When you’re looking for ways to save on calories, eating out for lunch is sometimes not the best option. But it can be hard to plan ahead and pack your own lunch. Not to worry, we’ve found some guilt-free lunch options around town that are healthy and friendly on the wallet. Just try not to eat at your desk!
664 North Highland Ave. N.E., Atlanta
3655 Roswell Rd. N.E., Atlanta
One doesn't typically think of "healthy" when a burger is mentioned, but FLIP has an expansive list of vegetarian-friendly options. A favorite is "the vedge", a beet, black bean and brown rice burger dressed with lettuce, tomato, jalapeño, caramelized onion and sautéed mushrooms. Plus, guests can opt for a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap for any burger on the menu.
931 Monroe Dr., Atlanta
Owner Mitchell Anderson is a protégé of Jenny Levison, where his rotating menu features similar creations such as colorful salads and nutrient-rich soups. Try the green and orange anti-inflammatory cauliflower salad piled high with curry-roasted cauliflower, candy striped beets, spinach, persimmons and oranges. Since the menu changes daily, that option may not always be available, but you’re likely to find “Mitchili” turkey chili or some version of a kale salad.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
56 East Andrews Dr. N.W., Atlanta
1 W. Court Square, Decatur
Technically, there are three ways to get your healthy fix from Jenny Levison in Buckhead and Decatur, with two Souper Jennys, a Café Jonah and a Juicy Jenny. At Souper Jenny this time of year, you can expect to find six warming soups, two types of sandwiches and two to four salads each day- with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Her “Everything Veggie” or “Kale Quinoa Minestrone” are belly-warming and fiber-filling lunches.
Multiple Atlanta locations
If you’re in suburbia or near a shopping center, chances are you can easily find a Tin Drum near you. The “Kang Yum mango salad” loads up on vitamin-rich spinach and ginger to clear your senses. Thai mango salads are known for their spicy kick, and you’ll find that mangos are high in Vitamin C and antioxidant rich Vitamin E, which are known to boost the immune system and maintain healthy skin.
3393 Peachtree Rd. N.E., Atlanta
Ever since the Arizona-based restaurant landed in Lenox Square last year, health-food lovers are flocking to the place. You’ll need a dictionary to decode some of the health speak, but know that the restaurant focuses on foods that are beneficial to the anti-inflammatory diet. The “seared spicy tuna wrap” is filled with healthy omegas fats from the fish, avocado, cashews, and sesame aioli. Get those same benefits in the albacore tataki raw tuna appetizer with lime ponzu, radish, cucumber, avocado and scallion.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Multiple Atlanta locations
The chain touches on the Mediterranean diet, known as one of the cleanest cuisines in the world. Zoe’s “Simply 500” menu features dishes under 500 calories that balance protein, veggies and healthy oil-based fats. Try the protein-packed “chicken kabobs”, a restaurant favorite, that features two kabobs, grilled onions and peppers, tomato, braised white beans and a side Greek salad.
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