Asbury Park's Top Health-Conscious Food Spots

By no means am I a dietician or nutritionist; heck, if you asked me 4 years ago to discuss my favorite healthy local restaurants I would say you asked the wrong person... But today, things are different.

My name's Rachel, a local Asbury Park native who grew up around the shore and always enjoyed all that it had to offer. One day I decided I was sick and tired of being overweight and unhappy with my lifestyle. I turned to exercise first and then honed in on my eating to effectively and naturally lose 40 lbs over 4 years and have been maintaining it ever since. I certainly don't starve myself or have any strict dietary restrictions. I preach eating in moderation and counting macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats) so you can eat almost whatever you want, still have a social life, and reap the benefits of losing weight. You can read more about me on my blog: www.thatFITchick.net.

One of the most invalid claims I hear all of the time to losing weight or living a healthy lifestyle is that you cannot dine out. NOT TRUE! I, as well as many of you, are fortunate enough to live by the shore where there are many restaurants, smoothie shops, delis, etc. that have special care to design certain menu items for the health conscious diner in mind.

Whether you are someone who is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, kosher, etc., or, just someone who watches their diet, likes to know that they're eating real, fresh food, or maybe counts their macros like me, here are the best places to eat around Asbury Park.

And lastly, no- this post isn't sponsored in any way!! I'm just a health-nut who wants to share where they enjoy eating that doesn't break the bank or make them feel "guilty" for over-indulging.

1. Twisted Tree Cafe - 609 Cookman Ave

The Twisted Tree is one of MANY delicious spots to visit along Cookman Ave, but what makes them different is that their menu can be made custom to YOU and your diet restrictions. Most of their options are meatless to honor vegans, but you can sub-in or opt-out of dairy or gluten so your options are limitless. My personal favorite is their sweet potato wrap which includes a hefty amount of good carbs to recover my body post-workout with satiating avocado inside for a serving of healthy fat. Yum!

2. Lentil Tree - 805 5th Ave

Mediterranean food is always a good option for health-conscious people because you can max out on protein from meat and beans, carbs from rice and pita bread, and fat from feta cheeses, olive oils, chopped egg, etc. It's super filling, too! Lentil Tree is located right off of Main Street in the heart of Asbury Park where you can enjoy a great and easy lunch or dinner that will satisfy you and fuel your body with the right macro and micronutrients. Just like Twisted Tree Cafe, their menu can customize to your exact diet, lifestyle, or goals which is key for dining out and still enjoying what you like that won't affect your progress.

3. Juice Basin - 805 4th Ave

With a wide selection of juices, cleanses, shots, and smoothies; Juice Basin is your go-to if you're seeking a meal replacement or a cleanse system and refocus your body and get it on track! They have a solid clientele that swears by their juices and visitors to Asbury can enjoy a cold, refreshing smoothie on a hot summer day after the beach! I specifically like their smoothies when I just need a snack and don't want to resort to snack bars or packaged goods. Their "Asbury's Finest" is my favorite because it includes a scoop of protein besides the fruit, veggies, and peanuts!

These are only 3 out of the 100s of amazing gems you can find around Asbury Park and its' surrounding areas. Give them a try, comment what you ordered, and tell me how you liked it so maybe I can try it also!

Restaurant reviews for locals and also visitors to an area help them to know what to expect, but when you can seek advice about where to eat that will properly nourish your body, keep you on track with any fitness resolutions you may have or want to begin, and not make you feel bloated or tired is what this world needs! Hope I helped.