Healthy Eating in Greenville
Eating healthy foods is essential to a healthy lifestyle. However, this can be a challenge, especially when you are dining out. It is much harder to control your portions, calorie intake, and daily values of fat, carbs and sodium when you are not the one preparing the meal. Many restaurants tend to cook with a lot of oil, butter, and salt (that’s what makes the food taste so good), but this is not conducive to a healthy diet.
Luckily, Greenville has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, and most will have at least a couple of healthier options like salads and lean protein. Healthy living is a trend that has caught on, even down here in the south where fried chicken and pulled pork are king. There are several great restaurants in Greenville that focus on clean, healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. In this guide, we will explore a few of these eateries that can help you stay committed to your diet.
Breakfast
Breakfast: the most important meal of the day. It is crucial to start your day off right with a healthy meal. Unfortunately, it is easy to be tempted by greasy bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles. Before you give in to temptation, remember that these options are loaded with fat, sodium and cholesterol. Furthermore, instead of energizing you to have a productive day, an unhealthy breakfast will make you feel sleepy and lethargic. There are better, healthier options right here in Greenville that taste great and will give you the energy you need to start your day.
For a healthy breakfast we recommend Snack Works in downtown Greenville SC. Right across from Falls Park, Snack Works is a local favorite for unique, healthy options. They are known for their smoothies (made with real fruits and vegetables) and shots of wheatgrass. However, what really sets them apart is their acai bowl—layered with frozen acai puree, granola, fresh fruit, and shredded coconut. It is extremely refreshing and surprisingly filling, all while providing you with whole grains and at least a couple servings of fruit. After an acai bowl with a cup of strong black coffee or a shot of wheatgrass, you will be ready to conquer the day!
Lunch
Whether you are taking a break from work or refueling after working out with your personal trainer, Greenville SC has lots of healthy restaurants where you can grab a quick bite. Our top pick is Happy + Hale, located downtown on South Main Street. Happy + Hale is known for their signature salads and bowls, with healthy options for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike. The Thai Chicken Crunch bowl, with kale, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, scallions, crunchy wontons, and Thai Chili chicken, is a popular menu item. If you want to skip the meat, you can substitute the chicken for tofu or tempeh. They also serve a wildly popular Ahi Poke Bowl and an incredible vegan Falafel Grain Bowl. The service is fast and friendly, the ingredients are fresh and flavorful, and you will leave feeling happy and hale!
Dinner
Finding a healthy restaurant for dinner can be a bit of a challenge. Dinner portions tend to be much larger than lunch and are usually heavy on fat, sodium, and carbs. Dinner is often accompanied by bread, appetizers, alcohol, and dessert, so it is easy to get carried away. For a healthy, fresh, and locally-sourced dinner, check out Farm Fresh Fast on South Church Street. It is known for using local, fresh, and “guilt-free” ingredients, which contributes to its healthy and delicious menu. It’s “Farm Fits” allow guests to choose their portion size, protein, carb, and vegetable, and are topped with an over-easy egg. They also serve gourmet burgers, wraps, and terrific salads. For a healthy dinner that supports local farmers, look no further than Farm Fresh Fast.
A good diet is crucial to your commitment to a healthy lifestyle, but it can be challenging to stick to it. Fortunately, Greenville has numerous restaurants that offer healthy, energizing meals that taste great and won’t compromise your diet. Consider the above options for breakfast, lunch and dinner to help you make the healthy choice and become your best self.