What are the latest and greatest health-related products? How can I spice up my ho-hum workout? Are the new nutritious food products and health-focused restaurants worth my money? If you're asking any of these questions you've found the right spot!Note: While I'm a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and am a Certified Health Education Specialist, I don't replace the guidance/counseling that comes from a good chat with your doctor or dietitian. For more information, feel free to contact me at karlaswalsh@gmail.com!
Healthful Bites
My Mom, sister Sarah and I made a trip to Chicago a few months ago to see the musical Jersey Boys and experience other fun things bigger cities have to offer. One of those great things: fantastic healthy restaurant options!
I took a hint from my friend and blogger extraordinaire Jenn and led my family to Karyn’s Cooked. The Karyn behind the “Conscious Comfort Food” restaurant is Karyn Calabrese, a holistic health leader. She also offers a raw cafe and home delivery vegan meal plan.
We chose Karyn’s Cooked (rather than raw) because my Mom and sister generally aren’t huge fans of all of the health nut restaurants I drag them to. The “cooked” concept is closer to traditional restaurant fare and the menu offerings can’t be misconstrued as rabbit food (this happens sometimes when I pick the restaurant)!
Upon entering the restaurant, your blood pressure instantly slows: the decor is very zen-like. The brass decor, bamboo accents and mellow lighting provide an atmosphere almost reminiscent of a spa.
We began with an appetizer of hummus (ground chickpea dip) and sliced vegetables. The vegetables were crisp and fresh, the hummus well-spiced and not overly oily.
After browsing the menu, I opted for a bowl of chili which came with a side of cornbread.
So healthy, hearty and warm—you can even see the steam rising from the bowl! This really tasted meaty, very reminiscent of traditional comfort food. Thumbs up for sure!
My Mom ordered the falafel with potato wedges and cole slaw. I love the fact that the default carbohydrate is whole wheat. Plus, there is a great balance between the important macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, fat) within nearly every menu item.
Sarah chose the green enchiladas which were stuffed with mashed potatoes and served with Mexican rice and black bean dip. Look at that presentation! Karyn’s makes all of their dishes look so appetizing, since we do eat with our eyes too!
I highly recommend Karyn’s Cooked if you are in the Chicago area. It’s slightly more expensive than the average casual family dining establishment, but that extra money pays for the high quality ingredients and lovely ambiance. Worth it in my opinion!
Hopefully we’ll be back in Chicago soon. It’s such a fun Midwestern escape! I’ll leave you with a picture of my favorite Chicago landmark: the Water Wall in Millenium Park. Can you spot my Mom and me?
