Healthy Eating in Isla Vista
Isla Vista Restaurant Guide
Below is a list of 4 top spots that accommodate nutritional wellness and a variety of goals. All of these restaurants are extremely customizable as well as diverse. Each restaurant's location, menu, and review of its most standard meal will be provided below. Following the review will be ways to customize each meal into something that can accommodate health concerns, diet restrictions, and meeting other goals, such as removing rice to reduce carb intake or cheese for dairy allergies.
Freebirds
Information
Location: 879 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Contact: (805) 968-0123
Hours: 11A.M.-11P.M.
Type of food: Mexican
Menu: https://zmenu.com/freebirds-world-burrito-isla-vista-online-menu/
Freebird's Website: https://www.freebirdsiv.com/
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Review
Fulfilling and flavorful, Freebirds provides a healthy and well-rounded meal with their monster burrito listed above. It can be loaded with protein, from steak to barbacoa, allowing you to meet your protein needs. It is extremely customizable, allowing you to meet all of your dietary needs.
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If you want to lose weight, opt out of sour cream, dairy, refried beans, and rice for your meal to have less carbs and fat content. I typically order black beans instead of refried beans because they have a much lower fat content. They also have veggie options instead of meat, allowing you to still enjoy their burritos, bowls, and other options, even if you are vegan or vegetarian.
Hummus Republic
Information
Location: 6546 Pardall Road, Goleta, CA, 93117
Contact: (805) 770-8827
Hours: 11A.M.-10P.M.
Type of food: Mediterranean
Menu: https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/the-hummus-republic-iv-goleta
Hummus Republic Website: https://www.thehummusrepublic.com/locations-hours
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Review
These bowls are amazing because they are packed with loads of veggies that aren't typical to most ordinary diets, such as beets containing fiber, potassium, iron, and vitamins C. The foundation of the bowl is protein-packed hummus, which is not only delicious but also a great source of fiber and healthy fats. Alongside the hummus, you'll find a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables, adding a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your meal.
One of the standout features of Hummus Republic is its commitment to accommodating various dietary preferences. Vegans and dairy-free individuals will find themselves in vegan heaven at this restaurant. The Hummus Republic Bowl offers a plethora of plant-based options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without compromising their dietary needs. If you are looking to lose weight, get their kale salad instead of couscous, as it provides a variety of micronutrients and cuts the carbs out.
Poke Theory
Information
Review
Location: 6530 Seville Rd suite 102, Goleta, CA 93117
Contact: (805) 770-7228
Hours: Closed Monday, 12 P.M.-3 P.M. and 4 P.M.-8 P.M. Wed and Thurs, 12 P.M.-8 P.M. Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
Type of food: Poke, Hawaiian
Menu: https://www.poketheorysb.com/poke-bowls
Poke Theory Website: https://www.poketheorysb.com/
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One of my favorites in Isla Vista. I grew up eating Poke bowls, and this restaurant happens to be right next to my apartment. They also have an extremely customizable menu but with fish, shrimp, tofu, and a different array of vegetables and carbs.
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Speaking of protein, the nutritional benefits of fish in poke bowls are worth mentioning. Poke Theory offers an assortment of fish, such as salmon and tuna, which are excellent sources of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. The freshness and quality of the fish at Poke Theory truly shine through, making each bite a delightful and nutritious experience.
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The option of using tofu also allows people on plant-based diets to enjoy a refreshing poke bowl. By choosing this, you are not compromising taste as they use the same marinades and sauces for the tofu as they do with the other protein choices.
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Caje Cafe
Information
Location: 948 Embarcadero del Norte, Goleta, CA 93117
Contact: N/A
Hours: 7 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Type of food: Coffee, Acai, Breakfast
Menu: https://my-site-100558-105711.square.site/?location=11ea3689692f728a9fa50cc47a2ae330
Caje Cafe Website: https://caje.coffee/pages/cajeiv
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Review
I am an avid coffee drinker, constantly catching myself at Caje getting a coffee. However, I occasionally like to enjoy an acai bowl with my coffee as it is a perfect mix of sweetness and healthiness due to having a variety of fruit, grains, and natural sweeteners like honey and agave.
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This might not be the most protein-packed meal, but it is packed with micronutrients. Acai is known for its exceptional antioxidant content. These antioxidants help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, meaning they're extremely beneficial. Their toppings help as well. Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blueberries contribute additional vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to the bowl. Nut butter, seeds, and granola toppings add healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
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If Acai bowls don't float your boat, Caje also has bagels and other breakfast items. These come with a variety of toppings and are relatively healthy options if not overconsumed.