While cooking and eating at home stands as a cornerstone of health and budget-consciousness, the occasional desire to relinquish culinary duties to someone else is a relatable sentiment. For those moments, the focus shifts to identifying restaurants that prioritize health, offering an array of nutritious options and adaptable substitutions. Colorado Springs boasts a vibrant dining scene with numerous establishments dedicated to serving healthy and delicious meals.
Prioritizing Healthy Choices When Eating Out
Navigating restaurant menus with a health-conscious mindset involves several strategies. Restaurant portions often exceed recommended serving sizes, so requesting a to-go box before the meal begins can help manage intake. Vegetables should be abundant, and when it comes to oil, butter, sauces, and dressings, requesting them on the side allows for controlled usage. Moderation is key when indulging in bread or chips, and opting for a healthier sweet treat at home can be a wise alternative to calorie-rich desserts offered at restaurants. Eating slowly is also very important.
Featured Healthy Restaurants in Colorado Springs
Clean Eatz
Located at 5118 N Nevada Avenue, Clean Eatz offers a diverse menu of affordable and healthy options. Customers can choose from burgers, wraps, flatbreads, meltz, and customizable bowls, along with smoothies and more. The restaurant operates with an online ordering system, allowing customers to pick up their meals at the Colorado Springs location for convenient heat-and-eat enjoyment at home. The majority of meals are designed to be under 500 calories, catering to those mindful of their caloric intake. Beyond the café menu and meal plans, Clean Eatz provides Grab ‘N’ Go meals, protein smoothies, healthy snacks, and catering services suitable for various occasions.
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing Owl stands out as a 100% vegan restaurant and bar, deeply rooted in the Colorado Springs community. With a commitment to sustainability, owners Tyler and Cody aim to inspire change through a "lead by example" approach, creating a welcoming space for open and honest interactions while minimizing environmental impact. The restaurant boasts a combined 58 years of hospitality experience. The menu features a variety of vegan delights, including Sweet Elizabeth’s gluten-free cakes and Birchwood Bakehouse’s cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Patrons can enjoy appetizers like potato and corn chips topped with green chili, beans, tomato, onion, jalapeño, and nooch, or tacos with taco mix, beans, flour tortilla, queso, onions, red salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and ranch (with the option to add bacon). The drink menu includes unique creations, some with higher ABV, alongside "regret-free" options suitable for those with celiac concerns. Their light, creamy, and tangy house-made whipped feta dip, topped with honey and a sprinkle of MAD Spice, is also worth a try.
MAD Greens
MAD Greens embodies the spirit of an active lifestyle and healthy eating, offering fresh, made-to-order salads, grain bowls, juices, wraps, and catering services. With locations across Denver, Fort Collins, Phoenix, and Austin, Texas, MAD Greens provides convenient options for pickup or delivery. They also offer tasty salad bars, boxed lunches, wrap platters, and fresh sides suitable for groups ranging from 10 to 1,000 people.
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Stretcar520
Located in the Trolley district of downtown Colorado Springs, Stretcar520 is an eclectic New American eatery known for its delicious food and exceptionally good vibes.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse offers a diverse dining experience, complete with award-winning handcrafted beer, Southern California-inspired Chicago-style deep dish pizza, and their renowned Pizookies® dessert.
Mountain View Restaurant
Located within the Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Hyatt Destination Resort, Mountain View Restaurant features high wood-beamed ceilings, natural light, and an outdoor terrace with mountain views. It is known for its breakfast and Holiday Brunch buffets, showcasing local Rocky Mountain ingredients and wild game with global cooking styles.
Marigold's Bistro
Marigold's Bistro offers contemporary fine dining in Colorado Springs, specializing in seafood dishes such as steamed mussels, salmon fillet, and pan-seared scallops. The menu also includes options for landlubbers, such as bacon-wrapped meatloaf, Wagyu bistro burger, and grilled bistro steak.
Other Restaurants
- Zoup!
- Organic Mama Natural Foods - Offers lots of gluten-free options!
- Gates Grille
Discovering the Healthy Dining Scene in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs' dining scene is celebrated for its dedication to quality and freshness. Restaurants often emphasize organic produce and innovative, health-conscious menus. These establishments cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, while also prioritizing the culinary experience with expertly crafted dishes. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or a fine dining experience, Colorado Springs provides a diverse array of restaurants focused on delivering both nutritious and delicious food.
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