Texas is best known for its barbecue, Tex-Mex and southern comfort foods, but healthy cooking has quickly found its spot in the mix. In a time when we’re all being more conscious about our bodies and the planet, this is exactly the kind of food we want to eat. From seasonal, local ingredients (even some grown in their own gardens!) to dishes to fit any dietary lifestyle, these healthy Texas spots have got you covered.
Picnik – Austin
Looking for something gluten-free? This may be some of the best in the state that serves versions of some of your favorites like fried fish tacos and killer ice cream sandwiches but without the proteins found in wheat. The fresh-baked gluten-free bread and desserts always draw in a crowd, but be sure to order the coffee. Each cup is laced with grass-fed butter which is believed to curb your appetite and increase your energy and cognitive function.
Vinaigrette – Austin
Fresh organic greens are the center of attention at Vinaigrette, where “farm-to-table” isn’t just a buzz phrase–it’s a fact! Grab a seat in the shade of a five-hundred-year-old Oak tree on the expansive patio and choose from over 20 colossal salads. One of our favorites is the Omega Salad which is packed with chopped leafy greens, sweet corn, bell pepper, tomato, avocado, red onion and cilantro – all vegetables from the chef’s own farm.
The Good Kind – San Antonio
This San Antonio spot is all about comfort food, but not in the way we usually talk about our cozy favorites. Each dish will give you a peace of mind that it’s good for your body and good for the environment. With two locations, one at the famous historic Pearl and the other in Southtown, you’ll find smoothies, sandwiches, bowls, juices, and more. And on special occasions, the Southtown spot hosts yoga, workout and meditation classes!
True Food Kitchen – Houston
True food is truly what this restaurant is all about. The health-driven spot is a collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil, a leader in the field of integrative medicine and author of several books about using food to heal. All their dishes, like the Winter Immunity bowl, packed with anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants and immunity-boosting veggies, feature only seasonal ingredients that come from local sources.
Phoenicia Specialty Foods – Houston
While shopping for unique and hard-to-find international ingredients, don’t forget to grab lunch at Phoenicia Specialty Foods. This all-in-one bar, café and grocery store has an impressive variety of foods from over 50 countries, plus a huge salad bar, freshly pressed juices, falafel, shawarma, and an incredible deli with olives, feta, and charcuterie. It was even recognized by Cooking Light Magazine as being one of Houston’s best healthy places to dine and experience the city’s diverse culinary scene.
We love your show, Tanji. You are a familiar face to me as I lived in San Antonio for most of my life until just recently. Now retired, my wife and I live in Georgetown. My sister and I went to Galveston in August and we ate at Vargas Cut and Catch and Rudy & Paco’s. We loved both restaurants and enjoyed meeting both Denise Vargas and Paco, who you had on your show. Denise told us that you later flew back to Galveston just to eat again at Vargas. You really know where to eat in Texas! Keep doing the great job you’re doing and we will keep watching.
Best wishes and Cheers, Jerry
Thank you so much for the kind feedback, Jerry!