If you are anything like our family, you find yourself out and about often enjoying a fun activity and then all the sudden your stomach starts growling! When this happens it can always be an instinct to pull into the first fast food place we see to appease our hungry tummies (and the whining going on in the backseat). With a little bit of research and preparation however, you can have a list of places on hand that you can take your family to and know that you all will eat something both delicious and healthy! Check out our top 10 picks around our area and keep them in mind next time your hunger strikes on the go!
Cava
27750 Crown Valley Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949-200-7662
Cava is a Mediterranean inspired quick dining restaurant with multiple locations in Southern California. At Cava you can find healthy meals that suit different taste preferences by building your own dish. Choose a base (grains or greens), a dip or spread, a protein, fresh toppings, and homemade dressings and you have a well rounded meal. Online use their nutrition calculator to see how your meal stacks up to the daily guidelines. Cava does not use artificial additives or preservatives and meals are low calorie and low in fat. Many vegetarian and gluten free options as well!
Urban Plates
26661 Aliso Creek Rd
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 424-6160
Urban Plates serves fresh, local, sustainable ingredient based meals that are flavorful and healthy for your body. Everything is made from scratch so you will not find any unnecessary chemical preservatives and the taste will never be stale. The chefs that prepare your meal are friendly and engaging as they serve up your meal and as a plus, these nourishing meals come at an affordable price.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
30451 Avenida De Las Flores
Suite C
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 264-6800
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a one stop shop for healthy adult meals, kids meals, snacks and smoothies - you can find something here for everyone at a reasonable price. For the healthiest options, forgo the bread and go for the fan favorite bowls. Instead of heading out for ice cream with the family, you can also pick up some delicious superfood smoothies which you can also add several supplement options to. Kid friendly smoothie options are also available. Nutritional information is easily accessible on their website as well including a list of vegetarian and gluten free options!
Veggos
23615 El Toro Rd, Q
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 305-3593
Veggos is a quick service restaurant with several vegan menu choices. Many ingredients are raw and unrefined and always fresh. Healthy super foods are incorporated into salads, sandwiches, smoothies and even desserts. A great way to get your veggies in when eating out!
Hummus Bowl
27741 Crown Valley Pkwy
Suite #329, Unit 10
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 625- 6282
Hummus Bowl has a variety of menu options with the focus being on their made-from-scratch spouted hummus. They incorporate fresh, healthy produce with no additives or preservatives. They are also big on sourcing locally and sustainable. With several hummus bowl options to choose from and a variety of sides, you are sure to find something that will please the whole family!
Barbonzai
24301 Muirlands Blvs. Ste. S
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 446- 8322
Barbonzai is a quick service, Mediterranean food based restaurant that uses flavorful and simple ingredients to produce wholesome meal options. Made from scratch meals are infused with exotic Mediterranean spices and loaded with veggies + fresh produce. Many menu options to choose from including many vegetarian and vegan choices and even desserts!
Active Culture
111 S. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 276- 4625
Active Culture is all about healthy, organic, and eco friendly meals at a reasonable price. You will find a variety of menu choices for all meals including breakfast, acai bowls, juices, smoothies, and even multiple kids meal selections! Their ingredients are fresh and organic and there are several options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free diets.
Sajj Mediterranean
22245 El Paseo Suite A
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 709- 7779
Sajj Mediterranean creates meals using ingredients that are all locally sourced and healthy. They pride themselves on staying true to the Mediterranean culture by creating exotic and flavorful meals and serving those with excellent customer service and friendliness. The menu has both build-your-own-bowl selections as well as sides and kids menu options that are all made with the healthy conscious in mind.
Grabba Green
29880 Santa Margarita Pkwy
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 329 - 5858
Grabba Green is best described as healthy Fast Food. They use whole foods that are cooked to order and the food is fresh with no preservatives or artificial sweeteners. Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients plus eco-friendly packaging make this restaurant chain Earth friendly! Menu options are plentiful including bowls, soups, smoothies, juices, snacks, and even separate kids and breakfast menus!
Tender Greens
530 Spectrum Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 679- 9135
Tender Greens serves up menu options that boast seasonal freshness, locally sourced ingredients, and tons of unique flavors. Customers can put together their own plate (protein + green + side) or choose from a selection of salads, sandwiches, sides, soups, and even desserts! Chefs are always coming up with exciting new dishes and offer them up in the Chef's Special. Menus are also friendly for those with a vegan or gluten free diet making it easy to stay on track when you are out and about!
I hope this list has been helpful in pointing out some healthy places to eat with the family when you find those hunger pains calling! We are blessed in this area of Orange County/Mission Viejo to have so many wonderful activities, events, and places to explore that it can be easy to find yourself out of the house often (which is a great thing)! It's nice to know though that being out of the house doesn't have to mean sacrificing eating right. As it turns out, there is always healthy eating nearby.... so stay healthy friends!
Author
Dr. Mikaeya Kalantari has been a practicing pediatric dentist for over 7 years working in both the children's hospital setting and private practice. She has had a wealth of experience treating children of all ages, and medical conditions. When it comes to serving children, she feels the importance of communication between the dentist and parent can not be emphasized enough. Dr. Kalantari practices in her family owned dental office in Mission Viejo, California.
