Cooking: Healthy Eating for Spring

JULIE SOEFER

Local Foods’ Spring Harvest Salad and Gulf Coast Shrimp Skewers (inset)

Marinated Shrimp with Shaved Vegetables Salad from Alice Blue

A BETTER YOU

Eat Healthy and Enjoy!

by robin bArr SuSSmAn

Each year, most of us resolve to a cleaner, leaner and more responsible diet. But busy people don’t always have the time and energy to prepare a nutritious meal day after day. These six spots — located in popular areas all over restaurant-rich Houston — make healthful food both approachable and delicious. Dig in!

LOCAL FOODS

If fresh is on your agenda, trust Local Foods, which sources ingredients from farmers and ranchers in the Houston area. You can’t miss with the gorgeous salads and inventive sandwiches, which are large enough to split with a friend. Try the roast beef with curried cauliflower and horseradish aioli on a sesame bun. For a perfect winter lunch, the lime-kissed chicken posole soup with poblano peppers soothes the soul. 2424 Dunstan Road, 713-521-7800; 2555 Kirby Drive, 713-2554440; 5740 San Felipe Road, Suite 130, 713-789-0642; and downtown location at 420 Main St., 713-227-0531; www.houstonlocalfoods.com

ALICE BLUE

Formerly named Shade, chef Claire Smith’s rechristened Heights cafe is a breath of fresh air. The updated menu features colorful Mediterranean fare that tastes as good as it looks. Highlights include a marinated shrimp salad with shaved vegetables and citrus vinaigrette and the light tuna crudo with tomato and basil. For that carb reward, sample the homemade bread and pastas like eggplant agnolotti with goat cheese, sweet peppers and scallions. Weekend brunch means egg dishes galore or house granola with yogurt and fruit. 250 W. 19th St., 713-864-2050, www.alicebluehouston.com

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

True Food Kitchen calls itself the purveyors of nourishment for the wellness-aware. The menu is based on health guru Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet emphasizing flavor-forward choices served at the peak of freshness. Favorites include the organic kale salad, turkey burger with smashed avocado, sustainable seabass with sugar snap peas and ancient grains and butternut squash pizza. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1700 Post Oak Blvd., 281-605-2505, www.truefoodkitchen.com

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Cedar Plank Salmon from Seasons 52

HS Green’s Falafel Bites

SEASONS 52

This national chain takes the guesswork out of dieting. Calorie counts are listed on the menu, which includes dairy-sensitive, vegan and vegetarian choices. For starters, indulge guilt-free in spinach and Brussels sprouts dip or lobster ravioli. Creative salads incorporate proteins and fruit, or choose a meaty entrée like beef short ribs or braised lamb shank. Seafood lovers will relish the luxurious selections, including cedar plank roasted salmon with crushed potatoes (580 calories, FYI). CityCentre, 842 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, 713-464-5252; 4410 Westheimer Road, 713-621-5452; www.seasons52.com

HS GREEN FRESH FOOD KITCHEN

Here’s a handy Galleria-area eatery popular for a quick lunch. The counter-serve menu, complete with vegan and vegetarian choices, proffers smoothies and bountiful protein-filled salads to heartier fare like turkey burgers and thin-crust pizzas. For dinner (table service), consider the tender grilled pork chop served with fresh vegetables. At happy hour, expect healthier than usual bar food at a great price. Think falafel bites, chicken satay and blackened shrimp with mango pico. 5092 Richmond Ave., 713-904-3547, www.hsgreen.menu

POKÉWORKS

Pokéworks features a customizable “Poké Your Way” menu for guests to build their own bowl with a variety of healthful, quality ingredients. Besides the tuna classics, choose proteins ranging from traditional fresh ahi tuna and salmon, flown in daily, to options of albacore tuna, scallops, shrimp, sous vide chicken and organic tofu. Also popular is the signature sushi burrito. 213 Heights Blvd., 832-271-7392, www.pokeworks.com

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