Ready to make that new year's weight loss resolution stick? Along with exercise, healthy eating remains a key ingredient to the recipe for success. DeKalb has its share of health-conscious places to dine. So drive past the drive-through window and think about stopping at one or more of the following.
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Kale Me Crazy
In addition to purchasing juice cleanse packages, you can sit down and eat at the chain's downtown Decatur locale. Cozy up with a chicken pesto wrap, featuring organic bird, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, lettuce and cucumbers wrapped in a spinach tortilla and grilled. Acai bowls, smoothies, shots, salads and other wraps help round out the menu. Amp up with organic coffee and iced matcha tea. The latter also includes maple syrup, almond milk and goji berries.
358 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-330-8502, kalemecrazy.net.
Rainbow Hot Bar
Tucked in the back of the longstanding health food grocer, Rainbow Natural Foods, this vegetarian hot bar stars several rotating vegan and gluten-free options, too. Visit its website for the changing list of daily entrees, including dishes such as Thai basil tofu and artichoke feta strada. Spaghetti, bean burritos, spinach lasagna and other delights are known to make the cut.
2118 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta, 404-633-3538, rainbowgrocery.com.
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Matt Fresh Healthy Drinks
A quartet of African expatriates own this juice and smoothie stop. Matt is actually an acronym of all of their first names. Yet it's co-owner Mohamed Issa who dubs himself "the juice man." Issa creates the liquids, including the popular Green Lemonade juice, consisting of kale, spinach, apple, lemon and celery. As far as smoothies go, he says the Golden Farm with spinach, pineapple, mango and banana, is a customer fave. But that's not all. He pours a total of 17 juices and 13 smoothies.
3983 Lavista Road, Suite 124, Tucker, 678-691-0866, www.facebook.com/mattfreshhealthydrinks.
Harmony Vegetarian Chinese Restaurant
Just because you love Chinese food doesn't mean you're simply stuck with orange chicken or Mongolian beef. Healthier options are out there, especially at this vegetarian haven. Although meat substitutes mimicking chicken, lamb, shrimp and more can found on the menu, you can find other straight veggie creations. This includes broccoli and string beans stir fried with garlic sauce, mixed vegetable soup and carrot juice.
4897 Buford Highway, Suite 109, Chamblee, 770-457-7288, harmonyvegetarian.com.
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