By: New Year’s resolutions may have been made five months ago, but a healthy lifestyle is still in the forefront of everyone’s minds. In addition to a regular workout regime, people are turning to balanced and healthy meals when they are dining out. There are some Tampa restaurants one can turn to for a healthy meal out.
Seasons 52 – Seasons 52, located in the Westshore Mall area, is popular among guests for their healthy menu. With every menu item coming in under 475 calories, Season’s 52 is an ideal spot for those who practice health conscious dining. To achieve this caloric goal, Season’s 52 is careful with their seasoning and cooking oils and they serve their meals using appropriate portion sizes. Seasons 52 is also aptly named after the number of weeks in the year. Their menu, seasonally-inspired, is changed every Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
Ciccio’s California Cuisine – Ciccio’s, with locations in South Tampa, New Tampa and St. Petersburg, is a favorite for healthy dining options. Ciccio’s makes a conscious effort to offer alternative choices for your meal. Fresh vegetables are served with all Ciccio’s entrees and brown rice, steamed yellow rice or sticky rice can be requested for any dish. Pizza options include brick oven thin or gluten free thin. Wraps can be ordered with a whole wheat tortilla. For a small additional charge to any California Grilled Wrap, Stirfrys or California Bowl, Ciccio’s will substitute some of your entree’s carbohydrates with more of your entree’s proteins for a more balanced meal.
Evos – Evos has a very health conscious menu and they pride themselves on airbaking their food instead of deep-frying which serves to have food that is both healthy and flavorful, without excess fat. Their meats are naturally raised and they pick out the best, organic quality for their menu items. Milkshakes are made with organic milk; fruitshakes are made with real fruit and fruit juices. Condiments are reduced fat, natural and cholesterol free. Evos has multiple locations in the Tampa Bay area.
Bamboozle Cafe – Bamboozle Cafe, offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine, features menu items composed of fresh fruits and herbs, as well as raw vegetables that all help to contribute to the antioxidants found in the food. Brown rice is available for most dishes. Bamboozle Cafe offers a Vegan menu and a Gluten-free menu. Bamboozle Cafe is located at 516 N. Tampa Street in downtown Tampa.
Fresh – Fresh, a new restaurant located at 507 N. Franklin Street in Tampa, offers something really unique. Calling themselves the “Salad Emporium”, Fresh offers 29 different salads, with only fresh ingredients, and over 30 dressings to use. Patrons can also order paninis or soup. Fresh also has a cereal bar featuring hot and cold options as well as a Frozen Wonderland where one can try various treats.
Not only is Jennifer Buggica an 813area.com contributor, she is one of Tampa Bay’s top Food and Drink bloggers. Be sure to follow her blog Mangiamo!.
