There's one New Year's resolution that never seems to go away: eat healthier and, in return, lose weight. Instead of munching on celery sticks, consider ordering entrees at Valley restaurants that specialize in healthful dishes.
Here are a few suggestions:
Vegetarian dishes shine at this nearly all-vegan, Asian eatery. From lemongrass tofu to eggplant basil, the dishes are healthy and fresh. Treat yourself to the Rainbow Wonder, veggies stir fried in a wok with sesame ginger garlic sauce.
Rancho Pinot Grill partner Tom Kaufman gives vegetarian pizza a new lift. Try the potato, roasted garlic, fontina, Gorgonzola and rosemary pie or pistachios, shaved red onion and Parmesan cheese. If you're in the mood for an all-veggie salad, go for the avocado, jicama, green bean, tomato and mozzarella tossed with an herb dressing.
You can chew on more than your principles here - global accents give the good-for-you fare a boost. Crunchy veggie samosas, eggless egg rolls, mock crab puffs and flatbread with vegan "cheese" and tomato sauce are some of the attractions.
Justina Duong puts a fresh spin on traditional Vietnamese food. Try the spicy black pepper shrimp, papaya salads, veggie spring rolls, chicken noodle soup and a host of vegetarian dishes.
No surprise that a high-end spa knows how to make eating light and healthful feel indulgent. The small plates menu - fresh, packed with superfoods and sophisticated - includes ahi-tuna tartare, organic chicken breast panini and organic baby-spinach salad. Smoothies, appetizers and homemade protein bars also are available.
The Mediterranean diet is known for its heart-healthy qualities, and there's no better place to keep your heart pumping than this funky, well-stocked grocery-restaurant. Sit down for a meal of kebabs, chicken, pita sandwiches, as well as the usual dips and salads. If counting calories matters, unfortunately, skip to baklava.
Homemade broths and fresh, seasonal vegetables, organic chicken and beef are the standard ingredients for a menu that changes daily. Soups include zucchini mint, red lentil and chicken with rice. Fresh bread, salads, smoothies and tea also are available.
Eating healthy is this restaurant's mantra. (There are several Valley locations.) Try the dolphin-safe albacore tuna on a bed of greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, onions and lemon vinaigrette and a pita.
Any of the Thai salads alone can make a meal. Try the Som Tom Thai Goong Sod, a papaya salad with shrimp, or Yaam Talay, a spicy seafood salad with chile peppers, mint leaves and Thai herbs.
Begin the year of healthy eating with edamame, sushi and fresh pork, chicken and beef grilled before your eyes along with an assortment of fresh vegetables.
True Food Kitchen
With health guru and author Andrew Weil behind this latest venture of restauranteur Sam Fox, ventures, this restaurant specializes in healthy food and follows Weil's anti-inflammatory-diet food pyramid. There are vegan and vegetarian dishes as well as dishes like organic half chicken with corn-stuffed chile rellano and black beans.
In my new mission to pursue healthier cocktailing options, I discovered a cool new reason to go to...
