Fork Around and Find Out. . . . DeAndra’s Favorite Meat-free Restaurants
Let’s face it, we’ve all been through a lot over the past couple of years. Have you taken care of yourself? Your body? We hope so, but if not, we’ve collaborated with health advocate and VV Spot owner DeAndra Reasonover-Winjobi to bring you some good news about local restaurants whose menus are plant-based with the goal of promoting healthy eating habits.
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,
“Those who eat a plant-based diet lower their risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health conditions.
Research also shows that a plant-based diet can be less expensive than an omnivorous diet.”
Feeding your body nutrient-dense plants—either in addition to a meat-inclusive diet or exclusively—can lead to an overall improvement in how you feel physically, and your body will thank you.
Plus, there’s no better time than after January (resolutions not go as planned?), and also because the Upstate is now home to many more plant-based dining out options.
The transition to a more plant-forward diet can be daunting if you’re suddenly being faced with a fridge full of produce to prep and cook. To give you some added help on your health journey, here are some great restaurants that make it easy to fuel your body right when dining out.
Our criteria to make this *plant-based list was simple:
Does not offer any type of animal meat
Over 50% of the menu offers healthy options that are raw and/or minimally processed
The cooking is done onsite and not in a commercial kitchen or alternative location
BONUS: They offers dine-in and/or carryout orders
*see below for definition of plant-based and other similar diets
*NOTE
For the purpose of this article, the term “plant-based” refers to Oxford’s definition: (of food or a diet) consisting largely or solely of vegetables, grains, plants, or other foods derived from plants, rather than animal products.
Here are some other eating types that can fall under “plant-based” eating:
Vegetarian (consumes dairy and other animal byproducts)
Vegan (a lifestyle and diet that includes no animal products)
Whole food plant-based (oil-free, unprocessed food)
Ovo-vegetarian (consumes no animal products except eggs)
Pescatarian (consumes fish + vegetarian diet)
Full Meal Options
Naked Vegan
At this vegan safe haven in the Upstate, they’ve got it all—raw wraps, healthy salads, freshly pressed juices, smoothies, raw sides—SOUP TO NUTS 😉. For those not-so-healthy days, they’ve got vegan versions of ribs, burgers, chick’n sandwiches. Plus, you’ll love the names of the dishes including the fan-favorite “Hooker in a Skirt” (kale wrap).
Sunbelly Cafe
If you are looking for unique plant-based cuisine, this is the spot! Sourcing a majority of their produce from Mill Village Farms, you are literally eating farm to table. Enjoy Ethiopian stew, house-made plant-based burgers, delicious Asian dishes like curry, spring rolls, and more. Everything is made fresh to order.
Kuka Juice
A must-have when in the Village of West Greenville! Grab a quick snack like their protein bites, have lunch there with some of the best salads and unique sandwiches you’ll find in the Upstate including their Taco ‘Bout It Salad with cashew “meat” and Grilled Cheese Sandwich (vegan option available). Daily specials include a rotation of vegan cheesecakes and yogurt parfaits and other offerings, including juice plans.
Southern Pressed Juicery
Known for their cold-pressed juices but they offer so much more! Their smoothies and smoothie bowls are unmatched in texture and flavor. They offer vegan-friendly macaroons, doughnuts, cheesecakes, cookies, and puddings, plus various salads and other meal options.
The Herbal Farmercy
With a name like that, you know you are eating well for the body. This fully vegan restaurant’s offerings change weekly but are always delicious. Order their meal plans or simply grab a daily special. With meals like loaded parfaits, tasty oatmeal, tempeh salads, chick’n salad sandwiches loaded with veggies and more, it’s clear why they made the list! Plus, for those wanting a plant-based/vegan alternative, they also have offerings like meatloaf, mac n cheese, okra, dump cake, garlic roll, and lemonade. It’s some of the best vegan soul food in the Upstate!
Health in Hand
Tasty as Fit (Greenville location)
With their grab-n-go set-up, this is a hot spot for a quick lunch. They have amazing smoothies and acai bowls. And as is standard in the plant-forward restaurants, the menu changes seasonally. Enjoy the healthiest snickers bars you can ever find and other amazing options that are entirely plant-based, gluten free and minimally processed.
Health in Hand
For our Spartanburg friends, this spot offers delicious juices and smoothies. You can also enjoy their acai bowls and tasty lunch and breakfast options. The Kale & Hummus Wrap is angelic! (image provided)
Snacks and Desserts
Coco Bowlz
This local chain started in Greenville as a food truck is now “on the grid “with multiple locations throughout the Upstate. Offerings include tasty bowls and smoothies. Order one of their signature menu options or create your own. Absolutely delicious!
Canela’s Smoothies
Hey plant-based friends in Anderson, we have a spot for you! Canela’s is a smoothie bar that offers delicious smoothies, detox juices, and bowls made with 100% organic ingredients! Their menu even tells you the benefits of what you are ordering, like the “After Midnight” juice, which helps with reproductive health, or the “Aloha” that helps with heart health.
Village Blend
If you can blend it, they make it! Get a peanut butter cookie milkshake, a Mega Energy Tea, like the Wild Cherry Berry, or a protein shake! Whether it’s a physically healthy choice or a mentally healthy choice, this place will leave you feeling good.
Meet DEANDRA REASONOVER-WINJOBI
DeAndra Reasonover-Winjobi, MPH, NASM-CNC, NASM-CPT, AFAA-CGFI is the owner of VV Spot, a small business in the Upstate that promotes plant-based eating and a healthy lifestyle. VV Spot’s website is a resource, offering various lists by category of vegan-friendly restaurants in the Upstate. Their services include food tours, grocery store tours, personal training, and nutrition coaching.
You can learn more by visiting www.vv-spot.com. Follow VV Spot at @vv_spot or follow DeAndra at @vv_spot_fitness
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