Community Corner
Patch Picks: Healthy Local Eats
So you didn't keep your New Years Resolution to get healthy and stay in shape. No worries; the beginning of a new school year is an ideal time to start over. Jump start things by checking out three of our fave healthy local restaurants.
29851 Aventura, Rancho Santa Margarita
While many smoothies appear healthy, some are packed with nearly as much sugar as a milkshake. Not so at Bowl of Heaven, where health and vitality (oh yes, and taste!) is of utmost importance. Bowl of Heaven arrived on the scene last year, and boasts its signature Acai Bowls, which include a smooth blend of fresh frozen acai, berries, bananas and organic juices; the bowls are then topped with fresh fruit, granola and organic honey. Is your mouth watering yet? Then you may be even more impressed to learn that each smoothie is also infused with a special “g3” formula, a blend of natural super fruit juices that provide cell rejuvenation and protection while supporting a healthy immune system. An added bonus? Each customer receives a free Dr. Oz-endorsed Pharmanex scan to determine their skin cartenoid antioxidant score. Sound like Greek? The folks at Bowl of Heaven can simplify things for you: Eat more of their bowls, experience better health. With flavors like Dan’s Peanut Butter, made with acai, Amazon cherries, bananas, strawberries, pomegranates, apple juice and the “g3” formula, your taste buds will be thanking you, too.
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30622 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita
Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If it’s a healthy lunch on the go you’re looking for, Flame Broiler is the perfect choice. Menu items like the chicken veggie bowl will set you back a little over 600 calories but contain a whopping 43 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. These little bowls are also an easy way to get your daily servings of much-needed vitamins; the veggie bowls contain a heaping of broccoli, nature’s super food (did you know 5 ounces of broccoli has more vitamin C than 2 1/2 pounds of oranges?). The green onions, cabbage and carrots will give you more than your daily dose of fiber, vitamin C, A and E. Need another reason to stop by on your lunch break? Flame Broiler adds no trans fat, fried ingredients or MSG to any of their items. Gluten-free folks will enjoy eating here too; the hot sauce and house dressing are guaranteed gluten free.
29941 Aventura, Rancho Santa Margarita
Remember a few years ago when the low-carb diets were at their peak? Well, it turns out, many folks, including a few celebrities, still swear by a low-carb diet to keep up their slim shape. Thanks to places like Neighborhood Grill, going low-carb can be tasty as well as healthy. Entrees like the chicken kabob skewers offer marinated fresh tender meat as well as a skewer of fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini and onions. Cooked to perfection over an open flame and served with a green garden salad and rice, the kabobs make a perfect low-carb lunch or dinner. If you’re still hungry, throw in a healthy Greek salad or a grilled eggplant, garlic and yogurt appetizer.