rebar :: clean eating in victoria, british columbia

image via

As highlighted in my most recent outdoor adventure post, I had a blast exploring the wilderness of Victoria and Port Renfrew in Canada. However, one of my favorite discoveries on this trip was in the heart of the city - Rebar - a healthy, veggie-friendly restaurant in Victoria - whose motto "eat really well" resonated with me strongly.

Rebar Salad with Addtl Smoked Salmon

Ever since I changed my diet (started Crossfit) and embraced a more clean eating lifestyle - I've approached that concept of "eating really well" much differently than before. I used to love eating at the rich, gastropubs and trying new restaurants all the time. It was all about the foie gras, black truffles and the most decadent entree. Don't get me wrong - I still LOVE those aspects of fine dining and trying new places, but my love for my body has changed. I respect it on a whole different level, and as such, "eating really well" for me means gaining the necessary vitamins and nutrients to keep me refreshed and feeling energized. Enough about that, let's get to the good stuff - the reasons why I fell in love with Rebar. 

Upon entering the restaurant, my main squeeze and I immediately felt at home. It had the Seattle-like hipster vibe and reminded us of Local 360 since all of their food is fresh and sourced within the local area. One of my favorite things about Rebar is that everything is made in-house, too. All of the dressings, stocks for their soups and hand-cut herbs, as well as freshly grounded spices add an amazing touch to their meals. Learn more about their food philosophy here!

Additionally, I've never seen such an extensive juice menu before at a restaurant! All freshly squeezed and made to order - I was super excited to see more than five different choices for various juicing concoctions and smoothies - options for fruit only, vegetable only, fruit and vegetable, wheatgrass combinations, tonics and even coconut water based juices. 

If you're in Victoria, Canada for a day and a need a quick, healthy bite to eat - I highly recommend giving Rebar a try! A great way to refuel for those who are health-conscious, as well as for the veggie-friendlies and gluten-free folks. 

Rebar | Eating Really Well

50 Bastion Square, Victoria

hours:

monday to thursday 11 - 9 // friday 11 - 10 // saturday 8:30 - 10 // sunday 8:30 - 8

reservations:

250 361 9223

healo :: healthy and clean eating.

Ever since starting Crossfit, I've been on a whole new health kick. I'm sure you've all seen from my Instagram that I've been juicing and eating a lot more clean lately. As such, I'm always on the hunt for a new juice bar or yummy lunch spot where I know I'll get my much-needed dose of veggies. Also, it's nice to not have to sacrifice that meal as a "cheat meal" since it's hard to find tasty, paleo-friendly/healthy places when eating out.

Luckily, Seattle has definitely embraced that go-green, fit living attitude and there have been neat places popping up all over the city. A few of my favorites include Evolution Fresh (owned by Starbucks), Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe, Home Grown (they have gluten-free bread!) and of course, Veggie Grill. Recently after hearing all the raves from friends other peeps in Seattle, my friend Alyson and I had to go try Healeo.

On the corner of 15th and Madison in Capitol Hill, Healeo has cold-pressed juices, smoothies (even dairy-free ones!), salads, superfood bowls and acai treats. Let's just say we were a bit overwhelmed with all the menu items - so much to choose from. Everything sounded refreshing and amazing. We settled on some fresh juices and each her own bowl of healthy goodies. Alyson's Coconut Acai Bowl was really neat and even served inside a coconut!

omg. look how cute alyson is with her coconut!

I opted for the Kale Avocado Quinoa Bowl which also included some cabbage, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, beets, cucumbers and carrots. For my juice, I chose the skin detox.

I was so surprised at how full I was getting from my bowl - especially the fact that I've been eating a lot of meat lately to ensure my protein intake is high enough. I mean... that bowl was large and in charge... and I was stuffed by my last bite. It was a really yummy lunch, and I absolutely adored catching up with Alyson over our nutritious juices. 

Would I recommend Healeo? If you like your veggies, then heck yes. If you don't... start learning.

Let's just say I'm definitely coming back to Healeo soon and am really looking forward to trying out one of their smoothies when the weather gets hot. That Coconut Almond has my name all over it.

Do you have a favorite healthy lunch spot or juice bar? 

Share with me via tweet or in comments below!

xoxo

living and eating green.

image via

Green - that's today's theme, and I'm just loving every moment of it.

Sliced avocados and a clean green juice (apple, spinach, celery, cucumber, lemon juice and coconut water) kick started my day with a boost of energy. A cup of green tea during a team meeting to bring me zen and help me refocus for a few afternoon deliverables... and then a lunch break of collard green wraps filled with peppers, zucchini and cucumber strips, roasted chicken and mashed sweet potato.

There's just something about those beautiful, leafy greens that get me every time. Whether it's collards, spinach or Tuscan kale - I'm obsessed with them. The earthy taste and its versatility - juice, salad, entree, chip or side dish... it comes in all forms. 

Choosing to eat clean and healthy can be difficult, but there's no sense in losing great taste. Believe me, when I say I'd eat foie gras any day if I could, but most recently, I've been opting for that healthy choice... It's been four days of straight Paleo-esque/Zone diet eating. And I feel great! Did we lose flavor and zest? Nope.. just found new and healthy ways to make my meals exciting. Who would have thought that you could easily slurp up zoodles (zucchini noodles) just like normal spaghetti?

Below are a few of my recent favorites to help you make the healthy choice! 

Paleo Cowboy Breakfast Skillet :: Health-Bent

Good Morning Greens Juice :: Joy the Baker

Tahini Zucchini Noodle Bowl :: Love and Lemons

Edamame and Quinoa Collard Wraps :: Eat. Spin. Run. Repeat.

Ginger Citrus Salmon with Cucumber and Orange Salsa :: PaleOMG

Orange Sriracha Chicken :: Nom Nom Paleo

Cauliflower, Carrot and Parsnip Puree :: Nom Nom Paleo

Are you eating paleo, gluten-free, or choosing healthy options?

Would love to hear your favorite recipes in comments below!

xoxo