Ames, Iowa, known for its tailgate food and homemade ice cream, also offers a variety of healthy and nutritious meal options. From fresh salads to wholesome cafes, there are plenty of places to discover delicious and balanced meals. This article explores some of the best healthy food options in Ames, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Salad Sensations: Clayton Farms
For the freshest salads in Ames, Clayton Farms stands out. They pride themselves on growing their greens onsite, ensuring maximum freshness. Beyond the excitement of exceptionally fresh ingredients, Clayton Farms offers a convenient drive-through for lunch or dinner pickup. Their menu includes a wide variety of salads, smoothies, wraps, soups, and even fresh produce for sale.
Sandwiches and More: The Bake Shoppe
When it comes to sandwiches, The Bake Shoppe, a locally owned bakery, is a top choice. They use high-quality, freshly milled, non-GMO wheat from family-owned farmers, guaranteeing a tasty and nutritious meal. The Bake Shoppe offers a long list of sandwiches, vegan/gluten-free options, salads, and homemade granola bars.
Wholesome Vibes: Lockwood Café
If you're searching for a free-spirited, earthy atmosphere, Lockwood Café is the place to be. This café is a one-stop shop for coffee and crepes. Their savory crepes, such as the "Greek" crepe, are filled with veggies and olive oil. They also offer classic sweet crepes with greek yogurt and mixed fruits.
Smoothie Time: Campustown Smoothies and Tropical Smoothie
Campustown Smoothies, located in the heart of Campustown, offers delicious superfruit or protein smoothies, matcha, and boba. These drinks are affordable and made without the extra sugar found in traditional smoothies. Tropical Smoothie also provides a range of smoothie options, with ingredients like Pea Protein Powder and Acai. In addition to smoothies, they offer flatbreads, quesadillas, salads, and wraps.
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Community-Centered: Wheatsfield Cooperative
Wheatsfield Cooperative is a community-centered sustainable co-op that goes beyond the typical grocery store. They offer local produce, an organic grocery section, a bakery, and a deli. Their seasonal sandwiches make it a perfect spot any time of the year.
Budget-Friendly Bowls: Green Bowl
This locally owned restaurant offers a variety of healthy bowls and green fruit tea at budget-friendly prices.
Balanced Meals All Day: The Café
The Café is known for its delicious dining experience, serving balanced meals all day long. Their menu includes fresh and green options, deli selections, and specialty dishes.
Restaurant Menu Exploration
To provide a more detailed look at healthy options, let's explore a sample restaurant menu, highlighting vegetarian (V), vegan (VG), and gluten-friendly (GF) choices:
Starters
- DAILY BREAD (V): Pain d’ epi, whipped cottage cheese, everything spice, extra virgin olive oil.
- MUSHROOM BARLEY SOUP (V): Roasted mushrooms, barley, cream, garlic, parsley.
- GREENS HOUSE SALAD (V): Mixed lettuces, aged manchego, candied almonds, dried currants, sunflower seeds, honey-balsamic vinaigrette + garlic toast. Options to add grilled salmon, steak, chicken, or tofu.
- BRUSSELS SPROUTS CAESAR: Romaine lettuce, shaved & fried brussels, grana padano cheese, candied almonds, dried cherries, creamy caesar dressing + garlic toast. Options to add grilled salmon, steak, chicken, or tofu.
- CRISPY RICE SALAD (V) (GF): Shredded kale, baby bok choy, edamame, toasted cashews, cucumber, avocado, fresno Chile, cashew dressing, crispy rice. Options to add grilled salmon, steak, chicken, or tofu.
Sides
- SESAME GREEN BEANS (V): Sesame green beans, soy-mustard vinaigrette, crispy shallot.
- CRISPY POTATOES (V)(GF): Old bay spiced, grana padano cheese, parsley, thyme aioli.
- COCONUT GRITS (V)(GF): White corn-coconut grits, butter, bourbon-maple syrup, hazelnut crumble.
- CRISPY POTATO PAVÉ (V) (GF): Potato layered with roasted garlic, rosemary cream, parmesan.
- MUSHROOM GRATIN (V): Roasted crimini mushrooms, garlic cream, shallots, breadcrumbs, parmesan.
To Share
- ARTICHOKE DIP (V): Artichokes, peppadew peppers, cream cheese, parmesan, herbs, lemon + crusty bread.
- BRUSCHETTA (V): Whipped goat cheese, grilled raisin walnut bread, roasted grapes, arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, toasted walnuts + burnt honey.
- PORK BELLY LETTUCE WRAPS (GF): Romaine lettuce, slow-cooked pork belly, sweet chili glaze, pickled carrots, onion, celery, mint, thai basil, cilantro, scallions, crushed peanut.
Other Dishes
- SOUP + SALAD + BREAD (V): Cup of soup, house salad, warm multigrain roll, whipped cottage cheese dip.
- PASTA ALFREDO (V): House-made pasta, roasted garlic cream, rosemary, tomato fresco, parmesan + garlic bread.
- JAPCHAE (V) (GF): Sweet potato vermicelli, shiitake mushrooms, onions, broccoli, snap peas, tamari, sesame oil, poached egg. Options to add grilled salmon, steak, chicken, or tofu.
Sandwiches & Stone Oven
- QUINOA BURGER (VG): Grilled house-made red bean & quinoa patty, curry tomato relish, iceberg lettuce, cashew spread, toasted kaiser roll + mixed greens salad.
- SALMON SANDWICH: Grilled atlantic salmon, parmesan-artichoke cream cheese, arugula, oregano vinaigrette, crispy fried lemons, brioche bun + house-made chips.
Plates
- MISO GLAZED COD: Pan-seared, sticky rice, sesame green beans, soy-mustard vinaigrette, crispy shallot.
- GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON (GF): Char-broiled, roasted radishes, buttered turnips, baby carrots, fingerling potatoes, english peas, dill yogurt sauce.
- BARLEY RAVIOLI (V): House-made pasta, buttered leeks, barley, dried cranberries, mascarpone cheese, baby kale, orange, brown butter.
- PORK RIBEYE (GF): Grilled, bourbon-maple glaze, coconut grits, braised greens, hazelnut crumble.
Analyzing the Menu for Healthy Choices
This menu offers a variety of healthy options to suit different dietary needs.
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Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Vegetarian dishes are marked with "(V)" and vegan options with "(VG)." Many salads, sides, and pasta dishes can be adapted to vegetarian or vegan diets. The Quinoa Burger (VG) is a solid vegan choice. The GREENS HOUSE SALAD (V) is a healthy base that can be customized.
Gluten-Friendly Options
Gluten-friendly dishes are marked with "(GF)." The CRISPY RICE SALAD (V) (GF) and GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON (GF) are excellent choices for those avoiding gluten. The COCONUT GRITS (V)(GF) can be a comforting and gluten-free side.
Balanced Meals
Several dishes offer a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The MISO GLAZED COD provides lean protein and is paired with vegetables. The GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON (GF) is another excellent source of protein and healthy fats.
Mindful Choices
When selecting from the menu, consider the following:
- Portion Sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
- Sauces and Dressings: Ask for sauces and dressings on the side to control the amount you consume.
- Preparation Methods: Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed dishes over fried options.
- Whole Grains: Choose whole grain options when available.
- Vegetable Variety: Select dishes with a variety of colorful vegetables to maximize nutrient intake.
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