With the New Year approaching, we all know what the most popular resolution we’re going to hear is—lose weight and be healthy. While the “losing weight” part might not ring true for everyone’s goals this upcoming year, it’s safe to say that making healthier lifestyle choices is a plus for anyone.
So while experimenting with new diets and hitting the gym is great, there are many small, simple changes one can make in their lifestyle—and amazingly the Tampa Bay area has a lot to offer in this area!
Eating Out
As surprising as it might sound, it’s not impossible to find restaurants that are healthy AND tasty. Just swing by some of these local restaurants:
-Vegetarian/Vegan: Loving Hut, Café Hey, Kaleisia Tea Lounge, Oxford Exchange, Boca, The Refinery, Rooster & The Till
-On the go: Fitlife Foods, ReBuilt Meals
-Casual: Tampa Pizza Company, Evos, Fresh Kitchen, VALE Food Co., Fruitwood Stand Up Market, So Fresh
-High end: Seasons 52, On Swann, Edison Food & Drink Lab
-Exotic: Bamboozle Café, Zukku, Samurai Blue
Groceries
Overwhelmed trying to make healthy picks on your shopping trips? No fear, these markets, and shops have large selections of organic, natural foods.
-Abby’s Health and Nutrition
All 100% organic with an easy grocery layout to find selections for specific diets, such as gluten-free or raw. Inside the store is also Cafe Eden which serves healthy wraps, organic smoothies, and freshly squeezed juice.
-Rollin Oats Market and Cafe
If you're a vegetarian/vegan this will probably be your new favorite grocery mart. Not only do they carry organic produce and products, but they also have a deli, bakery, and large dining area. Everything is organic and natural, plus the majority of options are vegetarian and vegan, along with pastries that cater to gluten and peanut allergies.
-Nutrition Smart
There are six locations in Florida with a couple in Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel. They have an extensive selection of organic groceries, gluten-free products, natural pet care, vitamins, herbs, aromatherapy, sports nutrition, beauty care, green household products and more! Get all your weekly shopping done in one stop.
There are a lot of Floridians out there that strictly shop at Publix! If you're watching what you eat try Publix in SoHo for more organic and fresh options. Don't worry they still sell pub subs and fried chicken for your next cheat day!
Weekend Fun
It’s easy to lounge around on the weekend or opt for something sedentary like going to see a movie, but Tampa has a wide variety of outdoor activities (get that fresh air and Vitamin D!) and adventures for you to take—all for a free or low cost.
-Biking: Suncoast Trail, Pinellas Trail
Suncoast is well maintained and a favorite; the trail begins in northern Hillsborough County and winds through Pasco and Hernando County. The Pinellas Trail is an urban, unique one that spans 38 miles from St.Pete to Tarpon Springs--pass by country parks, coastal areas, and more.
-Kayaking/Canoeing: Hillsborough River State Park, Lettuce Lake Park, Starkey Park
These state parks offer canoe and kayak rentals which are fun for all--great for families or a cute date activity.
-Hiking: Flatwoods Park, Brooker Creek Preserve
We're surrounded by beautiful sights of nature, so might as well take advantage of that! Both have paved paths that are excellent for hiking.
Stress Relief
It's shown that high stress contributes a great amount to illness, and can even promote weight gain. What better way to relieve stress and find your inner chi than to take up a free yoga class?
-Sundays at Curtis Hixon Park @5 p.m. (@6 p.m. in the summer months); hosted by Yoga Downtown Tampa
Follow our advice, and you will lead a successful New Year's resolution. All it takes is the motivation, dedication, and a positive attitude. Why wait for tomorrow? Do it now!
For more information on dining choices in Tampa check out 813area, your local guide to your favorite city!
