With holiday season now here, many of us are out and about gift shopping for friends and loved ones. If you’re stuck in the mall and need quick and healthy food solutions, here are my top places for getting the best eats. These places will supply you with all the necessary phytonutrients and give you energy for a successful holiday shopping spree.
Maoz Vegetarian (food court)
via Maoz Facebook
This vegetarian Mediterranean fast-food company specializes in crispy falafels—small fried chickpea balls that resemble the look of meatballs. Maoz serves them in pita bread or on top of a salad with your choice of several side dishes and sauces. These falafels boast only 50 calories per piece and are loaded with protein and fiber. To make the deal even sweeter, Maoz also serves a variety of green juices, so you can get an extra nutritional punch.
Tossed (food court)
I am a big fan of greens as they are the foundation of healthy eating. One of the best places to get your greens and get them your way is Tossed. This fast-food place offers “Design Your Own” salads that lets me pick one of my favorite combinations: all greens with black beans, avocado, carrots, celery, cucumbers, fresh peppers and grape tomatoes, topped with Portobello mushrooms or walnuts. Walnuts and mushrooms will give you plenty of protein without weighing you down. I usually skip the dressing and get a little bit of balsamic vinegar on the side.
California Pizza Kitchen
Can you believe it? A pizza joint has something that is good-for-you AND tastes good! Check out their Roasted Veggie Salad that comes with fresh romaine, chopped avocado, sundried tomatoes, roasted asparagus, peppers and artichokes. A variety of raw and cooked vegetables will supply you with lasting energy and help you feel balanced at the same time, so you don’t get overwhelmed by all the shopping!
Grand Lux Café
Craving a burger, but want to stay healthy? Try Grand Lux Café’s veggie burger. This homemade veggie burger is made with farro, brown rice and black beans, making it complete protein. I suggest skipping the cheese and opting for avocado instead. This way you will get an extra dose of potassium that will keep fluid regulated in the body. After hours of shopping, who wants to look tired and bloated?
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About Alina Z.
Alina Z., aka “The Green Goddess,” is a certified holistic health coach, detox specialist and raw-food chef (she conducts occasional classes at Whole Foods in Boca). Prior to moving to Florida, Alina hosted her own TV show in Maryland—“Entertaining A to Z”—for people who didn’t have time to cook but wanted to eat healthy. Catch one of her web episodes at eHow.com, visit Alina’s website at alinaz.com, or follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/CoutureFood) or Twitter (@CoutureFood). The Green Goddess blog runs every other Wednesday at bocamag.com.
