When I first started eating healthy, I found it really difficult to eat in restaurants. I was scared because I didn’t know exactly how to track the food in MyFitnessPal, but mostly had trouble with finding food that was “healthy” enough for me. As more people have become health conscious, the number of restaurants catered to people like me has increased! Now, instead of ordering a salad with grilled chicken, I can order more exciting meals like Quinoa Burgers and Grain Bowls.
I go to school about 90 minutes from Atlanta, so when I come home for breaks I always hit all of my favorite spots.
1. True Food Kitchen
On birthdays and other special occasions, my family always goes to True Food Kitchen. This is my favorite actual restaurant in Atlanta, because it is full service and a sit down place where they cater to almost any needs. If you’re gluten free, vegan, or vegetarian, they have something for you. If you’re not, they have something for you too.
My go-to order at True Food is their Inside Out Quinoa Burger. The meal consists of two of their famous quinoa burgers with hummus, tzatziki, tomato, butter lettuce, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and feta (I usually leave feta off) sandwiched in between. It’s also vegetarian & gluten free friendly!
I’ve gotten some other really delicious meals at True Food, but if you’re there and they ask you if you want dessert… obviously say yes and tell them you want the Squash Pie (if in season). It comes with coconut whipped cream and it was so good that my family preordered an entire pie for our Thanksgiving dinner last year!
Other “healthywaysfordays” approved meals include: the Ancient Grains bowl, Butternut Squash Pizza, Spaghetti Squash Casserole, and the Kale Guacamole. I also recommend checking out their seasonal menu items and items that vary from restaurant to restaurant.
2. Flower Child
When I heard that Atlanta was getting not one, but TWO Flower Childs… I was ecstatic. I had seen photos of the restaurant from the West Coast (they are so ahead of the game when it comes to health food over there) and I couldn’t wait to finally try it out. I’ve been many times with my Mom, as it’s one of our favorite places. The vibe of the restaurant is super light and freeing, I love the positive message of “Choose Happy” that is written on the wall of the Buckhead/Lenox location!
Each time I have gone to Flower Child, I say that I am going to order something new… and I don’t. Foodie fail. I have ordered the Chopped Vegetable Salad with Organic Chicken more times than I can count, but it’s just so good. I’ve also had their Simple Hummus, which was just as amazing.
Because my first-hand knowledge of the menu is super slim, I will go through and name some of the menu items that I would like to try (or know people who have tried and loved).
The Chopped Vegetable Salad that I love comes with organic greens, avocado, heirloom carrot, snap pea, radish, baby tomato, cucumber, toasted sesame see, and a ginger miso vinaigrette which is incredible.
I’ve had friends vouch for the Vietnamese Crunch Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, their Smashed Organic Potato, Gluten Free Mac and Cheese, the Mother Earth, and the Flying Avocado Wrap.
3. Kale Me Crazy
Dear Kale Me Crazy, I love you. Seriously, whenever I come home, Kale Me Crazy is on a short list of things that I absolutely must do. I would describe the atmosphere as more “fast casual” than an actual restaurant, but still my all time favorite meal. Again, I really only order a few things off of their menu, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… right?
My absolute favorite thing to order at Kale Me Crazy is the Turkey Wrap, which comes with organic turkey, roasted red peppers, avocado, hummus, & lettuce wrapped in a spinach tortilla, but I always substitute a gluten free wrap for .50 extra.
I also love to order their Breakfast Wrap, which is an organic hard-boiled egg, avocado, tomato, feta, spinach, and arugula wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and served grilled.
Their Vegan Wrap is also excellent, it’s kale, quinoa, cabbage, carrots, picked red onions, avocado, and hummus wrapped in a spinach tortilla and served with tahini.
I also have gotten their Acai Bowls a few times! The bowls are beautiful, delicious, and packed full of antioxidants and nutrients. There’s an original Acai Bowl and a Deluxe Acai Bowl, made with organic Acai, coconut milk, dates, blueberries, cashews, & banana or strawberries. They are topped with banana, coconut, granola, mint, and raw honey!
4. Luv-a-Bowl
Located in Johns Creek, so kind of, but not really Atlanta (we aren’t having this argument) is my favorite Acai bowl place. I know it’s not technically inside of the perimeter, but worth the drive.
My 3 favorite bowls are:
- The John’s Creek Bowl: almond milk, G3 super fruit blend, Acai berries, banana’s, pineapple, blueberries, and strawberries topped with granola, bananas, and honey.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: chocolate almond milk, G3 super fruit blend, acai berries, peanut butter, bananas, strawberries, chocolate, and honey topped with granola, bananas, chocolate, and honey.
- Luv-a-Bowl: apple juice, G3 super fruit blend, acai berries, bananas, pineapple, blueberries, and strawberries topped with granola, bananas, and honey.
5. First Watch Cafe
When I was in high school a group of my friends and I would always do brunch at First Watch Cafe. The restaurant itself isn’t super healthy, but they have an amazing “Healthier Side” section that is full of options that don’t leave you feeling like you ordered the “lesser” option should you choose to go that route. The one thing I will say about First Watch Cafe, is that they give you WAY too much food. Keep that in mind and try to take some home in a box to enjoy later.
My favorites:
- The Acai Bowl: organic sambazon acai topped with fresh strawberries, bananas, kiwi, blueberries, and their housemade granola. Served with whole grain artisan toast topped with almond butter and Maldon sea salt.
- Tri-Athlete: egg white omelete with house-roasted crimini mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and green chillies. Served with housemade pico de gallo, whole grain artisan toast, all-natural house preserves, and fresh fruit.
- Avocado Toast: thick cut whole grain toast topped with fresh smashed avocado, EVOO, lemon, and sea salt. Served with two basted eggs.
- A.M. Superfoods Bowl: coconut milk chia seed pudding with fresh bananas, berries, blackberry preserves, and housemade granola. Served with whole grain artisan toast topped with almond butter and Maldon sea salt.
- The Power Wrap: egg whites, turkey, spinach, house-roasted crimini mushrooms, and Mozzarella in a sun-dried tomato-basil tortilla. Served with fresh fruit and a side of housemade pico de gallo.
6. {SAMA} Food for Balance
I recently had the opportunity to attend a Blogger’s Brunch at SAMA Food for Balance and I was so glad that I did! They just recently revamped their entire brunch menu, and I have to say it was all super delicious.
It would take me all day to write about their entire menu, so I am including a screenshot for reference. I tried the Super C Brekkie bowl at the event and it was absolutely delicious! My Mom tried the chickpea flour breakfast tacos, they were amazing, too.
The photo above is a bowl that I created myself, I couldn’t tell you everything that was in it, but their falafel, kale, sweet potato, and hummus were all EXCELLENT and super satisfying. I definitely felt nourished after eating this bowl!
7. Upbeet
I feel like an Atlanta foodie failure by saying this… I have never been to Upbeet. I know, I know. I should just go back to Athens and just call myself an Athens foodie because of this. I have heard amazing things about Upbeet, so it’s the next restaurant on my bucket list of places to try. Anyone want to come with me?!
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