New Year Nutrition

Saying goodbye to 2021 may have included lots of good food, but January 2022 is about turning a fresh page and creating a resolution to improve one’s health.

We’ve gathered some favorite restaurants that’ll fit a diet-focused resolution and still have plenty of flavor.

FlyFuel

Brought to you by the same founders of the popular vegan eatery, Raw Republic, FlyFuel includes salads, acai creations, smoothies and ingredient-driven bowls. Co-Founder and Aventura native, Jesse Gimelstein also wanted to incorporate proteins like ahi tuna, house-roasted chicken and wild salmon.

“Since opening in Aventura, we’ve noticed an incredible rise of new fitness studios and more people are becoming health conscious,” states Gimelstein.

Vegans can enjoy Raw Republic fan favorites like the PB&A bowl made with peanut butter and pure unsweetened acai.

“As much as we loved our vegan fare, we wanted to offer more fueling options,” adds Gimelstein. “Especially for a post-workout or hearty meal.”

Vegetarians can enjoy a spin on tuna salad made with chickpeas or delight in roasted salmon with warm quinoa spinach, tomatoes, roasted broccoli, croutons, parmesan and flysauce all home-made, from scratch, featuring gluten free tamari, quality herbs and spices, vinegars and oils. Another option are the coffee themed refreshments and tea lemonades like a Dirty Matcha Latte mixed with coconut water, almond milk, matcha and a shot of cold brew coffee The Dragonfruit Mango Lemonade shaken with lemonade, dragonfruit and mango is another big hit.

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Carrot Express

With more than 10 locations in South Florida, the fast-casual eatery recently expanded to Coconut Creek and Weston.

The nourishing hub features an expansive menu that includes salads, bowls, wraps, fresh pressed juices and smoothies.

Carrot Express recently added the Chicken Pesto Bowl — brown rice, kale, chicken, avocado, roasted corn and feta cheese tossed in a homemade pesto lime vinaigrette and Ancient Grain Salad — farro, quinoa, chickpeas, roasted brussels sprouts, arugula, avocado, candied pecans and almond mix tossed in a lemongrass-ginger vinaigrette and now includes breakfast, served all day.

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Planta

Since 2016, Planta has garnered a loyal following and grown to feature six restaurants in Toronto and Miami, including Planta, Planta Queen, Planta Burger and Planta Cocina.

The new location in Rosemary Square (West Palm Beach) is the only 100% vegan restaurant in the square, serving signature dishes like sushi using plant-based ingredients and ceviche.

Highlights from the menu include Coconut Ceviche, Kelp Caesar, Steamed Dumplings, Bang Bang Broccoli in sweet chili and peanut sauce, Eggplant Lasagna and Planta’s signature Burger as well as pizzas including the famous Shroomami with mushroom cream, mushroom bacon, smoked tempeh, red onion, cashew mozzarella and chili.

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3Natives

Founded in 2013 as a small juice bar, 3Natives Acai and Juicery now boasts 17 stores throughout Florida.

The juice bar uses 100% organic and fair trade Sambazon acai and support companies that help over 20,000 local farmers in Brazil. Protecting over two million acres of rainforest and five percent of the Sambazon fruit costs go directly back to the local community.

Menu items include the Estes Bowl with acai, granola, peanut butter, strawberry, green apple, chocolate-covered almonds and honey. Smoothies like the Chuck Norris strawberry, banana, peanut butter, chocolate protein and almond milk are fan favorites.

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Gyromania Grill

The Mediterranean diet places an emphasis on fresh eating and shuns heavily processed ingredients. This Greek-Mediterranean restaurant does just that, serving healthy, high-quality contents such as olives, pita bread, feta cheese and salads.

Favorites include hummus, falafel and grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions.

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Bolay

The build-your-own bowl “bol” concept, Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen puts diners in control of their diet.

Created by Chris Gannon, son of Outback Steakhouse Founder Tim Gannon, the fast-casual concept pairs wholesome food with ingredients and spices from other cultures.

Guests build their own “bols”, starting with the base of cilantro noodles or black rice, then top them with roasted veggies like ginger broccoli, herb-roasted potatoes and balsamic mushrooms.

Proteins include steak, miso-glazed tofu and Thai shrimp. Cheese, cilantro, spicy Thai sauce, cilantro pesto and more can be added on top.

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Playa Bowl

Starting as a tiny cart on the side of the road in Belmar, New Jersey, Playa Bowls has grown to 53 stores across the country.

Self-proclaimed surfer Abby Taylor and cofounder Robert Giuliani have seen the superfruit bowl, juice and smoothie franchise expand beyond Boca Raton to Connecticut, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina and New York.

Customers choose a base like acai, coconut or chia pudding to get started then add toppings. Menu items include the Nutcracker Oatmeal Bowl, steel cut oatmeal with brown sugar topped with banana, sliced almonds, walnuts, coconut flakes and gingerbread spice and the Power Bowl, pure acai with chocolate protein topped with granola, banana and peanut butter.

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JB&C

This Fort Lauderdale eatery welcomes healthy foods with vegan and vegetarian options like the PB&J smoothie — banana, blueberry, peanut butter, spinach and almond milk and Up-Beet, raw red beets, avocado, baby spinach, ginger, apple juice and coconut water.

One of their most popular item includes a variety of avocado toasts with toppings like basil, chickpeas and smoked salmon.

Paninis like the Healthy Chicken Parm, made with local sourdough bread, oven-roasted chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, oregano and marinara as well as the Sweet Toast such as Bee Sweet multigrain toast, peanut butter, banana, honey, chia seeds and hemp seeds are fan favorites.

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Raw Jūce

In January 2009, Barry Rabkin noticed a lump the size of a golf ball on the side of his throat. It turned out to be thyroid cancer. His eventual recovery included incorporating juicing and plant-based foods into his diet and inspired him to open Raw Jūce.

From Boca to Miami, Rabkin’s café has made its mark offering products that are organic, gluten-free, and do not have preservatives, additives or added sugar.

Raw Jūce even has its own organic farm to source most of the produce and makes its own Oat and Almond mylks (plant-based milk).

Smoothies include the Popeye pineapple, mango, granny smith apple, cucumber, kale, ginger, spirulina, protein powder, garnished with bee pollen, hemp seeds and honey.

The Boca Greek, warm quinoa and brown rice with chilled romaine base, carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, tahini chickpeas, almonds, hemp seeds, vegan feta, olives and homemade vegan Greek dressing is popular for lunch.

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