This Healthy Eating Week, discover some of the healthiest restaurants and cafes in our region along with some fast-food options with surprisingly wholesome twists.
Whether you're trying to improve your diet or give your life a nutritional overhaul, with the impending summer holidays, Healthy Eating Week is a good excuse to get things back on track.
Luckily, finding lighter options when out isn't as restricting as it once was. There are some exciting new plant-based eateries that have recently popped up across our region and plenty of surprising alternatives available from the places you'd least expect.
Below I've featured some extracts from the article – a few of my favourite veggie and vegan 'Top Picks' if you like.
An oasis of calm offering a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options including the Nourishment Bowl – packed with chickpeas, broccoli, hummus and sweet potatoes, mixed greens, tahini and spices. A virtuous lunch may leave room for some vegan chocolate cake made with unrefined sugar, and a caffeine-free beetroot latte with almond or oat milk.
A plant-based bakery and restaurant that prides itself on using local and sustainable ingredients. As a result, the innovative daily menu is forever evolving with the seasons. Expect to find healthy breakfasts, handmade sourdough breads made from in-house milled flours, roasted organic coffee, lunch, snacks and other spectacular daily specials, perfect for both foodie vegans and non-vegan foodies.
Set amongst a stunning plant nursery, this critically acclaimed restaurant-café grows much of its own fruit, herbs and vegetables, just a stone's throw from its kitchen. Other produce is provided by local suppliers and the menu changes to reflect seasonal availability. The breakfasts and brunches are best paired with the weekend papers, and the luncheons and suppers are designed for laid-back feasting with friends. For a full review check out my post here: Darsham Nurseries.
PONO is a Hawaiian word that means living in a state of health, happiness and harmony. Try the POKE Bowl – a traditional Hawaiian dish with a PONO twist. Choose from spicy salmon or traditional tuna, both raw and marinated for extra flavour. Served with brown rice, fresh mango salsa, spinach, avocado, corn, pickled ginger, grated carrot and poke sauce. For something sweet, there is raw-cold press juice and a selection of smoothies, including the Creamy Cacao, which is made with cacao, banana, avocado, almond butter, almond milk and date syrup. For a full review check out my post here: PONO.
Everyone's favourite Israeli lunch-stop on Magdalen St. The Falafel Mezze includes homemade falafel, which although is deep-fried, comes with a kaleidoscope of small salads, that probably exceed your 5-a-day allowance: hummus, pan-fried aubergine, sauerkraut, shredded red cabbage, baba ganoush, tomato, pepper and cucumber salad, chickpeas and olives.
Accredited by the Vegetarian Society and members of Slow Food UK, this is a place to enjoy delicious, locally roasted coffee and indulge in delicious vegetarian food. The summer menu includes Slow-Cooked Quinoa Porridge, Baked Eggs and Spinach. For lunch, a plethora of salads, daily curry specials, soups and Coffee-infused Homemade Baked Beans on Toast.
Norwich's newest addition to the plant-based fold. Three floors of mostly organic and gluten-free vegan food, under one roof. This restaurant offers an overwhelming selection of healthy options. Cashew Jackfruit Korma, Coconut Chilli, Summer Rolls, Puy Lentil and Roast Veg Salad and various healthy sharing platters. What's not to love.
Go for the Humus & Avocado on wholemeal waffle, topped with wild rocket, sun blushed tomatoes, olives and poppy seeds. If you're being extra saintly, hold the drizzle of sweet chilli dressing. Or go for the Vegetable and Cashew Stir-Fry – a medley of seasonal vegetables with Asian seasonings. Instead of a milkshake order the mixed berry smoothie, made with natural yoghurt.
Known for it's wide range of Belgium beers, moules et frites and creamy sauces, the Belgium Monk also has a few healthy tricks up its sleeves. Try the Vegetarische Schotel – a vegetarian platter with lentil and carrot paté, artichoke tarator and Lebanese red pepper muhammara.
'Let's go for ice cream,' your friends say. Don't worry, you still can indulge. Although there isn't currently a sugar-free option, the sorbets are virtually fat-free. Although the menu changes daily, it often includes, apple, blueberry, blood orange, strawberry and lemon sorbet. Homemade with 50% fruit, British and seasonal where available. The only other two ingredients are water and sugar.
To read the full article you can go to Eastern Daily Press website.