Summer Travel: Where to Eat in Big Cities

Whether for business or leisure, traveling should not be the reason you give up on your summer [...]

Be Resourceful and Politely Picky at Restaurants

Whether for business or leisure, traveling should not be the reason you give up on your summer health or weight loss goals. It's always been easy to find greasy, heavy foods to indulge in while visiting a new city, but since vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan diets have gained popularity, it's becoming just as easy to find delicious, healthy eateries. If you're heading to one of these travel hotspots this summer, check out some of the best healthy restaurants in the city for a unique, guiltless dining experience.

In New York City, NY

Beyond Sushi: Don't visit this restaurant to cure your spicy tuna roll cravings. Beyond Sushi has a healthy vegetarian and vegan menu, meaning the rolls are crafted with fruits, veggies and whole grains rather than seafood. The restaurant uses all-natural, fresh and locally-grown ingredients, then plates them into works of art for customers. You'll love the cool atmosphere and unique, delicious food. Click here to check out their website!

beyond sushi NYC
(Photo: Yelp User Elle L.)

Green Table: This eatery is a charming restaurant in Chelsea Market that serves organic food made from fresh and local ingredients. Many of the store's ingredients are grown or raised on its own farm in upstate New York, so you can feel good about the delicious entrees you eat there. Check them out here!

green table nyc
(Photo: Cleaver Co.)

In Los Angeles, CA

Tender Greens: With 13 locations in Los Angeles County, you must make a stop at Tender Greens when in the area. It partners with local local ranchers and purveyors to have all of its produce delivered fresh daily. The brand also created the Sustainable Life Program which provides paid culinary internships to young people aging out of the foster care system, working to give opportunities to the city's youth. Click here for more info.

Tender Greens LA
(Photo: Tender Greens)

TBLA Catering: The name says it all: Tasty Bites of Los Angeles. Offering a variety of American comfort food that is organic and freshly handcrafted, this cafe is dedicated to providing tasty, affordable foods that customers will love. Each plate combines sweet, salty and sour flavors in diverse dishes, just as LA brings diverse people together! Check it out here.

TBLA LA
(Photo: TBLA)

>> Read more: 50 Recipes for Homemade, Healthy Comfort Food

In Chicago, IL

Green Zebra: This restaurant promises to provide a unique dining experience for customers. The foods are prepared with local produce and natural ingredients and celebrate fruits and veggies in season through its changing menu. Green Zebra also hopes to reintroduce a dining culture that invites people to enjoy eating and awaken their senses by creating a fun atmosphere with a knowledgable dining staff. See more here.

Green Zebra Chicago
(Photo: Yelp User Jacq D.)

Mista Pizza: You can't go to Chicago and skip eating pizza, but the famous deep dish pies will wreck your diet.This family-owned restaurant not only uses fresh, organic and natural ingredients, it swaps deep dish for a thin, cracker crust. Nearly all of the signature pizzas highlight leafy greens and veggies, creating a light yet indulgent experience for diners. Get your pizza on here.

Mista Chicago
(Photo: Yelp User Moises M.)

In San Francisco, CA

Judahlicious: This restaurant's specialty dishes are raw and vegan, though they lack no creativity or flavor. It also packs an extensive juice and smoothie menu to satisfy your sweet tooth during, after or in place of a meal! Judahlicious was also one of the first businesses to participate in the San Francisco Green Business Program, meaning they maintain a small carbon footprint, follow environmentally responsible practices, and strive for zero waste. See more here.

Judahlicious San Francisco
(Photo: Yelp User Tiffany W.)

>> Connection Recipe: Vegan Fajita Bowls

Gracias Madre: If you're in the mood for Mexican cuisine on your vaca, this restaurant creates filling, satisfying options that don't come with all the added calories or unhealthy additives. The menu items are local, organic and vegan; all cheese, milks and ice creams are made from nuts and tortillas and tamales are handmade from heirloom corn. We know you'll leave saying, "Thank you, Mama!" Thank her here!

Gracias Madre San Francisco
(Photo: Gracias Madre)

In Washington D.C.

Woodland's Vegan Bistro: This gourmet restaurant serves some of the rarest and most exotic ingredients on Earth and creates unique dishes you'll love. Everything served at Woodland's is vegan with organic and raw options as it seeks to provide more nutrient-rich options for you than most restaurants. The restaurant also has a large menu of shakes, smoothies and juices to help you reach your nutritional goals. Yes, please!

woodland's washington dc
(Photo: Woodland's Vegan Bistro)

>> Read more: Nose-to-Tail Eating: Weird Animal Parts You Should Eat

Founding Farmers: After touring some historic sites, head to Founding Farmers, a restaurant that offers true American comfort foods with modern twists. Each item is made to order using sustainably farmed, grown and harvested ingredients. There are no frozen items on this menu, except the delicious ice cream! Check it out here.

Founding Farmers washington dc
(Photo: Founding Farmers)
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