It may be hard to stick to your diet when dining out with friends and family. Dr. Desiree Van Bogart shares her top hidden gems to find some healthier options when eating out.
Inflammation No More
Have you heard that seed oils are detrimental to your health? Products made from canola, corn, cottonseed, and sunflower seeds contain a higher concentration of omega-6 fatty acids. These oils, when heated, will cause inflammation in the body that is not good for your overall health.
Our first hidden gem of a restaurant is knocking out seed oils in all their sauces and many of their breads. In an industry where cheap oils run rampant, this is quite a task, and one that Dr. Desiree finds to be very admirable. “I love good comfort food once in a while, but it’s more comforting to know I won’t get bloated after a big meal.”
JellyBean & Julia’s in Anoka is right next door to Desired Health Chiropractic. Try this BBQ restaurant for a much healthier option to cut back on hidden crud in your food.
Gluten-Free Galore
Another food that causes inflammation is gluten, a protein found in many grains. It can also cause brain fog, fatigue, and skin conditions in many people; so avoiding or reducing gluten as much as possible sounds like a good idea all around.
Dr. Desiree found a delicious restaurant in Andover that serves a huge variety of gluten free items that always hit the spot. You can even order a gluten free cauliflower crust pizza! Margie’s Kitchen + Cocktails in Andover makes most of their food from scratch and has some fancy drinks from local breweries to serve up as well. One of Dr. Desiree’s favorite hangout spots is on the patio at Margie’s in the summer.
Ditch the Pesticides
Have you ever eaten an apple right off the tree that wasn’t treated with any pesticides? The taste is fresher and the fruit has richer notes of flavor. Pesticides on crops and hormone treated animals make farming and ranching more profitable. However, those chemicals can cause unforeseen health complications.
If you are looking to eat more organic foods, then you must try The Tipsy Chicken in Elk River. As one of the best scratch kitchens in the area, they try to source as much of their meat and produce locally as possible. And organic is one of their top priorities to keep their food tasting rich and fresh. A great farm style decor along with down to earth people, make this a fun place to get a bite to eat.
Tea-rrific
Drinking tea has been a long known benefit to a healthy lifestyle. Many teas have antioxidants which help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and help detoxify the body. If Dr. Desiree isn’t drinking a cold brew coffee, she will certainly be sipping on some tea.
If you have not tried The Mad Hatter Restaurant and Tea House in Anoka, then you have been hiding in a rabbit hole. This whimsically decorated tea house has a huge variety of perfectly prepared tea. You can also enjoy some delicious scones or try their unique brunch options. Before you leave, make sure to head upstairs to the gift shop to bring home some loose tea leaves to brew at home, and keep the health benefits going strong.
Good quality food, prepared with passion and a little extra attention, makes every meal more enjoyable. We are always on the lookout for hidden gems around town. What restaurants would you add to this list of healthier options in the Anoka area?
Dr. Desiree Van Bogart, a chiropractor in Anoka, loves sharing unique information to help people live a healthier life. Make sure to follow her on social media to join in the community and learn more about As Seen At Dr. Ds.