Hard as it may be to keep up those New Year’s resolutions of getting slimmer and being healthier with all these great new Toronto restaurants popping up, we do know that it’s possible to be a foodie while still getting fit.
That said, we Torontonians are generally super busy, perpetually exhausted, and never seem to have enough time to go grocery shopping. The result? We eat out far too often, gain weight as a by-product, and end up feeling pretty shitty about ourselves — especially given the elevated comfort food and alcohol-filled speakeasy trends of the last few years. Not exactly a therapist-approved way to start off 2015. Since we all know we’re just going to keep eating out, especially with Winterlicious 2015 around the corner, what we at Vv Magazine can do is offer up some Toronto restaurants with cool vibes that will help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions of being healthier and staying skinny. #NewYearNewYuppie
Four
For the Bay Street businessperson who wants to beat the bloat, Four provides an upscale dining experience featuring chef-driven, top-quality dishes with about half the calories you’ll find everywhere else. All plates are 650 calories or under, without skimping out on the important stuff (i.e. taste, texture, and flavour).
Pure Spirits Oyster House
Pure Spirits Oyster House in the Distillery District is an all-around winner for staying on the road to skinny without going totally health-nut. First, oysters have essentially no calories and are an aphrodisiac (aka the best way to get healthier and fitter). Also, you can avoid all them carbs with Pure Spirits’ amazing seafood and vegetarian menus that will keep you trim and guilt-free.
Fresh
Whether you want to kick meat to the curb, embark on a juice cleanse, or need to stop lying to your judgmental co-workers about where you ate lunch, Fresh is always a good option. With four locations around Toronto, this staple of vegetarian food, smoothies, and made-to-order juice is a favourite among visiting celebrities and hip locals alike. Why? Because it’s tasty, reliable, extremely customizable, and you can get it to go. D’uh.
Buca Yorkville
Not interested in vegan or vegetarian? We get it. That said, fish and shellfish are delicious meats that offer big flavour, lots of protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Our new favourite frutti di mare spot has got to be Buca Yorkville. The latest outpost of Chef Rob Gentile‘s Buca restaurants, they serve a selection of seafood dishes prepared in the Italian style with only the freshest ingredients.
Freshii
One of our go-tos during lunch, Freshii has an amazing selection of salads, wraps, and bowls to bring back to the office. If you really want to be stringent about what you’re putting in your body, you can also check out their website for nutritional info.
Grasslands
We know “vegan” can be a bit of a dirty word when it comes to foodies, but Grasslands may have you reconsidering your position on the matter. With crave-worthy menu items like mushroom-gravy poutine, nachos, and boneless “chicken” wings, you won’t even notice that you’re eating a PETA-approved meal.
Banh Mi Boys
Just because you’re eating grab-and-go food does not mean it has to be bad for you — or Subway. Besides having an awesome urban vibe, Banh Mi Boys has some great options that won’t have you huffing and puffing your way back to the gym. Both their eponymous banh mi sandwiches and steamed bao are stuffed with fresh veggies, meat, and tons of flavour. Also, vegetarian options all around.
Not sure what you should and shouldn’t eat? Need some weight loss-friendly recipes to make at home when not eating out? Check out “Lose Weight in 2015: Eat This… Not That.”