We Make Healthy Taste Good.
After the holiday parties and the over-indulgence of Christmas cookies (and cocktails), comes the start of a new year and the inherent desire to turn over a new leaf. In addition to working out and exercise, a healthy, balanced diet is important when looking to improve your overall health. While it may seem difficult to sub out the French fries for a salad, there are some healthy options that taste great while also making you feel great.
We’ve rounded up a few healthy options that you can grab in Pepper Place that will help move you towards your health & fitness goals in 2020.
The Vegetali Sandwich from Bettola
Local Roasted Eggplant, Peppers, Mushrooms, Red Onion, Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Arugula // $8
Vegetarians around town know this sandwich, and they know it well. No need to fear carbohydrates here – this menu item is packed with healthy sources of carbs that will fuel you for exercise and the day-to-day. The robust flavors of these vegetables come together between two slices of freshly baked bread. Olive oil doesn’t just add flavor, it is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and offers strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Huck’s Beet Salad from Blueprint on 3rd
Celery, Orange, Cornichon, Walnuts, Arugula & Goat Cheese // $11
While the menu at Blueprint on 3rdis always evolving to utilize local, seasonal ingredients, you can always count on them to have a salad that is satisfying while still healthy. The walnuts in this salad act as a source of healthy fats and are rich in antioxidants. To top it off, beets have been correlated to improving athletic performance and are a great source of fiber and Vitamin C.
The Tumeric Trifecta from FarmStand by Stone Hollow
Flu Buster: a Concentrate of Turmeric, Ginger, Lime, Honey, Cayenne // $12
Turmeric Vinegar: Turmeric, Ginger, Honey, Lemon, Red Pepper, Organice Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemongrass Hydrosol, Garlic, Cinnamon, Clove, Star Anise, Cardamom // $16
Turmeric Lemonade: Spring Water, Turmeric, Lemon, Raw Honey, Ginger//$9.50
Over the past year, Turmeric has been a popular in the health industry – and for a number of reasons. It has several scientifically-proven health benefits, including the potential to prevent heart disease and cancer. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help with symptoms of depression and arthritis. You’ll find Turmeric woven into several of FarmStand’s products. The Flu Buster concentrate is great for this time of year, when the flu and viruses are floating around. The Tumeric Vinegar allows you to work this special ingredient into your everyday: drink it, shoot it, mix it, blend it or spike it – to name a few. We recommend adding it to your seltzer water or using it to spice up a salad dressing. Lastly the Turmeric Lemonade takes your childhood favorite and makes it healthy. Using raw honey to sweeten the beverage, there’s also a hint of ginger to help improve your gut health.
Harvest Roots from Hop City
Seasonal Flavors Vary // $7 for 12oz
For those that don’t drink alcohol or are perhaps taking some time off, Hop City offers Better Kombucha on their draft list. This citrus-forward beverage is surprisingly free of alcohol but great for digestion. Kombucha is a fermented tea that is rich in probiotics and antioxidants, leaving you with a happy, healthy gut. The best part is that this kombucha is made right here in Birmingham!
The Quinoa Bowl from The Lumbar
Quinoa and brown rice tossed with green chile and roasted street corn topped with dill, cilantro, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes and avocado, served with green chile ranch // $9
Re-fueling after a tough workout can be as important as the workout itself! This balanced bowl provides everything you need to recover: healthy fats, carbohydrates and protein. The avocado in this bowl will help your body with hormone production and recovery. Brown rice, corn and cherry tomatoes are all healthy carbohydrates that fuel you for the rest of your day or your next adventure. Quinoa, an ancient grain, is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. If you’re really looking to add protein to your diet (to help build and repair tissues), we recommend adding Seared Yellowfin Tuna for just $3.
Shrimp Avocado Toast from OvenBird
Shrimp, Avocado, Pickled Onion, Serrano, Radish, Herbs on Toast // $12
OvenBird takes the avocado toast you know and love and brings it to another level. Pickled onions not only add to the flavor, they help lower blood pressure. The shrimp on top is a rich source of protein and has been proven to promote heart and brain health. Lastly, avocado doesn’t just add a buttery texture – it is your source of omega-3 fatty acids.
A Smoothie from The Red Cat at Pepper Place
Mango Puree, Banana, Greens, Ice & Water// $4.15
Giving you the option to pick from a variety of fruits – banana, strawberry, peach, mango, pineapple and/or coconut crème – a smoothie from Red Cat boasts no added sugar and 100% pure fruit. The fruit flavors overshadow the serving of greens that are in the smoothie too. Kale or spinach, take your pick and get your greens in!
