Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank, even if it might feel like it does sometimes. Here are four attainable options around Columbus.
Portia’s Café
4428 Indianola Ave.
Portia’s Café is a vegan, gluten-free, and organic restaurant that is suitable for many dietary restrictions. They believe in fueling the body with natural ingredients but not compromising the taste. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s also affordable, so you aren’t breaking the bank for a healthy meal. I personally love to pair soup with my meals, especially in the colder months, which we are unfortunately still experiencing in central Ohio. Portia’s soups range from $3 – $5 for a cup and $6 – $9 for a bowl. The red lentil is wholesome with red lentils, garlic, and lemon, and it’s a flavor that could flex between the colder and warmer months.
Other dips and starters include different dips like guacamole, hummus, and salsa with chips, or you can try a combination of four of their dips for only $9! All dips are served with your choice of “dipper,” including chips, rice crackers, and vegetables. After you finish up the appetizers, move on down the menu to their different wrap options. You can get a half wrap, a full wrap, or have it made into a bowl. Wraps range from $7 – $9 for half size and $10 – $14 for full size, with a wide array of options.
If you’re still hungry after all of that, round out the meal with a dessert. You’d be surprised how many sweet treat favorites can be made vegan!
The Chicken Pesto Parm and Steak Honey Crunch bowls from Sweetgreen. Photo by Sophia DeComo
Sweetgreen
700 N. High St.
While nationally known, Sweetgreen is relatively new to the Columbus area. One thing I love about them is that their website makes tracking macros easy if that’s important to you. Each menu option comes with a breakdown of the calories, protein, carbs, and fat, so you can quickly choose the bowl that best suits your needs, not just your taste. From rice bowls to salads, and kids’ meals that can serve as the perfect light lunch or snack plate, they have it all.
The bowls might be your best bet if you’re looking for a heartier option. Opt for the crispy rice bowl with blackened chicken, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, cilantro, roasted almonds, crispy rice, wild rice, arugula, spicy cashews, and lime. This bowl is under $14 and is packed with protein and veggies! My personal favorite is the chicken pesto parm, also under $14, and includes all of my favorite flavors like roasted chicken, spicy broccoli, tomatoes, shaved parmesan, breadcrumbs, quinoa, spinach, and pesto vinaigrette; not to mention it’s 38g of protein.
The salads are just as good. If you want an exclusive option, the super green goddess salad is available online only and has all the makings of a great power salad – kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, cabbage, spicy broccoli, almonds, chickpeas, and carrots – all topped with green goddess ranch. Even better, it’s under $11. The buffalo chicken is another great, high-protein option that is also refreshing and light. Filled with blackened chicken, tomatoes, feta, carrots, pickled onions, breadcrumbs, chopped romaine, and shredded kale, Caesar and hot sauce, it will only cost you $13.75 for 37g of protein.
They have so many different flavor combinations, there’s enough for you to come back again, and again, and again.
Alchemy Kitchen
1439 Grandview Ave.
When I think of brunch, I think of greasy hangover cures. Alchemy serves up a menu just as good, but also good for you. It’s a great spot to grab a bite on the weekends, and maybe even catch up with friends. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, the smoothies are between $9 – $11 and are stacked with nutrients to fuel you throughout the day. The PB Power is a great option with banana, peanut butter, cacao, maple syrup, and housemade almond milk for $10. Get a burst of energy by adding cold brew for an additional $1.50 or choose from their menu of “smoothie magic” for $3, including stress support, gut nourishment, immunity boost, and focus.
In terms of meal options for something more filling, opt for the classic breakfast where you get a bit of everything including eggs, bacon or avocado, herbed potato hash, whole wheat toast and house jam for $14, or the cowboy burrito for $13 filled with eggs, bacon, cheddar, latkes, and cashew cream wrapped in a red pepper wrap. You can also grab savory small bites from their sides, like avocado toast for $6.50, latkes for $7, a fruit cup for $5, or a micro-super salad with greens, radish, crispy chickpeas, and lemon vinaigrette for $7. If you want brunch but you’re not feeling eggs, the lunch menu is just as expansive.
The Balboa and El Toro bowls from Roots Natural Kitchen. Photo by Sophia DeComo
Roots Natural Kitchen
808 Grandview Ave.
One of the newer additions to the Columbus scene is Roots Natural Kitchen at the corner of Grandview Ave. and Dublin Rd. Roots is a smaller chain that started in Virginia, but we are happy to welcome them to Ohio. Not only are they affordable, but more surprising is the bang for your buck. When visiting, I ordered the “El Toro” limited-time special with black beans, brown rice, charred corn, kale, spicy banana peppers, creamy chipotle lime dressing, crispy onions, queso fresco, and the star of the show – steak asada. Better yet, it was easily enough for two meals with the amount of protein stacked on the bowl. Another delicious option was the “Balboa,” complete with brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, charred corn, avocado, pita chips, feta, lime-pickled onions, lemon tahini, Caesar, and adobo chicken. Both bowls were under $15.
If the pre-planned menu options don’t fit your needs or strike your fancy, you are also able to build your own bowl. Starting with a base, five included ingredients, before you get an upcharge for anything additional, a dressing, and a protein. Roots is a great value with great flavor, and we will be repeat customers.
