sugar-free and dairy-free options galore! From salads to grain bowls to toasts, Flower Child has something for everyone.

Photo by Emily Schultz
Photo by Emily Schultz

2. Gusto 

For a grain bowl that’s as nutritious as it is addicting, Gusto is the move. Their tzatziki lemon artichoke and chipotle mango avocado bowls are Atlanta Eats favorites, and you can go for half grains and half salad if you’re trying to limit your carb intake. Something that’s a little less healthy but worth the calorie splurge is sweet potato chips that come piping hot with every order. They’re salty, sweet, and delicious! 

 

3. Kale Me Crazy

When Roi Shlomo decided to change his eating habits in 2012, he wanted to focus his diet on high quality food without processed ingredients.  That desire has turned into Kale Me Crazy, a superfood cafe that supports a healthy lifestyle.  With freshly made juices, incredible wraps and bowls, and a catering spread that breaks convention, Kale Me Crazy is bringing a healthy lifestyle to folks around metro Atlanta and the rest of the country.

4. Local Green Atlanta

Local Green Atlanta is serving food that’s as healthy as it is delicious. And for owner Zak Wallace, it’s part of a mission to bring food that’s both nutrient-rich and affordable to food deserts in Atlanta. You can enjoy their mostly plant-based menu in Vine City at 19 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW.

 

5. Recess

Recess is an Atlanta grown bowl centric spot with incredible food that will happen to make you feel good, too. That’s because Recess is focused on fresh, veggie forward ingredients and healthy dishes made with serious flavor. Produce is delivered daily and food is prepped every morning – plus service is always given with a smile. Find out why Recess has quickly become one of Buckhead’s favorite restaurants.

A grain bowl at Saladworks
Saladworks – Grain Bowl

6. Saladworks

“The freshest ingredients” always sounds good but this is a goodness you can taste! Saladworks brings you your old friends like a chicken caesar and lets you make new ones, like their Bacon and Bleu salad (Bacon, Bleu cheese, roasted broccoli, onions and potatoes, tomatoes and avocados!). Not to mention the build your own option and their delicious soups, toast and grain bowls, there’s a healthy fix for any time of day!

 

Souper Jenny 600x400

7. Souper Jenny 

Souper Jenny is always delicious and fresh and their “My Dad’s Turkey Chili” is comfort in a bowl and lighter in calories than traditional chilis. Also delicious and lighter in calories is there lemon chicken artichoke soup + spinach salad. Locations in Buckhead, Roswell, Brookhaven, and Midtown. 

Tassili's Raw Reality Cafe - Punany Wrap
Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe – Punany Wrap

8. Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe

We never thought we’d get excited about a veggie wrap until Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe set up shop in the West End. Just be mindful not to load up on too many sauces and maybe skip the creamy corn, and you’re golden. 

Upbeet Labne Long Time
Upbeet Labne Long Time

9. Upbeet

Upbeet has it all. Super fresh and organic ingredients, awesome flavor combos, and a bright and clean interior that makes you feel healthier just by sitting in there. Something not to overlook: the peanut butter bliss acai bowl is filling and a great dose of Vitamin C. 

Photo by Yalla
Yalla – Falafel Bowl | Photo: Courtesy of Yalla

10. Yalla 

If you didn’t think Mediterranean food was your thing, just wait until you try Yalla. We’re crazy about Yalla’s falafel bowl with hummus, labne, Israeli salad & pickles, zhug, tahini and herbs. Find them in Krog Street Market. 

Looking for more healthy food content? Check out our vegetarian, Whole 30, intermittent fasting, gluten-free, and guest blog post on general healthy eating tips from personal trainer Jamie Bodner! 

 
 
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