Westwood Village: Home to the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), bustling streets humming with activity, and a surprising abundance of healthy food choices. Forget the stereotypical image of late-night pizza runs fueling student life; instead, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the nutritious and delicious options awaiting you, whether you’re a student, a resident, or a visitor exploring the area.
But what exactly do we mean by “healthy food”? The term itself is subjective, often shaped by individual dietary needs, preferences, and health goals. However, at its core, healthy food generally encompasses whole, unprocessed foods rich in essential nutrients. It emphasizes balanced macronutrients, fresh ingredients, and options that cater to a wide spectrum of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. It’s about fueling your body with wholesome goodness that promotes well-being and vitality.
This guide is designed to navigate you through the vibrant healthy food landscape of Westwood. We’ll showcase top restaurants committed to providing nutritious and delicious meals, uncover hidden gems that prioritize fresh ingredients, and provide practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet amidst the hustle and bustle of Village life. Get ready to discover that healthy eating in Westwood is not only possible but surprisingly enjoyable.
Key Areas in Westwood for Healthy Food
The healthy food scene in Westwood is conveniently concentrated in a few key areas. Broxton Avenue, with its pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, boasts a variety of restaurants catering to health-conscious consumers. Westwood Boulevard, a main thoroughfare, also offers a selection of options, from quick-service establishments to sit-down restaurants with dedicated healthy menus. Hilgard Avenue, bordering the UCLA campus, features spots popular with students looking for nutritious and convenient meals. Exploring these streets will undoubtedly lead you to discover your own personal healthy food havens.
Top Healthy Restaurants in Westwood
Navigating the restaurant scene can be overwhelming, so let’s highlight some standout establishments known for their commitment to healthy and delicious cuisine:
Tender Greens
Tender Greens is a beloved choice for those seeking fresh, customizable salads, plates, and sandwiches. This restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting local farmers and ensuring peak flavor. Their menu offers a wide array of options, allowing you to build your own salad with a variety of greens, proteins, and dressings. The plates are equally customizable, featuring grilled chicken, sustainable salmon, or other protein choices paired with seasonal vegetables and grains. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. It’s a reliable option for getting a balanced and nutritious meal.
What makes Tender Greens a good choice? The emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients is a major draw. You can feel good knowing that you’re supporting local farmers while nourishing your body with wholesome food. The ability to customize your meals allows you to tailor your choices to your specific dietary needs and preferences. They are also transparent about their ingredients, making it easier to make informed decisions.
Sweetgreen
Similar to Tender Greens, Sweetgreen offers a salad-centric menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients. However, Sweetgreen has its own unique style, with signature salads and bowls designed to showcase the best of what’s in season. They also offer warm bowls featuring grains and roasted vegetables, providing a comforting and nutritious alternative to salads. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their ingredients, with eco-friendly packaging and a focus on reducing their environmental impact. Sweetgreen is a popular choice for students and professionals alike, offering a convenient and healthy meal option.
The appeal of Sweetgreen lies in its thoughtfully curated menu and its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The signature salads are expertly crafted, combining complementary flavors and textures to create a truly satisfying meal. Their dedication to using local and organic ingredients is evident in the quality and taste of their food. Plus, their eco-conscious practices make them a choice you can feel good about.
Native Foods
For those seeking plant-based options, Native Foods is a must-try. This vegan restaurant offers a creative and diverse menu featuring plant-based versions of classic comfort food dishes. From burgers and sandwiches to bowls and salads, Native Foods proves that vegan food can be both delicious and satisfying. They use high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques to create dishes that are bursting with flavor. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for a lunch date or a casual dinner with friends.
Native Foods stands out for its creative and delicious vegan cuisine. They are masters at transforming plant-based ingredients into familiar comfort food favorites. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about plant-based eating, Native Foods is sure to impress. Their menu is packed with options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Kreation Organic Juicery
If you are looking for a healthy snack, a detoxifying juice or smoothie, or a light meal, Kreation Organic Juicery is a perfect spot. Kreation offers a wide array of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy bites, all made with organic ingredients. Their juices are packed with vitamins and nutrients, providing a quick and convenient way to boost your health. Their smoothies are equally nutritious, blending fruits, vegetables, and superfoods into a delicious and satisfying treat. They also offer a selection of salads, wraps, and other healthy snacks, making it a great place to grab a quick and nutritious meal on the go.
Kreation Organic Juicery is a go-to destination for those seeking a healthy and refreshing pick-me-up. Their organic juices and smoothies are a convenient and delicious way to nourish your body with essential vitamins and minerals. The wide variety of options ensures that you can find something to suit your taste and dietary needs.
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
While CPK is known for its pizzas, it also offers a surprisingly good selection of lighter and healthier options. Their menu includes salads, soups, and grilled dishes that are lower in calories and fat than their traditional pizzas. Look for their “SkinnyLicious” menu, which features dishes with fewer than six hundred fifty calories. You can also customize your pizza by choosing a thin crust and loading up on vegetables. CPK provides a convenient and accessible option for those looking for a healthier meal without sacrificing taste.
The appeal of CPK lies in its familiarity and accessibility. It’s a great option for groups with diverse tastes, as everyone can find something they enjoy on the menu. Their SkinnyLicious menu provides a helpful guide for those seeking healthier choices. Plus, the ability to customize your pizza allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.
Stocking Up on Healthy Essentials
Beyond restaurants, having access to grocery stores and markets that prioritize fresh, wholesome ingredients is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a beloved grocery store known for its unique and affordable selection of healthy food items. They offer a wide variety of organic produce, nuts, seeds, grains, and other healthy staples. Their frozen food section is also a treasure trove of healthy options, from frozen vegetables and fruits to pre-made meals that are both convenient and nutritious. Trader Joe’s is a great place to stock up on healthy essentials without breaking the bank.
Trader Joe’s stands out for its affordability and unique product offerings. They consistently offer high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices, making healthy eating accessible to everyone. Their friendly staff and quirky atmosphere add to the overall shopping experience.
Whole Foods Market
For a wider selection of organic and specialty food items, Whole Foods Market is the go-to destination. This grocery store boasts an extensive produce section, a wide variety of natural and organic products, and a dedicated health and wellness department. They also offer a prepared foods section with a variety of healthy options, making it easy to grab a quick and nutritious meal on the go. Whole Foods Market is a great place to find everything you need to support a healthy lifestyle.
Whole Foods Market is known for its extensive selection and commitment to quality. Their produce section is unparalleled, offering a wide variety of organic and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Their prepared foods section is a convenient option for those seeking a healthy and delicious meal without the hassle of cooking.
Navigating the Westwood Food Scene: Tips for Eating Healthy
Navigating the Westwood food scene and making consistently healthy choices requires a bit of planning and mindful decision-making. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track:
Read Menus Carefully
Don’t just glance at the names of dishes. Take the time to read the descriptions of ingredients and preparation methods. This will help you identify dishes that are made with whole, unprocessed foods and prepared in a healthy manner.
Don’t Be Afraid to Customize
Many restaurants are happy to accommodate special requests. Don’t hesitate to ask for sauces on the side, substitutions (e.g., brown rice instead of white), or smaller portions.
Plan Ahead
If you know you’ll be busy and tempted to grab unhealthy fast food, pack healthy snacks or meals. This will help you avoid making impulsive choices.
Explore Different Cuisines
Many ethnic cuisines offer naturally healthy dishes. Mediterranean, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines, for example, are known for their emphasis on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Embrace the Bruin Plate
If you’re a UCLA student, take advantage of the healthy options available in the dining halls. The Bruin Plate offers a variety of nutritious meals, including salads, grilled proteins, and whole grains.
Moderation is Key
It’s okay to indulge in occasional treats. The key is to maintain a generally healthy diet and avoid overdoing it. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation without feeling guilty.
Healthy Options for Every Lifestyle
Westwood caters to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
Vegetarian and Vegan
Native Foods is an obvious choice, but many other restaurants offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Tender Greens and Sweetgreen allow you to build your own salads and bowls, choosing plant-based proteins and toppings. Many restaurants also offer veggie burgers or other vegetarian entrees.
Gluten-Free
Many restaurants in Westwood offer gluten-free options. Look for gluten-free menu items or ask your server about modifications that can be made to accommodate your dietary needs. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s also offer a wide variety of gluten-free products.
Other Dietary Restrictions
If you have other dietary restrictions, such as dairy-free or low-sodium, don’t hesitate to ask restaurants about their ingredients and preparation methods. Many establishments are willing to work with you to create a meal that meets your specific needs. Online resources and apps can also help you find restaurants that cater to specific dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Westwood’s healthy food scene is more diverse and accessible than you might think. From restaurants committed to using fresh, local ingredients to grocery stores stocked with organic produce and specialty items, the Village offers a variety of options for everyone seeking to prioritize healthy eating.
Now it’s your turn! Explore the restaurants and stores mentioned in this guide, try new dishes, and discover your own favorite healthy food spots in Westwood. Remember, eating healthy is not about restriction; it’s about nourishing your body with wholesome goodness and enjoying the vibrant food scene this Village has to offer. So go ahead, fuel your body, and experience the joy of healthy eating in Westwood!
