10 Healthy Restaurants for a Slimmer, Sexier You

It’s a new year, and we’re pretty sure we know what’s high up in your list of resolutions. Losing weight and getting back into shape is a struggle for most parents, especially with moms, who often pile on pounds while pregnant. And, admit it, despite these annual intentions, good food is good food, and dining with family and friends is always a great way to create wonderful bonding time moments, thus making it more challenging to stick to your diet. 

We hear you. Thankfully, not all meals have to be tasteless and boring to be healthy. This 2013, we urge you to satisfy your palate with dishes that not only burst with flavor and nutrients, but are also low (or even zero!) in dreadful calories. Check out our list of 10 restaurants for a slimmer, sexier you.

1. Sugarleaf

The tagline: “Foods that nourish.”

The unique proposition: Your “one stop shop of healthy food items in the metro”. They have a mini-mart of locally-sourced organic food that is “naturally weight-reducing, detoxifying, anti-oxidizing and energy-boosting". Their organic produce comes from a cooperative of certified organic farms that bear the stamp of approval from the OCCP (Organic Certification Council of the Philippines). 

The dining area seats 30 customers and they also offer workshops in organic farming, healthy cooking, and overall wellness.

Their bestsellers: Free-Range Chicken Goody Wrap (P238), Goody Kefir-Chia Smoothies in pina colada, mango-banana, mixed berry and strawberry (P150), Butternut Squash with orange soup (P85).

Average price per meal: P100-P280

Sugarleaf is located at Wilson Street in San Juan and at the MEDICard Lifestyle Center in Urdaneta Village, Makati. Visit their website or their Facebook page for details. 

 

2. Edgy Veggy

The tagline: “Fresh. Creative. Delicious.”

The unique proposition: Edgy Veggy started out as a way for yoga enthusiast, agriculturist and artist Denise Celdran in 2006 to promote the vegetarian lifestyle to both vegans and non-vegans. She first opened a stall at the Legazpi Market and then eventually started her own delivery service. 

Edgy Veggy’s menu offers pasta, paninis, meals made out of tofu, beans, salads, sweet snacks, vegetable dishes and soups in sets good for two as well as in party packages. They do not use white sugar, MSG or any processed food additives in their dishes.

They also offer a weight loss program diet called the Thrive Detox, designed to replace at least one meal per day with high-value food (e.g. smoothies, salads, super foods) for improved health, greater energy and less cravings. 

Their bestsellers: Tofu Steak (P230), Vegan Lasagna (P230)

Average price per meal: P250 to P300 for their Classic Menu and starting at P3,100 for their Thrive Detox Program

For deliveries, order a minimum of P500 worth from Monday to Saturday by texting Denise at 0917-8474831, or e-mail her at deniseceldran@yahoo.com. They delivery only in the following areas:  

• Makati (Legaspi and Salcedo Village), Rockwell, Dasmarinas, Forbes, San Lorenzo, Urdaneta, Magallanes
• Taguig (Bonifacio High Street, McKinley Hill)
• Pasig (Valle Verde 1 to 7, Casa Verde, Kapitolyo,  San Antonio Village)
• Ortigas (Ortigas Central Business District)
• Mandaluyong (Boni, Shaw)
• Quezon City (Corinthian Village, White Plains)

Edgy Veggy is located at #3 Brixton Street Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Visit their website and their Facebook page for details. 

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3. Yellow Halo Guilt-free Kitchen

The tagline: "Guilt-free kitchen"

The unique proposition: Part-owned by siblings Maxene and Elmo Magalona, Yellow Halo offers menu items such as pasta, sandwiches, chicken and seafood that are less than 500 calories each. Customers can choose among low-fat, high-protein, high-fiber, low-glycemic and gluten-free diet selections. Each meal strikes a balance with its mix of fruits, vegetables, protein and grains. They’ve also established a partnership with SureSlim Wellness Centre, which offers weight loss programs by way of regulating your metabolic functions.

Their bestsellers: Balsamic Chicken (P210), Citrus and Pear Salad (P130), Mongolian Beef (P230), Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese (P90)

Average price per meal: P80 to P300

Yellow Halo is located at the 22nd floor of Strata 100, Ortigas Center, in Pasig City. Visit their Facebook page for details.  

 

4. Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe

The unique proposition: Greens offers those who are on the ovo-lacto diet (a meatless diet comprised primarily of egg and dairy products) vegetarian Filipino and Western dishes, from veggie sticks, fried mushrooms, tofu kebabs, split pea burger, potato patties, fresh fruit shakes (even sisig!) and more.

Their bestsellers: Veggie sticks (P95), Grilled Mushroom and Tofu Kebabs (P116)

Average price per meal: P95 to P200

Greens is located at 92 Scout Castor Street, 1103 Quezon City. Visit their Facebook page for details. 

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5. FaBurrito 

The tagline: “Eat good, feel good.”

The unique proposition: FaBurrito prides itself with healthy, delicious, low-fat, and freshly-made food, done from scratch and prepared daily. They only use natural ingredients and avoid MSG and preservatives. Their dishes are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Their bestsellers: Burrito in a Bowl (P270), Tacos (P270)

Average price per meal: P180 to P300

FaBurrito is located at G/F Tower 2, The Columns Ayala, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Visit their website or their Facebook page for details. 

 

6. Corner Tree Cafe

The tagline: “The home of comfort vegetarian food in Manila.”

The unique proposition: The Corner Tree Café serves gluten-free selections from all over the world—Europe, the Middle East, Africa and of course, Asia—with a cozy ambience. They offer beverages such as wines, beers and cocktails, as well as house specials based on current events and international days.

Their bestsellers: Baked Tofu Walnut Burger (P310), Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna (P390)

Average price per meal: P280 to P300

Corner Tree Café is located at 150 Jupiter St. Bel-Air, 1209 Makati. Visit their website or their Facebook page for details. 

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7. Vegan Macrobiotics by Chef Alice Ty

The tagline: “Vegan. Macrobiotic. All-Natural.”

The unique proposition: Chef Alice Ty prepares ready-to-eat vegan dishes that can be easily defrosted and reheated on a toaster or on a pan, not via microwave. The Macrobiotic Diet believes in a proper balance of nutrients and energies in our food. This “balance” consists of vegetables, beans, whole grains, seeds and nuts. Each meal is made up of organically-grown fruits and produce, natural ingredients, and does not include any animal-based products, preservatives, additives, or artificial flavorings. 

Their bestsellers: Vegan Kare-Kare with Vegan Bagoong (P120), Vegan Gyoza (P100)

Average price per meal: P90 to P300

For deliveries, click here or call (02)87878, Mondays to Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

8. Pipino 

The unique proposition: Pipino creates a spin to traditional and well-loved Filipino dishes, using locally-grown fruits and vegetables. These dishes are 100 percent plant-based. They offer a variety of soups, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, noodles and entrees, all with the mission of proving to non-vegan Filipinos that no, vegan food isn’t bland and there is a way to make it wonderfully tasty and flavorful.

Their bestsellers: Vegetarian Kare-Kare (P165), Vegan Lasagna (P120), Portobello Inasal (P260)

Average price per meal: P80 to P225

Pipino by Pino is located at #39 Malingap Street, Teachers’ Village, Quezon City. Visit their website or their Facebook page for details. 

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9. Quantum Café

The tagline: “A healthy alternative”

The unique proposition: Quantum Café believes that food is the best medicine. They offer pizzas, curries, burgers, pasta, fish and vegetable dishes prepared the healthy way and without MSG, artificial substitutes or preservatives. Their menu selections are made from fresh ingredients and are made more flavorful with natural seasonings such as herbs, sea salts, spices, etc. None of their meals are deep fried; instead, these are baked, seared, stir fried, boiled roasted, or sautéed. 

Their bestsellers: Handmade Beef Burger Steak (P200), Sizzling Bangus Sisig (P190), Northern Mix Pizza (P150)

Average price per meal: P120 to P200

Quantum Café is located at 9590 Kamagong Street corner Bagtikan Street (at the ground level of Feron Building), Makati. Visit their website or their Facebook page for details. 

Note: Quantum Cafe is currently undergoing renovations and is set to reopen in March 2013.

 

10. Chimara Neo-Vegan Café

The unique proposition: Chimara Neo-Vegan Café uses “nude” or “cleaner” food—healthy, naturally-prepared meals made tastier with MSG-free seasoning. Their menu offerings have no preservatives or additives. They have popcorn, nachos, soups, pita wraps, sandwiches, as well as soy milkshakes and soy ice cream. 

Their bestsellers: Tofu Supreme (P120), Italian Sausage Pita Wrap (P130)

Average price per meal: P100 to P200

Chimara Neo-Vegan Café is located at 4/F Greenbelt 3, Paseo de Roxas, Ayala Center, Makati. Visit their Facebook page for details. 

Have you tried any of these restaurants, moms and dads? Tell us about your experience by leaving a comment below!

Next story: 4 Sexy Alternative Workouts for Moms

 

Photos by Steph Esguerra