Every new year, most Americans vow to eat healthier. And we are here to help. We’ve rounded up seven spots in Washington County where you can be healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Sumo Shabu Shabu Korean Barbecue 250 Red Cliffs Dr. St. George
Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11:30-11 p.m. Sunday, 12-9 p.m.
(Ryanne Day| St. George Eats) Food from Sumo Shabu Shabu Korean Barbecue.
Bring the sizzle back to your table with interactive cooking fun. Cook it, dip it, eat it, every bite is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. While the restaurant specializes in beef, healthier options include shrimp, and make sure to order lots of veggies! You can also order ramen from the adjoining Soul Ramen & Noodle Bar. There are plenty of salad options, and the ramens come with mushrooms, green onions and seasonal greens.
The Hearty Beet Cafe 969 N. 3050 East, Ste A2, St. George
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sundays.
(Ryanne Day| St. George Eats) Food from The Hearty Beet Cafe.
You know them as the bright yellow food truck next to the mall. But now Hearty Beets is serving up the same deliciousness from a brick-and-mortar spot just down the road from Costco. And let me tell you I’ve got a slight addiction to their beet lemonade (okay, it’s a full-on obsession).
If you haven’t tried their nachos yet, run, don’t walk. They’re fully gluten-free, totally vegan (made with cashew cheese), and ridiculously crave-worthy. Take your meat-loving friend… they won’t even know.
We also tried the Greek bowl (made with hummus, cucumber-tomato salad, cashew tzatziki — so fresh!) and ended with the lemon blueberry “cheezecake” with a dreamy date crust.
HB Beverage Co. 190 W St. George Boulevard, St. George
Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Mondays.
HB Beverage Co. relocated here from Seattle, bringing with them their amazing healthy bowls full of fresh fruit and granola, açai bowls, fresh-pressed juice, and so many other incredible items.
You can choose from a variety of different types of bowls, from more crunchy with a little salty and sweet, to a tart and deliciously sweet vibe.
And don’t miss out on their black lemonade with charcoal mixed in to help boost your digestive goodness.
This is definitely a place to enjoy some deliciousness and healthy options. HB Beverage is dairy-free, gluten-free, and guilt-free.
Gaia’s Garden Café 695 S. 100 West, St. George
Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Mondays.
(Ryanne Day| St. George Eats) Food from Gaia's Garden Cafe.
Gaias Garden Café is one of those places where every dish feels thoughtful and full of flavor. It now serves 100 percent vegan dishes, though you can add eggs and honey by request.
Here’s what we tried recently this time:
They also feature a section filled with incredible products from local artists, perfect for finding unique gifts or just supporting the community.
The patio was the perfect spot to enjoy the food and the warm winter weather.
Hawaiian Poke Bowl 175 W 900 S, St. George
Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or until sold out. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
(Ryanne Day| St. George Eats) Food from Hawaiian Poke Bowl.
This is one of my all-time fave spots for poke.
Fun fact: poke started in Hawaii with fishermen seasoning raw fish right on the boat. Now it’s a full-on flavor experience, and Hawaiian Poke Bowl brings those island vibes to the desert.
How much healthier can you get than fresh fish? I also opt out of the rice and add extra cabbage. Here is a little secret, everything is made fresh daily and when they are out, they are out. So get there early!
Jersey Mike’s Subs, various locations
Sunday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
(Ryanne Day | St. George Eats) Food from Jersey Mike's Sub.
Healthier sub at Jersey Mike’s?
Like always, I get mine in a bowl so I can skip the bread and the gluten, and you can too.
My go to orders:
I’ll still add oil and vinegar and all the seasoning because flavor matters, but you can absolutely skip the dressing and mayo if you want to keep it lighter.
Same great flavors, just a smarter way to order.
Aubergine Kitchen, 613 S. Mall Drive, Unit G3, St. George
Sunday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
(Ryanne Day | St. George Eats) Food from Aubergine Kitchen.
Aubergine is always a healthy option.
Not only is the food healthy, but the way they source their ingredients really sets them apart. Almost anything you choose on the menu, whether it is a salad or a bowl, you are getting a great mix of vitamins from the vegetables, fiber from veggies and grains like quinoa, and quality protein from options like tri-tip or chicken.
My favorites
Pro tip. You can always get the dressing on the side to control your calories. You might want to skip the gluten free rolls though. That one is so hard for me to do.
Note to readers • We are collaborating with southern Utah foodie Ryanne Day to bring you information about the new restaurants she profiles on her popular Instagram account St. George Eats, where she is occasionally paid for her posts.
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