In my nutrition fantasy world, all of my clients would frequent farmers’ markets, rejoice in menu planning, and cook most nights. And while I don’t pick favorites, there is a subgroup of Foodtrainers clients who do manage to live up to the ideal. However, being realistic is part of my food manifesto, and the truth is many of us eat out a lot. The good news? A quick meal no longer has to mean casting aside your healthy goals. Here are my five favorite fast-casual establishments, and a few thoughts on what you’ll find on their menus.
True Food Kitchen
Located in six states, including Virginia and Arizona, True Food Kitchen restaurants offer fresh meals featuring grass-fed beef and fish, with easy-to-identify menu icons for no-meat eaters and gluten avoiders. I love the “kale-aid” green juice and the spaghetti squash casserole—it’s gluten-free and vegetarian. (Locations: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Virginia)
BareBurger
Fast becoming a New York City staple, Bare Burger is expanding with locations across the United States, Canada, and even Tokyo, Japan. The meat at bare burger is grass-fed, and all of their ingredients are organic and well-sourced. Not into buns? There’s no need to live a burger-free life. The burger wrapped in collard greens will rock your world. (Locations: California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Canada, Germany, Japan)
Dig Inn
Dig Inn proves a quick, healthy lunch doesn’t have to come in a salad bowl. This tasty spot offers home-style “farm to counter” fare (think: roasted turkey and sweet potatoes). The market plate with one or two veggie sides is my go-to menu item. Although they’re not national, Dig Inn has several locations in New York City—and I wouldn’t be surprised if they had plans to expand. (Locations: New York)
LYFE Kitchen
LYFE stands for “love your food everyday,” and it’s the driving force behind the decisions made by the restaurant’s executive chef, Art Smith, Oprah’s former personal chef. You won’t find refined flour or sugar in any of the menu items, and every LYFE entreé clocks in under 600 calories. Try the spinach and avocado frittata for breakfast, or the quinoa crunch bowl for a lunch that hits the spot—anything with fireman’s hot sauce gets my attention. (Locations: California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, Texas)
Sweetgreen
Another healthy chain that’s opening new locations like crazy, Sweetgreen is a company with a soul—read their manifesto and you’ll see what I mean. They care about the ingredients they use, the relationships with the farmers who grow them, and your experience with the food. Add shrimp to their signature Rad Thai salad—you won’t be disappointed! (Locations: California, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC)
What are some of your healthy hangouts? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And tweet @Foodtrainers—I love hearing about what’s fresh and fab.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Lauren Slayton
Lauren Slayton, MS, RD, is the author of The Little Book of Thin and creator of the Foodtrainers blog.
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