It’s 2020 and you’ve had it with eating out! The unhealthy, greasy fast food is making you feel tired and sluggish. But meal prep is so time consuming and even the easy recipes become complicated after an exhausting day at work.
Ever thought this? At least once a year… in January? Yeah, most of us have only to become resolved to make healthier choices. But those healthy choices have fallen under the misguided idea that all eating out is unhealthy.
AMAZING NEWS: It’s not!
Phew! Big sigh of relief right, because who really wants to cook for themselves? (Oh you do? Just wait, we’ve got some great news for you, as well!)
It’s 2020 and guess what… you live in AUSTIN! We Austinites love to be healthy, and we also love to be entrepreneurial. Mix the two together and you have some dynamite healthy restaurant options.
Here are some of our very favorite fast food choices for eating out, fast and healthy, while also supporting (mostly) local businesses.
**Editor’s note: Originally published in 2019, this post has been updated as of January, 2020.
Flower Child
Healthy Food For A Happy World
If you’re looking to satisfy several different diets, Flower Child has you covered with options for carnivores, veggie, and gluten-free alike. Their fresh menu also includes both Kombucha and organic wine on tap, as well as local beers. We suggest the Avocado Hummus and Vietnamese Crunch Salad. New for 2020, both locations have added the following items to the menu: Turkey Bolognese Zucchini Lasagna and Massaman Curry Beef Pot Roast.
With two locations at the Domain North Side and on Second Street, both restaurants are located next to parking garages making access a breeze.
True Food Kitchen
Healthy Living Starts At Our Table
If you’re looking for a healthful, casual environment in downtown Austin True Food Kitchen at Seaholm is the place to be. They’re all about nutritious food filled with seasonal veggies and packed with flavor. Meat eaters can enjoy Sustainable Seabass and Grass-Fed Burgers. Veggie and gluten-free patrons can partake in a plethora of items from the whole menu (not just salads and appetizers) including pizza, sandwiches, entrees, and dessert.
True Food also has a full-service bar with handcrafted cocktails complete with freshly pressed juices, wine, and local beers.
Honest Mary’s
Food To Make You Feel Good
If a hearty, fresh meal is more your thing look no further than Honest Mary’s. They specialize in made from scratch grain bowls to keep you full and energized. They’re dedicated to using non-GMO oils, never use refined sugar, and only offer responsibly-sourced animal proteins.
With updated signature bowls like Dear Quinoa and the Butternut Spice bowl, you can add a protein or eat it straight veggie. They also have a build your own option making it perfect for Paleo in your family. You can learn more about all of their delicious new bowls HERE.
Order online and dash in to pick up when you’re ready — they have a dedicated shelf to grab your food so you don’t have to talk to anyone on days when you’re really hangry! New for 2020, Honest Mary’s now has a Rosedale location!
Casa De Luz
When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need. – Ayurvedic Proverb
If you’re looking for an all vegan, all organic option look no further than Casa De Luz. The relaxed, ultra-casual environment features buffet-style serve yourself meals in cafeteria-like setting. You can check out their website to see the daily menus that includes soup, salad, veggie entrée, lots of dark leafy greens, grains, and beans.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner they’re located right behind Barton Springs next to Zilker Park.
JuiceLand
Healthy Choices, Habits, And Lifestyles
If raw AND vegan is more your thing, check out JuiceLand. They offer energizing, delicious, fresh juices and smoothies. For a quick lunch, you can also pick up on of their plant-based grab and go meals that include salads, sandwiches, burritos, and bowls.
New to juices and smoothies? Try their Moontown smoothie, for a yummy chocolate kick akin to a chocolate shake; or any juice with extra apple for an extra sweet sip that hides the veggies. With nineteen locations through the city, and one more on the way, Juiceland is an easy choice for any area!
Baby Greens
Austin’s Original Healthy Fast Food Restaurant
If you just want a quick, yummy salad then Baby Greens is the place to go! In true Austin-style they created a “health food revolution” from a simple drive-thru. Now, with a separate menu for meat eaters and one for veggies, Baby Greens is the perfect destination for any diet. Each salad or wrap is made-to-order so you can so you can pick and choose the individual ingredients. With a convenient location on W. Anderson Ln, this is the ideal fast food restaurant for health conscious individuals! We recommend checking out one of their signature Asian salads or wraps and adding the protein of your choice.
Poke-Poke
The Surfer’s Sashimi
Another raw option, but for the sushi lovers! If you don’t know, Poke refers to a Hawaiian appetizer of raw tuna or salmon cut into chunks and marinated. Poke-Poke is the first made to order Poke in the mainland, with Austin being the chain’s second location.
You can choose their tuna (JT’s Poke Bowl) or Salmon (Shiso Salmon Poke) options, or you can create your own! Not a fan of fish? They’ve got you covered with Tofu Poke and Veggie Poke Bowl options as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbFpuSGBrpD/?taken-by=pokepokebowls
Snap Kitchen
Designed For Your Lifestyle
Perhaps the easiest health-conscious restaurant on the list. Download their app and use it for fast, breezy pick-up or delivery of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks! Snap Kitchen has well balanced options for all diet types either one meal at a time or stock up for the week.
According to their site they make “healthy, hand-made meals for busy people.” With popular choices like Spaghetti Turkey Bolognese, Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon, Or Grilled Kale Hoppin’ John you’ll be sure to find a speedy meal to keep your diet flourishing.
Soup Peddler
Austin’s Premiere Liquids Emporium
Maybe you’re looking for a little bit more of a warm and tingly feeling from your fast food, then check out Soup Peddler. Not only do they have amazing hand-made soups, but they also have salads, sandwiches, juices, and smoothies.
This fully organic restaurant, located in five locations through Austin, is perfect for a quick, cozy, robust meal.
Picnik
“We Make Good Food That Also Happens To Be Good For You”
Looking for a little caffeine kick while you stay on track? This restaurant/coffee shop is focused on convenience with the benefits of better ingredients. Picnick includes all types of diets and food allergies when creating their menu items, and it also happens to have butter coffee.
With three Austin locations, you can choose a grab and go meal, or opt to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their flagship cafe on Burnet. Added bonus to the flagship store: cocktails. And to make your experience even more convenient you can order straight from their website and choose the easiest time for pick up.
Central Market
Learning Never Tasted So Good
But wait, maybe you’re one of those crazy, high-energy folks who loves to make a home cooked meal at the end of the day! That’s where Central Market comes in. Not only can you grab a fast lunch there, but you can also pick up some ingredients for dinner, all after you learn how to make that dinner! Your favorite healthy grocer also teaches cooking classes at their North Lamar location. Offering creative class themes related to things like Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and more, you can keep up with their schedule of classes here.
With so many choices throughout Austin and the surrounding areas its easy to stay healthy, even if you’re in a hurry. Looking for other healthy Austin options? Check out these posts.
Featured photo via Honest Mary’s Facebook
