Fit and Healthy in NYC: Part 1 {The Food}

When you think of New York City you probably think of iconic landmarks, pizza, bagels and broadway shows.  What you probably don’t think about is that NYC is a huge mecca for healthy living.  I could write an entire book on all the places to workout, eat, shop and generally pursue an active and healthy lifestyle (and in fact, I almost did), but I decided it would be more fun to write individual posts.  So I have put together some of my favorite places and things to do in NYC to help you stay fit and healthy and I’m dividing it into a four part series.  So welcome to Fit and Healthy in NYC: Part 1 {The Food}!

NYC is known for its culinary delights.  Any cuisine, any time of day, anything you want…you can get it here (although I argue that good Thai food is hard to find and you are better off getting that closer to Southeast Asia but I digress).  What you may not know is that the same holds true for healthy food in NYC.  Here are a few of my favorite spots to grab a bite that is not only tasty, but good for your waistline.

1.  Juice Generation–  Once upon a time I said that the Upper East Side needed a juice bar and that you could easily make a killing by opening one.  And then, Juice Generation opened.  With locations throughout the city, this chain offers fantastic options for fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls.  It’s the perfect spot for grabbing a healthy breakfast or a pre-/post-workout pick-me-up.  Check out the recipe for one of my favorite juices!

[yumprint-recipe id=’28’]2.  Rouge Tomate–  Rouge Tomate is fine dining for the healthy crowd.  It’s a Michelin-star, sustainable restaurant that focuses on quality ingredients.  Think of dishes like chestnut soup, heirloom tomato and watermelon panzanella, black bass and summer squash risotto.  Most importantly, Rouge Tomate doesn’t sacrifice taste for health.  The philosophy here is that they go hand-in-hand.  In fact, Rouge Tomate is SPE certified, a certification program that focuses on nutrition, health, taste and sustainability. 

3.  Just Salad and Chop’t– Salad joints are a lunchtime staple and my two favorite are Just Salad and Chop’t.  Both offer make-your-own and pre-made salad creations.  Of course if you don’t prefer a salad, you can always get a wrap!  The best part is that both companies offer really great low-calorie salad dressings (think “spa ranch”) so you don’t undue all the good with calorie-laden dressings.  All salads have calorie counts listed and they are made right in front of you so you can watch everything as it is prepared. 

[yumprint-recipe id=’29’]4.  Dig Inn–  The farm to table movement has expanded beyond the restaurant scene and onto the lunch scene.  Dig Inn is bringing farm fresh cooking to the counter for your lunchtime eating pleasure.  I love that this place is so focused on good, healthy food to go.  The ingredients are extremely high quality and the prices are completely reasonable. 

5.  Candle 79– This is THE restaurant for Organic Vegan Food.  Instead of being forced to order a salad at one of the many meat-centric restaurants in the city, vegans (and vegetarians) can select from like spinach ravioli made with cashew cheese, jicama and avocado tartare, roasted squash salad, wild mushroom and squash risotto and moroccan spiced chickpea cake.  The menu is inventive and the food is tasty whether you are vegan or not!  

6.  Bareburger– Healthy burgers seem like an oxymoron but Bareburger has mastered the concept offering organic burgers made with real ingredients. They specialize in using lean meats like bison, turkey, chicken, elk and ostrich.  They also have wonderful vegetarian options like black bean and quinoa.  Their burger combinations are inventive with eclectic ingredients that will make your taste buds dance. 

[yumprint-recipe id=’35’]7.  Chobani SoHo– The NYC home to Chobani yogurt, this little cafe offers Chobani Creations.  Whether you like sweet or savory, the cafe has you set.  Think toasted coconut and pineapple, mango and avocado or a seasonal creation like pumpkin and cranberry.

[yumprint-recipe id=’34’]Readers, what’s your favorite place to eat in your city?  Which of these places would you like to try?  What kinds of healthy foods do you look for at restaurants?