From the New York Skyline to the to the San Francisco Bay, we’ve come a long way since we started our healthy living guides. This week, we’re finally arriving in sunny Los Angeles, California! With its palm tree lined streets, pristine beaches and Louis Vuitton clad celebs, there really is no other city like LA. Once you get off the beaten path (and out of the traffic on the 101) you will find that Los Angeles is so much more than just Hollywood. The city has so many outdoor activities, beautiful year-round farmers markets, and healthy restaurants to offer. Here are a few of our favorite hangouts in LA.

Not in the LA area? Check out our Healthy Living series for options in your area.

Restaurants

	Pressed Juicery Multiple locations Created by IIN graduate, Carly Brien, Pressed Juicery is the best place in all of LA to get fresh pressed, organic juice. Stop into one of their 3 locations for a delicious green juice, or if you're in need of a serious detox, participate in one of their juice cleanses - 6 fresh juices, plus 2 supplemental beverages delivered to you daily!
	True Food Kitchen 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 172, Santa Monica At True Food Kitchen, the entire menu is centered on the principals of IIN Nutrition Expert, Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Food Pyramid. The menu is packed with healthy whole grains, proteins, and nutrient rich vegetables – you can’t go wrong, no matter what dish you choose!

Located in the southern most tip of California, San Diego is one of the most desirable locations to live in America.  And it’s no surprise; just one look at the pristine beaches, palm trees, and carefree residences soaking up the sun is enough to convince anyone to call San Diego home! The city also has a strong health and wellness movement, with dozens of yoga studios, state parks, surf beaches, and health food cafes! If you are in need of a little R&R, San Diego is the perfect spot to kick back and relax on the beach, green juice in hand!

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego - and you should - here is a list of our favorite healthy hang-outs in the area, along with some beautiful state parks that capture all of the beauty of Southern California!

Not able to make it down to San Diego? Check out the healthy options a little closer to home in our Healthy Living Guide series! 

Restaurants

	Café Gratitude Multiple Locations Café Gratitude has several locations throughout California, each serving 100% local, organic, and vegan fare. The food is free of refined sugar, flour, and additives. They also have several raw options on their menu.
	Casa De Luz 2920 University Avenue This Macrobiotics restaurant was founded on the philosophy of living the best life you can by feeding your body the best possible foods. The chef creates balanced and organic meals for optimal health. For a delicious, always vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free meal, head over to Casa De Luz. They also have a location in Austin, TX!

San Francisco is one of my all-time favorite cities. From the cable cars rumbling down the steep streets to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge peaking out of the fog, how could you not be charmed by this picture perfect city? One of my favorite things about San Fran is the diversity of its neighborhoods. Looking for an authentic slice of pizza and unrivaled views of the city? Head over to the Italian district, North Beach. If you’re in the mood from some boutique shopping, head over to Filmore Street in Pacific Heights. And of course, a trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt through Chinatown, which happens to be the largest enclave of Chinese culture in America.

Like many cities on the West Coast, San Francisco is a health-minded city with no shortage of healthy restaurants, parks, and farmers markets. Here is a list of a few of our favorites in the area – make sure you check them out next time you are in the Bay Area!

Not  planning a trip to San Francisco? Check out our other Healthy Living Guides for healthy options a little bit closer to home.

Restaurants

	Café Gratitude Multiple Locations Café Gratitude has several locations throughout California, each serving 100% local, organic, and vegan fare. The food is free of refined sugar, flour, and additives. They also have several raw options on their menu. This is the perfect place for a relaxed brunch or lunch with friends in the funky Mission district of San Fran.
	Roam 1785 Union Street This burger joint serves delicious burgers made of 100% grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, or all-natural bison as well as organic veggie burgers. They source their ingredients locally and pair the burgers with delicious Straus Family Creamery Shakes, house-made sodas, local brews, or wine and kombucha that they have on tap!

2011 was a monumental year for sustainable food! We saw more and more restaurants with seasonal, local and organic menus pop up across America. Home cooks also moved toward a more sustainable lifestyle by shopping at farmers markets, natural food stores and joining local CSAs. We’ve taken a look at some of the top Sustainable food trends from 2011, published by Grist and The Daily Green, and couldn’t be more excited about the leaps and bounds of progress that has been made!

Wine On Tap

The traditional process of bottling and shipping wine around the world is a expensive and not at all sustainable. A growing number of restaurants in the US, for example The Breslin in New York City, are starting to stock their more popular wine options on tap. Yes, you read that right. Now, instead of popping the cork at your table, waiters will pour you a glass of pinot noir straight from the 20-liter barrel they have behind the bar.

Washington D.C., our nation’s capital, is home to so many historic sites and monuments that define America’s history. A stroll down the Mall will take you from the Capital Building, past several Smithsonian Museums, the Washington Monument, the White House and the Vietnam Memorial – just to name a few! If you are visiting Washington D.C. or even if you live in town, there is never a shortage of attractions to see. To fuel you through the sightseeing, luckily Washington D.C. also has an abundance of healthy restaurants . We’ve complied a list of some of our top choices that we recommend for tourists and locals alike!

Be sure to check out all of our Healthy Living Guides for wholesome, delicious options across the country!

Restaurants

Litestars
2101 L Street, NW

This popular lunch spot is located right in the heart of DC, near George Washington University, the Business District and Dupont Circle. Litestars strives to offer a convenient and fast meal that is also healthy and energizing. Choose from their extensive menu of soups, salads and sandwiches made with fresh produce and whole grains.

Chix
2019 11^th Street, NW

Chix is located just a few blocks from Howard University and a residential street. They are committed to serving healthy, natural Latin-inspired cuisine in a relaxed and friendly environment. The restaurant is also environmentally responsible by using earth-friendly materials for all of their packaging, cleaning and paper products!

Philadelphia is a city known for its professional sports team spirit (go Phillies!) and the ballpark foods that go along with it: cheese steaks and soft pretzels. While it is fun to indulge in Philly’s finest from time to time, exploring all of the healthy food options that Philadelphia has to offer is even better. From vegan bakeries to farm-to-table restaurants, this city has it all. And the best part? Most of these restaurants take full advantage of their close proximity to some of America’s best organic farms by locally sourcing their ingredients! 

For more healthy options around the country, have a look at all of Integrative Nutrition's Healthy Living Guides!

Fuel
1225 Walnut Street

The first of its kind, Fuel is a famed Philadelphia restaurant where everything on the menu is under 500 calories! The menu features several paninis, wraps and salads all made with 100% organic ingredients, and the vibe of the restaurant can only be described as very Southern California – relaxed and upbeat!

Sweet Freedom Bakery
1424 South Street

Created by two IIN graduates, Allison Lubert and Heather Esposito, Sweet Freedom Bakery is Philly’s first and only gluten-free, vegan, allergen-free bakery. If you’re craving a cupcake, but not the sugar and toxins that go with it, head over to Sweet Freedom for a guilt-free treat! Our favorite is the Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcake!