Every January, you resolve to do better.
Because every December, your inhibitions go on the block.
Resistance, they say, is futile. Good eating, however, is not.
The time to detox is now. From delicious Midwest grain bowls to vending machines that kick out salads, here are 8 healthy local eats to kick 2016 off right.
Farmer’s Fridge
The only vending machine you need this year is Farmer’s Fridge. It’s a clear winner: convenient, quick and hearty, with locations all over the city. Jars come packed daily with complete breakfasts and fresh salads, including our favorite: the Cheater.
Farmer’s Fridge | Various locations
Sprig
Last year, we called on Sprig more than any other dinner-on-demand service for two simple reasons: blazing fast delivery and a bounty of healthy, organic meals that actually taste delicious.
Sprig | Delivery
Arbor Cafe
Hidden away in the Green Exchange Building in Logan Square, Arbor Cafe is one of the neighborhood’s best kept secrets. It’s an urban farm. It’s a restaurant. It’s a place that knows how to do veggies right. Case in point: the Midwest Grains Bowl — Illinois wheat, barley and farro topped with grilled vegetables and a soft egg. Also worth the calories: the crispy potatoes.
Arbor Cafe | 2545 W. Diversey Ave. (map)
Spirit Tea
The health benefits of tea have been well documented. And we here at InsideHook collectively resolved to drink less coffee. Luckily, we’ve got our own loose-leaf peddler right here in Chicago: Spirit Tea. Pre-packaged bags of soot these are not. Get yourself a sampler pack and get your relax on.
Spirit Tea | Online
Stock Cafe at Local Foods Chicago
The menu at Stock — the café located in hyper-local grocer Local Foods — centers around local, sustainable eats from in and around the Midwest. Go for the market and stay for the Hearty Green Salad, a simple plate of greens tossed with garlic, parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Stock Cafe at Local Foods | 1427 W. Willow St. (map)
Cold Storage
At Swift & Son’s dedicated seafood restaurant-within-a-restaurant Cold Storage, diners can stop in for a daily rotating fish selection including sole, branzino and Spanish mackerel served up with charred lemon and mustard greens.
Cold Storage at Swift and Sons | 1000 W. Fulton Market (map)
Lyfe Kitchen
Another good-for-you chain: Lyfe Kitchen. Options so nutritious, it’s hard to go over your calorie intake even if you tried. Stop in for lunch and grab a crimini mushroom and goat cheese flatbread. Bonus: they’ve got a fun kid’s menu.
Lyfe Kitchen | 413 N. Clark St. (map)
Just Salad
Just opened last year, Just Salad is a fast-casual salad chain that’ll do ya well, especially if you’re in a hurry. Menu’s right here. They’ll turn any salad into a wrap — we suggest doing that with the grilled steak. Pairs well with some lemon basil vinaigrette.
Just Salad | 20 E. Jackson (map)
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