Looking for healthy restaurants in your city or healthier choices on a menu? Read this Q&A for practical, easy-to-use tips.
I get this question often, so I asked an expert to help. Jared Koch, founder of Clean Plates, runs a website and publishes guides focused on finding the cleanest food options in urban areas. Clean Plates offers restaurant guides for cities like New York and Los Angeles. If your city isn’t covered, Jared and I share three simple strategies you can use anywhere to find healthier meals near you.
1.
Search online with focused terms. Use Google and combine words such as “vegan,” “health,” “farm to table,” or “local” with “restaurant” and your city name. Those searches usually surface great options that emphasize fresh, whole ingredients. For purely vegan listings, HappyCow.net is a reliable global resource.
2.
Ask questions before you go. Call the restaurant to confirm they have menu items that match your dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to request modifications—many kitchens are happy to offer vegetable plates, swap out sides, or prepare a vegan entrée on request. A polite question or two can make dining out simple and enjoyable.
3.
Make balanced choices even at less-healthy spots. If you find yourself at a restaurant that doesn’t specialize in healthy fare, combine enjoyment with a smart choice: pair an indulgent dish with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or a fresh juice. Try a vegan BLT with a side salad or a nourishing green juice to add nutrients. Also remember not to over-stress about occasional indulgences—stress itself can negatively affect health, so aim for balance rather than perfection.
For more tips and city-specific recommendations, visit Clean Plates and consider joining Jared’s free mailing list for regular updates and resources.
Do you have suggestions for finding healthy restaurants? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you.
Bonus: we also filmed an extra Q&A video on “How to break your bread addiction.”