In a city that revolves around delicious food and drinks, it’s definitely not an easy feat staying healthy. Restaurants aren’t typically focused on the serving up healthy fats and good calories, but rather the soulful taste of cajun and creole traditions. With that being said, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t some places in New Orleans oriented toward putting healthy and delicious ingredients on a plate, and we’re here to tell you about a few.
Whole Foods: Just a little ways down Magazine St. from the front of the Audubon Zoo, Whole Foods Market is housed in an old streetcar warehouse. Though Whole Foods can be teased for its overpriced, all organic, eccentric groceries, there is always a way to be healthy. The salad bar at the back of the store has a ton of fresh ingredients that you can’t get at Bruff or Le Gourmet. There are multiple types of tofu (give it a chance, I didn’t like it at first either), vegetables (cold and cooked), all kinds of greens, and tree nuts. If you’re not a salad person, don’t be afraid to check out the hot food selection which can always include a delicious protein, cooked sides, and homemade soups. We all love when Whole Foods caters events at school, so don’t be afraid to take the walk with some friends and get a healthy, delicious lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Satsuma Cafe: In the opposite direction from Whole Foods, Satsuma Cafe is conveniently located on Maple Street just a few blocks past Starbucks. Though not everything on the menu can be strictly considered healthy, this restaurant has plenty of options that use ingredients that not only taste good, but are good for you. For breakfast, try the Green Breakfast Sandwich on whole wheat for a great mix of vegetables and eggs. And for lunch, almost all the options are great, but a personal favorite of mine is the Black Bean and Quinoa Burger. Without the traditional big piece of red meat and a whole wheat option for the bun, this “burger” not only has a unique and charming flavor, but a great mix of protein, vegetables, and grains. This alternative covers a lot of food groups.
Fresh Bar: For the last option, go back down to Magazine Street for a great lunch stop called Fresh Bar. Fresh Bar is simple. You can either choose from one of their designated salad or wraps, or choose your own ingredients to be made into either of the two. They have nearly every ingredient that can be grown in the ground and great light dressing options like sesame or citrus vinaigrette. For a quick and healthy meal, Fresh Bar is always a great go-to. The best options, in my opinion, include the Asian Persuasionm and Louisiana Fay. They incorporate local as well as ethnic ingredients that combine to make the best salad or wrap. Also, try the unsweetened iced tea for a refreshing drink.
Any college student knows that it’s hard to stay on track with eating healthy. In a city where every restaurant has something you want to try or festivals centered around delicious food, it’s not easy to grab something to eat off campus “guilt-free.” These three options are fun, casual places to walk to with friends for a fresh and healthy option. Don’t be afraid to try something new.