Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy

Ahh, January…time of back-to-work blues, disturbingly foggy holiday-party recollections, and of course, those pesky promises we insist on giving ourselves, year after year, under the official title of ‘resolutions’: this is the year I’ll munch on plenty of greens, get off the couch more, and finally squeeze into those favorite skinnies. Which means your wings-and-beer pub Fridays, or girls’ nights out over cocktails and crème brulees may be off-limits –not to mention that the guilt-tinged food hangover brought on by all that holiday over-indulgence is enough to make restaurant meals, with their penchant for butter, salt, sugar, and more butter, lose some of their appeal. Still, dining out is a luxury not many are willing to forgo, whether catching up with friends, a business lunch, or, let’s face it, just needing a break from cooking and having someone else do the dishes. Well, rejoice – you can have your (organic, vegan, sugar-free) cake, and even eat a slice, without derailing your goals. So grab your gym buddy for a post-workout bite: these five Bay Area eateries are dishing out yummy yet healthful eats that you can feel good about – yes, even the desserts!

Ananda Fuara (1298 Market Street, San Francisco)

With serene blue-and-white decor, waterfall fountain, and sari-clad waitresses, this place is pretty much as Zen as you can get outside of your Bikram yoga class. With a name that means “Fountain of Delight”, the San Francisco “Sri Chinmoy divine enterprise” lays the road to nirvana with comforting classics such as hummus, spicy red lentil dal, and their famous “Neatloaf” dinner, a grain-based “meatloaf” complete with mashed potatoes and gravy. Wrap up the spiritual journey with a cup of Prana herbal Tea and the best vegan chocolate cake in town.

LYFE Kitchen (167 N. Hamilton, Palo Alto)

Palo Alto is known for its urban, health-conscious vibe, and LYFE (Love Your Food Everyday) Kitchen is the spot of choice for a guilt-free snack on a downtown stroll.  Chefs Art Smith and Tal Ronnen create a menu filled with light yet flavourful offerings: an egg-white, avocado, and spinach breakfast frittata; Tal’s Ancient Grain bowl of farro and quinoa goodness; veggie sausage and mozzarella ravioli. Sip on a glass of Chia water with your meal, chock-full of Chia seeds, strawberries, ginger, mint, and lime.

Loving Hut (multiple locations)

The fastest-growing vegan chain in the world, this eco-minded eatery is the beginner’s intro to the world of accessible vegan cuisine. Menus vary based on location, with dishes ranging from raw celery root fettuccine and nutty 7 Seas Rice to spicy wok-fried yam ‘shrimp’ and a crisped-up seaweed ‘Feast ‘n’ Chips’ take on the classic pub favorite. A selection of vegan cakes and ice cream and pearl tea rounds off the planet-friendly menu.

Millennium (580 Geary St, San Francisco)

If your idea of a decadently classy night out hardly conjures up vegetarian, health- and eco-conscious cuisine, downtown San Francisco’s Millennium is the place to redefine all preconceptions. With each plate showcasing an artful interplay of the best local ingredients, it’s about as far from your local tofu-and-sprouts joint as you can get. Chef Eric Tucker’s constantly evolving seasonal menu spans a globe-trotting fusion of flavours: Black Bean Torte, Morrocan-inspired Bastilla, sweet soy and chile-glazed tempeh. Organic cocktails feature handcrafted infusions such as Huckleberry-Vanilla Bourbon, dressed up with fresh mint, lemon, and vanilla agave in the Doc Holiday; and for an indulgent finish, desserts like the Sage and Pear Brulee are enough to tempt any hot-blooded omnivore.

Whole Foods (multiple locations)

While not a restaurant in the typical sense of the word, your neighborhood Whole Foods market is nevertheless an excellent choice to score some tasty, healthy and hassle-free grub. With buffet and cafeteria-style options ranging from organic greens to pizzas and free-range meats, and plenty of vegan, gluten-free, and other special diet selections, picking up a nutritious lunch or dinner on the go is easy for carnivores and veggie-lovers alike.

Kate Missine is a domestic diva, shopping addict, and worshiper of all things delicious. When she’s not chasing  after her toddler son, Kate can be found stirring things up in the kitchen, scouring grocery aisles for strange ingredients, or indulging in much-needed retail therapy. She holds a B.A. in Communications and Publishing and accepts pastries and shoes as currency.