Dining out is commonly linked to poor food choices and overeating, but just because you choose to eat a meal out doesn’t mean it has to be a cheat meal. It’s no misconception that restaurant food is intended to look, smell, and taste fantastic, and in some cases that can mean nutritional benefits may be left behind. We’ve put together a list of 10 healthy dining choices in Birmingham to make sure you get all the nutrients you need to maintain your better lifestyle.
1. Real & Rosemary
Located in the heart of Homewood, Real & Rosemary is a chic restaurant featuring home-cooked food. Every dish uses simple, whole ingredients. This means their food does not have preservatives, food dyes or MSG. Real & Rosemary provides proteins, fruits, and vegetables in the form of a delicious, family-style meal.
2. LifeCafe
Located just down the road from our office on Cahaba Drive near Acton Road, LifeCafe is an especially convenient choice if you’re a member of Lifetime Fitness (it’s right inside!). LifeCafe’s mission is to make healthy eating quick and easy. Their menu is free of artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, bleached flour, and trans fats. Their menu features cage-free chicken breast, cage-free eggs, USDA-certified organic fruits, and organic milk and orange juice. They also make their nutritional facts readily available so you can plan your meal according to your diet.
3. Kale Me Crazy
Kale Me Crazy is a superfood cafe found in Homewood. The menu ranges from juices to smoothies to wraps to poke bowls and everything in between. When you’re on the go, this is a great place to pick up a quick meal. The ingredients used are all fresh, organic, and raw.
4. Organic Harvest Market & Cafe
Harvest Market is both a grocery store and cafe. The store features natural, organic and healthy grocery options such as organic produce, natural meats, clean groceries, vitamins, and supplements. The Organic Harvest Cafe features a hot bar as well as smoothies, salads, sandwiches, juices, and more healthy treats. There are options for every dietary need, whether you are gluten-free, paleo, vegan, or kosher.
5. Urban Cookhouse
With 4 convenient locations throughout Birmingham, Urban Cookhouse serves farm-to-fire-to-table meals. The menu is full of the freshest local ingredients. The options consist of wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
6. Farm Bowl + Juice Company
Farm Bowl + Juice Company can be found in Homewood and acts as a neighborhood wellness stop. Their mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle of clean eating through plant-based nutrition while using all in-season ingredients sourced from local farmers. Farm Bowl provides a variety of wellness shots, acai and oatmeal bowls, juices, and juice cleanses.
7. Woodlawn Cycle Cafe
Woodlawn Cycle Cafe is another great stop for healthy dining options. Located in Woodlawn, the cafe uses locally sourced produce to keep everything as fresh as possible. Almost everything on the menu is made in-house. The menu changes seasonally, and is mostly focused on breakfast and lunch items. They include traditional ingredients, but also have super healthy alternatives, so there’s something for everyone.
8. Joyful Food Co.
Joyful Food Co., located in Hoover, is Alabama’s only 100% paleo and gluten friendly food store. The team at Joyful Food Co. is dedicated to preparing tasty, grain-free treats and meals. They bake using almond and coconut flours, and sweeten with natural ingredients such as honey or pure maple syrup. Whether you are choosing to follow a healthy lifestyle or you’re limited by food allergies, Joyful Food Co. has plenty of options to pick from.
9. Zoes Kitchen
With 8 locations throughout the Birmingham area, its no secret that Zoes Kitchen is a fan favorite. Zoes Kitchen serves fresh Meditterrean food with wholesome ingredients and is the perfect stop for a quick, healthy meal. A wonderful benefit of Zoes Kitchen is their online nutritional information. You can pick out your meal ahead of time and know exactly what you’re how it will affect your daily caloric intake.
10. Ashley Mac’s
Ashley Mac’s goal is to provide quality home-style food to the Birmingham area. There four locations throughout Birmingham are Cahaba Heights, Homewood, Inverness, and Riverchase. While not everything on the menu is the healthiest option, there are plenty of nutrient-rich options. The menu consists of a variety of salads, sandwiches, and main plates.
So we’ve pointed you to some restaurant options that contain healthier menu items, but we must stress that it’s up to you to make sure you order a meal that meshes with your new healthy lifestyle. But it’s not a decision you need to make without help! Schedule your first consultation with our clinic today, and we’ll provide you with a plan that will enable you to order off any menu with confidence. Give us a call today!