This time of year, many people resolve to clean up their diets and eat healthier foods. In Pinellas County, there are several restaurants dedicated to offering nutritious and healthy menus. Here are some of our favorite healthy restaurants in St. Pete, Clearwater, and the rest of 727area. Somewhere in here is something sure to satisfy anyone looking to make a fresh start in the new year.
Grain and Berry
Grain and Berry Palm Harbor offers bowls and smoothies for healthy Pinellas eaters. Most ingredients are organic, and the menu is loaded with superfood options. The bowls all start out with a blended base that features acai, pitaya or kale, along with fruit, plant proteins, or almond milk. On top of the base, the bowls are loaded with things like oatmeal, fresh fruit, Nutella, peanut butter, chia seeds, and honey. My favorite smoothie here is the Matcha Colada. It’s made with matcha protein powder, coconut milk, and pineapple. It's a vacation in a mason jar, but with none of the guilt! 33840 U.S Hwy 19 N., Palm Harbor, Fla. (727) 771-7794
Basimo Beach Café
Basimo Beach Café on Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Beach, offers a full menu of breakfast and lunch items for Pinellas healthy diners, plus a coffee bar. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced, non-GMO, and organic. Smoothies and juices are made to order. The vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu guide helps diners find items appealing to their lifestyle, while the coffee is offered with both dairy and nondairy milk options. I love how Basimo serves delicious, real food, satisfying all your senses while supporting a healthy lifestyle. 1261 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Fla. (727) 281-2193
Rahvia Acai Bowls
Rahvia Acai Bowls in downtown Clearwater uses only 100% organic acai in their bowls. You can order one of their signature bowls, which come with granola and honey. Pinellas healthy diners can also create their own bowl using the acai base and any of their organic toppings like chia seeds, bee pollen, goji berries, flax seeds, coconut oil and matcha powder. I love the option to create my own bowl -- I can get something different every time I go. 517 S Ft. Harrison, Clearwater, Fla. (727) 754-6727
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Green Market Cafe
The three Green Market Cafe restaurants in Clearwater, Oldsmar, and in the Feather Sound area are a must-visit for anyone looking for healthy dining in Pinellas County, with their creative and delicious food. All-natural chicken and organic ingredients are featured in many of their bowls, wraps and salads. Try the quinoa burrito, made with organic tri-color quinoa, black beans, pico, corn, queso. Ask them to add some chipotle spread to spice it up! Sandwiches are made with organic, artisan bread, and you can pair any of these items with soup or get them as a combo. If you like coffee as much as I do, you'll love the cold brew on draft, along with smoothies and organic teas. 3150 Tampa Rd, Ste 1, Oldsmar, Fla. (727) 787-5494
Fresh Kitchen St Petersburg
St. Petersburg has several top-notch restaurants for Pinellas healthy dining. Fresh Kitchen St Petersburg on 4th Street serves up all-natural and organic ingredients in a cafeteria-style setting. This is a feast for the eyes as well as the tongue. As you stroll down the line, you see all the bright colors from the roasted vegetables, grilled meats and power toppings. Wash it all down with one of their organic teas, cold-pressed juices, or Frescas.
4447 4th St N #2, St Petersburg, Fla. (727) 835-8991
Old Earth Pure Organics on 54th Avenue North is a family-owned small business dedicated to creating delicious and healthy food. They never use processed sugar in any of their menu items, and everything is made in-house, including their various nut milks, coconut manna, and tahini. Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, plant-based, raw, and organic. Smoothies are made with fresh pressed fruits and vegetables and never contain syrups or ice. They offer salads and open-faced sandwiches on house-made bread. Old Earth takes healthy eating seriously and offers a complete menu of wonderful foods to nourish your body and feed your soul. 6105 54th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, Fla. (727) 317-0043
Mickey's Café & Organics
If you live or work in downtown St. Petersburg, head straight to Mickey's Café & Organics on Central Avenue for breakfast, lunch, coffee, smoothies, and juices. The menu is extensive, but whatever you choose, definitely add a Cosmickey Cookie to the order. This addictive treat is made with some healthy ingredients like natural peanut butter and oatmeal, but make sure you get one with chocolate chips. It’s not as healthy at is could be, but you know you want the chocolate chips! 318 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg FL Phone (727) 851-9832
Healthy dining is a way of life for some people, and Pinellas County offers plenty of delicious choices to support that lifestyle. They can enjoy the restaurants on this list all year long! For others, healthy eating is part of a New Year’s resolution, and along with gym memberships and weight loss programs, it will fade in the coming weeks. Try all of the restaurants on this list while your resolve stays strong. After your resolutions fade, you'll be ready for my next article on the best candy stores near you!
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