Healthy Food Spots Around Austin
How is it already practically March? Have I followed my new year’s resolution of eating clean 3 meals a day 5 times a week? Does spaghetti for dinner & a glass of wine count? I mean…that is technically a fruit….
Well, if you are anything like me and are looking for restaurants in Austin to fuel your body with hearty veggies and fresh ingredients, look no further! Here in the 512 there are plenty of new and trusted fan favorites to ensure you can reach those NYE goals all year around. (And besides being healthy these spots could easily land on any top restaurants of Austin list!)
THE WELL
Located on 2nd street, The Well is fairly new to the Austin food scene. Their philosophy is as follows – “If it doesn’t taste good, then why bother? Everyone loves food.” – and if this isn’t enough to get you to come eat on their beautiful patio take a look at their menu.
Completely gluten, soy, and refined sugar free, they offer a wide variety of all-day smoothies, bone broths, toasts, salads, and various plates/tacos. The Well also has a specialized breakfast menu from 8am-11am. My current favorite is the “Clarity” smoothie. Packed with adaptogens such as lion’s mane, ginko biblo, & panax ginseng, it helps kick start my morning and give me instant brain clearness for the rest of the day.
ATXFOODCO
This is not your normal food truck – when you walk up to their location on South Lamar I swear you instantly feel at bliss. ATXFOODCO uses handpicked pure organic ingredients and an all-vegan menu, the food is immaculate every. single. time. On top of that, ATXFOODCO prides themselves on practicing zero waste management with each meal served. You can also purchase sea moss!! Delicious, and such a flex to have in your pantry.
A solid staple favorite of mine on their menu are their Electrified Blueberry Pancakes – made with Heirloom spelt, wild blueberry & wildcrafted sea moss, and topped with walnuts, hemp seeds, coconut flakes & agave. Are you kidding me? Delicious AND nutritious.
CASA DE LUZ
With a daily menu that changes every single day, Casa De Luz is a non-profit community center that goes beyond just having completely plant based, organic, gluten-free, oil-free and 100% vegan buffet-style cuisine. The sanctuary-like space also offers mediation classes and is founded on macrobiotic principles, making this Austin food staple a health sanctuary for any who wonder inside the fresh oasis. Casa De Luz can be found on Toomey Road, near Ladybird Lake.
NIXTA TAQUERIA
Located in a cinder-block building on 12th street, Nixta Taqueria resides in East Austin and values deeply on how they “genuinely give a lot of fuqs about your food”, especially their process of how their corn tortillas are made. Done through a process called nixtamalization, the corn at Nixta Taqueria is transformed by cooking and soaking it partially in lime powder. They have a wide variety of interesting taco combos, and their aqua frescas are no joke. My current favorite menu combination is getting a Beet “Tartare” Tosada – a tostada made of roasted beets, salsa macha aiolia, avocado crema, fresh horseradish and lime – and a fresh house made Horchata. Completely gluten-free, vegan, and tastes simply exquisite.
CONCIOUS CRAVINGS
Your Modern Vegan Cuisine – healthy fare with all of the taste. The Conscious Cravings menu consists of 100% fresh, vegan and nut free options ranging from hot wraps, salads, and smoothies. They offer a wide variety of plant-based protein options, ranging from their seitan chimichurri or pan seared tofu, you really cannot go wrong with any option available. My current favorite is the Chimichurri Seitan signature hot wrap – a wrap consisting of their house-made wheat protein nuggets, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, and chimichurri sauce. Conscious Cravings can be found in two different Austin locations, either on 1st Street in South Austin or on Airport Blvd in Muller.
The healthy Austin food scene is unlimited and is definitely worth taking a drive out of your way to find and try cuisine that will push your taste buds to new boundaries. Eating healthy does not have to be boring – here at the 512 the options are endless.
