A Healthier
Charlottesville
Trying to stay in shape while visiting our area this
summer, but still want to treat yourself? Look no further. Here is a guide to
keeping the weight off, but keeping the happiness on.
EAT:
Grab a bite without feeling guilty!
Deciding where to go out to eat can be tough, especially
in a place like Charlottesville where there are hundreds of unique and
delicious restaurants to try. On top of the fact that there are so many options,
sometimes it's hard to stay healthy when dining out. Here are two of my favorite
breakfast and lunch spots, local to Charlottesville, where healthy selections are
abundant:
Roots Natural Kitchen:
Did you know that vegetables can actually taste good
sometimes? If you didn't, try Roots and your life may be
changed forever. Roots revolutionized the meaning of having a salad for lunch.
From kale-based bowls such as the Mayweather with roasted beets, sweet
potatoes, chicken, goat cheese, and other delicious ingredients, to the more
hefty southwestern inspired bowl, the El Jefe, which features a brown rice base
with chicken, black beans, corn, kale, feta, pita chips, and onions, topped off
with a cilantro- lime dressing and sriracha, Roots has it all. If the
pre-designed bowls they offer don't appeal to you (which really, I couldn't
imagine that happening), there is also the option to make your own bowl and
choose amongst the wide variety of fresh ingredients they have available.
Looking for something for breakfast? In addition to
coffee, Roots also offers morning oats or chia-seed pudding, topped with
fruits, nuts, cinnamon and/or honey.
Juice Laundry: Organic, cold-pressed juice and
smoothies
Juice Laundry is the hero that we may not have deserved,
but a hero that Charlottesville needed. I know what you're thinking- it's just
juice! But you're wrong- it's much more than that. Nowhere else can make
blended vegetables taste so sweet and so refreshing. Ever thought of putting
kale, basil leaves, or cayenne pepper into a drink? I sure have not. Try one of
their smoothies, or make it into a smoothie bowl
topped with granola, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Looking for a more substantial lunch? Try their corn and
black bean salad, bowl of oats or quinoa, or their freshly made chili with
vegan sour cream.
BE ACTIVE:
Edge: Yoga, Cycle, and Performance Training
Sick and tired of your daily gym routine? Having trouble
motivating yourself to work out? Try a promo week at Edge- for $20, you can experience a week of
unlimited yoga, cycling and performance training classes! With small groups and
positive, motivational instructors, Edge makes getting in shape easy and fun.
Charlottesville Trails:
Who said getting in shape had to be at the gym? Try
biking, jogging or hiking one of the many beautiful trails in the area.
-Saunders-Monticello
Trail: This scenic trail leads up to
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, as the
well-maintained paths meander alongside Route 53. Stop by Kemper Park at the
base of the Parkway, with an arboretum featuring hundreds of various native
shrubs and trees from the region.
-Rivanna
Trail: A well-conserved, 20-mile stretch that extends with the Greenbelt
loop alongside the banks of the Rivanna River. Not only is it friendly to
joggers and bikers, it is also handicap accessible. With open spots for fishing
available and a plethora of wildlife roaming the area, take an outing to the Rivanna
Trail for a day of recreation, or a morning of exercise.
-Humpback
Rock: A classic hiking option with stunning mountain views! Wake up early
in the morning for the sunrise, or take a trip in the evening for the sunset.
Either way, you'll want to pack a camera.
With these recommendations in mind, remember that being
healthy doesn't have to mean hours locked in the weight room or saying no to
eating a meal out. It can mean spending the day outside, quenching your thirst
with a fresh smoothie, or taking a yoga class to heal both your body and your
mind. Life is about balance and I encourage you to treat yourself this summer.