The new year is always a good time to reassess and work on yourself both mentally and physically. This may include working out more or eating healthier. To help you with your goals, we’ve compiled a list of some good spots around town that are known for tasty but nutritious dishes. Here’s to a successful and nourishing 2021!
Farm & Craft focuses on healthy and sustainable food in a community-style atmosphere. A seasonal “Wellness-Menu” features four paths to optimal health including an anti-inflammatory diet, increasing probiotic levels, maintaining high levels of antioxidants and reducing overall stress. There’s also many gluten-free, organic and hormone-free ingredients used. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items. In the morning, try the Protein Toast or Steel Cut Oats. Good options for later in the day are the Vegan Banh Mi, Kale Caesar and the Build Your Own Bowl — choose your own protein and two sides like Cauliflower Mash and Roasted Broccoli. Round out the meal with a juice or smoothie. Farm & Craft is located at 4302 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.568.8980; www.ilovefarmandcraft.com
Flower Child is all about flavorful, made from scratch bites, and it caters to all your eating needs, from vegetarian to vegan, paleo, sugar-free and gluten-free, dairy-free or just plain hungry. Start out with a Chopped Vegetable salad or Avocado Hummus. There are set entrées like the “Forbidden” Rice bowl and also make your own plates. Pick a protein like salmon or tofu and add sides like Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese and Indian Spiced Cauliflower. Don’t forget wraps like the Thai Dye and Flying Avocado. There’s even a $44 Family Pack Bundle that comes with large grilled chicken (substitute steak, shrimp or salmon), a large Chopped Vegetable Salad and choice of two large sides. Flower Child has locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale with one in Tempe opening up on Jan. 13; www.iamaflowerchild.com
Original ChopShop’s philosophy is that food should both taste good and make you feel good, and it certainly does that. The restaurant offers tons of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, soy free, lactose and vegan options. The menu ranges sandwiches, salads and more plus their signature Grilled Protein Bowls that are all served with veggies and your choice of brown rice, sweet potato hash, forbidden rice or quinoa. On the sweeter side, there’s items like the Coconut Chia Pudding, Jacked Up PB & J protein shake and fresh juices. Breakfast is served too — try the Balanced Bowl or Sunrise Wrap. Original ChopShop has locations in Chandler, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Queen Creek; www.originalchopshop.com
TrueFood Kitchen is a restaurant based on science with a focus on good food that is as nourishing as possible without sacrificing flavor. Familiar favorites are reimagined in the best way, and it’s based on the anti-inflammatory food pyramid, the brainchild of founder Dr. Andrew Weil. Start out with a refreshing Andy's Elixir and a starter like Edamame Dumplings. The Spaghetti Squash Casserole is also a fan favorite along with the Butternut Squash Pizza and the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl. For dessert, there’s Cookies & Cream or Flourless Chocolate Cake. TrueFood Kitchen has locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale; www.truefoodkitchen.com
Drive-thrus don’t have to be unhealthy, and D’Lite Healthy On The Go is a great example of that. The restaurant also has a dine-in area and is known for providing high quality, nutritional food in a quick manner. Everything is completely craveable, like the standout signatures, the California Club and d’Breakfast Buzz, a shake made with vitamins, chocolate whey protein, espresso shots, nonfat milk, banana and peanut butter. Also, make sure to try the Humanitarian wrap filled with veggies, the Kitchen Sink and the Southwest Rice Bowl. If you get a burger, you can even get it without the bun, served on a bed of spring mix greens with Balsamic vinaigrette. D’Lite Healthy On The Go has locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe; www.dlitehealthyonthego.com
Salad and Go is another restaurant that capitalizes on healthy, delicious food served via drive-thru, and they have tons of locations that have popped up around the Valley, so there’s most likely one close to you. Of course there are salads on the menu like the Caesar and BBQ Ranch that you can customize with your choice of protein (chicken, buffalo chicken, shrimp or organic tofu), but Salad and Go is also known for its breakfast burritos and $1 coffee, tea and housemade lemonade. It’s an affordable but satisfying meal! Salad and Go has locations in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe and Tolleson; www.saladandgo.com
ProteinHouse is all about eating with a purpose and using the best unprocessed, freshest and non-GMO ingredients around to create quality recipes. From breakfast, to salads and bowls, high protein burgers and coffee, ProteinHouse certainly does it all. Grab a Loaded Oatmeal or Chocolate Monster Pancakes to start the day out right followed by a Plant Powered Bowl, BBQ Turkey Burger or Berry Blast Açaí Bowl or shake. Juices are freshly blended, and there’s a Vanilla Gorilla frap made with almond milk. Save room for dessert like Peanut Butter Protein Cookies. ProteinHouse has locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale; www.protein-house.com
If you’re looking for a bit of soup, salad or sandwich (plus a chocolate strawberry), Cafe Zupas is the place to go. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients to make dishes that will leave you feeling energized with an emphasis on clean eating and everything made from scratch. Cafe Zupas has a terrific Try 2 Combo where you can combine a half salad, soup, bowl or sandwich. We love the Chipotle Glazed Chicken salad and Wisconsin Cauliflower soup together. Give the Vegetarian sandwich a try as well along with the Mediterrean Protein bowl. You’ll get the aforementioned chocolate strawberry with your meal, but there’s always quite a few tempting desserts in the display counter, all under 630 calories. Cafe Zupas has locations in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Phoenix and Mesa; www.cafezupas.com
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