#3natives

           As much as we would all love to be 100 percent prepared every single day with all of the meals that we need, it is unfortunately not likely. So, when you slept in and didn’t have time to pack a lunch, or it’s Friday and you’re going out to eat with some friends, I have a couple of suggestions for you! These options are great places to go when you want to have a satisfying meal or snack, but also stay true to your healthy lifestyle.

           The first stop on our list is a quaint little restaurant on University Avenue in Gainesville, Fla., that goes by the name of 3 Natives. 3 Natives is a popular restaurant for college students because of its laid back and cozy atmosphere, not to mention its delicious food! Their most famous dish is the acai bowl, a layer of frozen acai topped with fresh fruit and granola.

           Along with several different varieties of the acai bowl, 3 Natives offers refreshing smoothies and tasty salads and wraps. My personal favorite item from the menu is The Bird acai bowl with peanut butter! Click the link below to find out more about 3 Natives!

photo courtesy of: Kate Hellkamp

 http://3natives.com/

           The next stop on our healthy exploration of Gainesville is a Mediterranean escape known as Zoe’s Kitchen. Zoe’s serves an array of Mediterranean foods, and each item on the menu is true to the title of this blog: full of flavor and free of guilt! Here you can find salads that are anything but ordinary, wraps and pitas, and kebabs galore!

           Zoe’s Kitchen is a great choice when you are trying to eat lighter, but do not want to feel as if you didn’t eat at all. The food is authentic and the atmosphere is relaxed, the perfect combination for a great lunch or dinner date. My recommendation for a first timer would definitely be the Lean Turkey Pita, but if you’re feeling brave and want to explore the menu on your own, click the link below!

http://zoeskitchen.com/

           Well, we have reached the end of our journey! I hope that this blog helped you to see that living a healthy lifestyle does not have to mean painful diets and sacrificing great tasting foods. I encourage you all to try some of the recipes and restaurants that I have listed, I promise that eating healthy will benefit you both mentally and physically!

           In case you get stuck along the way, which I am sure will happen at some point because nobody is perfect, here is a link to a couple of sites that offer great tips for keeping up a healthy lifestyle! 

http://greatist.com/health/22-cheap-and-easy-ways-eat-healthy

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm

           However, I would like to end this blog with a piece of advice that I find extremely important. During your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, always remember to keep a good perspective on the situation. Don’t overthink it, try your best to fuel your body with nutritious foods but every once in a while when you really want it, have that pizza! 😊