Ahh, spring. It seems as if just yesterday we were in the throes of winter, with dreary, cold rain. Actually, that practically was just last week... our bad.
Now that it's finally 90˚F out (where'd spring go?), we can finally look forward to (or not) working on our beach bods.
Just because you're trying to look on fleek (is that what the youths say these days?) in a bikini doesn't mean you have to eat like Tom Hanks in Castaway.
You can still go out to dinner with those friends you secretly hate due to their incredibly fast metabolism without having to sacrifice flavor.
Just head to these healthy New York City restaurants for a meal that won't set you back 3,000 calories.
The Little Beet (various locations)
Since its inception, the Little Beet has pretty much become synonymous with nutritious dining in NYC. They've essentially proven that eating healthy doesn't require eating foods akin to cardboard, while simultaneously costing an arm and a leg.
[anad]
Try the salmon poke bowl. It's similar to the poke craze, with a slightly creative alteration. You'll get raw salmon, avocado, seaweed salad, watermelon radish, and pickled ginger over brown sushi rice.
by Chloe (185 Bleecker Street)
This little vegan hotspot has become so popular with herbivores and omnivores alike that it's already planning on opening multiple additional locations.
If you haven't already experienced their eye opening vegan burger, there's no time like the present. Try their guac burger, with a black bean-quinoa-sweet potato patty, corn salsa, onion, guac, tortilla strips, and chipotle aioli on a whole grain bun.
Tastebud's Natural Foods (1807 Hylan Blvd - Staten Island)
Tastebud's Natural Foods in Staten Island is a must for anyone looking to stay healthy without sacrificing flavor. Sure, it's primarily a deli and store, but their salad bar is on point for anyone looking for a healthy lunch.
[anad2]
Between tons of different vegetable options, plenty of hot vegetarian foods like lentil burgers, tofu sausage and peppers, and delicious grains.
Le Botaniste (833 Lexington Avenue)
When you think healthy, you typically don't think wine bar... but that's exactly what La Botaniste is doing. It's part vegan, gluten-free, organic restaurant, part natural wine bar, yet completely delicious. Plus, they're doing it in an unpretentious, adorable little spot.
Try the Tibetan Mama bowl, or peanut curry over brown rice and vegetables with tofu. Just be sure to save room for dessert. Try the omega 3 brownie with flax seeds made with cacao, buckwheat, and flax.
<!--nextpage-->
Quinoa Kitchen (287 Bedford Avenue - Brooklyn)
Just because you're trying to be healthy does not mean that you need to go vegetarian or even (gasp) vegan. At Quinoa Kitchen, you can eat all cage-free, grass-fed, antibiotic free meats and locally sourced veggies without sacrificing flavor.
[anad]
Try the seared ahi tuna with soy-sesame ginger vinaigrette served with your choice of tricolor quinoa or brown rice. Not in the mood for some seafood? Try the charred chicken breasts with basil pesto or lemon dill vinaigrette.
Red Pipe Café (71-60 Austin Street - Queens)
This little spot is perfect for a nutritious meal in Queens. It's a café serving up 100% organic coffee, teas, salads, and sandwiches. Best part yet? They're serving up breakfast all day long.
Try the acai bowl with acai berry puree topped with blueberries, bananas, and granola. Need something savory? Try the Metropolitan Mediterranean salad with scallion, zucchini, tomatoes, roasted red pepper, carrot, avocado, and hummus. It's delicious.
Siggy's Good Food (292 Elizabeth Street)
Siggy's is a must for anyone looking to stay healthy. Their food is made from organic, locally sourced ingredients with a Mediterranean flare. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or omnivore, you'll love Siggy's.
[anad2]
Try the organic thyme sage chicken cutlet hero with grilled caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers with a green herbs vegan mayo on a ciabatta hero.
Check out 7 Deliciously Healthy NYC Restaurants That Will Satisfy Your Taste Buds.
[Feature Image Courtesy BBook.com]