“Sorry, I can’t” became a second-nature phrase for me while I was living in fear of the restaurant world. I had just revamped my fitness journey, stepping outside of my daily ten-mile run and started picking up weights. While I was seeing rapid results and the six-pack of my dreams, I was depriving myself of any social life and any good food.

While my friends went out and annihilated an entire plate of nachos, I sat back with some serious FOMO and my carrots (no dip, ugh). Now, almost two years later, I can finally, freely step foot into a restaurant without thinking – ‘how much will this set me back?’ and go all in for the chips and guacamole. Restaurants have made it much easier to eat consciously and not simply settle for the grease filled plate due to more people being cautious of their health and their eating habits. Here’s what I eat to indulge but also remain semi-healthy:

I am a true homebody – I live for my couch, Netflix, and a hot cup of tea. For the days where I prefer to stay cooped up in my cave, I always order from Fresh Healthy Café on Hudson Street. My go-to is the Southwestern Fiesta Wrap, substituting the meat for Portobello mushrooms on a spinach wrap. Tons of veggies included in this filling wrap with enough protein from the beans. Vegetarians have substantial amounts of ways to get their protein intake, too!

One of the first places I visited after moving to Jersey City was Beechwood Café. I’m all about omelettes, but too much of anything is never good so I like to go between the California omelette and the Arros Con Queso bowl (minus the sour cream). Both extremely filling and packed with veggies, I leave each time satisfied without feeling weighed down or ready for a nap. I’ve also caught myself steering towards the Tofu Hot Stone Bowl – steamed rice, FTW. Steaming rice is healthier simply because it doesn’t require any added fat and it prevents the loss of water-soluble nutrients. Carbs + protein = ideal post-workout.

Lastly, let me enlighten all the skeptics out there: vegan food can be really delicious! My go-to vegan spot in Jersey City has become Subia’s Vegan Café. I live for their Black Bean Burger post-workout as it has the right amount of carbohydrates to refuel while still letting myself live. On days where I want to grab something quick, I go for any of their juices or smoothies.

While these few restaurants are my tried and true, Jersey City has such a variety that conscious eating is becoming easier and easier. I hope everyone is able to experience all the wonderful food that Jersey City has to offer!

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New Jersey native, Lipsa has been residing in Jersey City since September 2016. Currently pursuing her Masters degree in English Literature, Lipsa is also an avid reader, yogi, and world traveler. Catch her for the few moments she is in Jersey City as she loves to explore new places constantly.
Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/lipsaaaaa