By Sophie Pappas
While many people started their New Year’s diet resolutions in January, national statistics show that the serious dieters, and the ones who are most likely to stick to a healthy-eating plan, are actually more likely to launch their healthy lifestyle in February once the buzz around resolutions has died down.
“It makes more sense to start a diet [this month],” said Jane Flanders, a retired nutritionist in Carmel.
Current in Carmel explored some of the best restaurants to dine at, where patrons can enjoy a variety of dishes and not break the calorie bank.
- Vitality Bowls— 110 W. Main St., Carmel
This new spot in downtown Carmel is buzzing with locals raving about their fresh options for snacks. The bowls of fruits, fibers and add-ins are a great option for those with a sweet tooth who might not want to indulge on classics like cake and cookies. The smoothies are also a great pick.
- SoHo Café and Gallery—620 S. Range Line Rd., Carmel
This café ranks number one on the vegetarian list for Carmel compiled by time-trusted vegan and vegetarian company Happy Cow. SoHo Café serves meat options, but daily will have vegetarian soups and sandwiches to choose from, many of which are veggie-based.
- Yats—12345 Old Meridian St., Carmel
Another great pick for vegetarians and dieters alike. While creole and Cajun cuisine might not seem like healthy foods because they come with high pilings of rice and bread, diners can ask for rice and bread on the side, and not on the same plate as the creole curries. This way, everyone can enjoy their Cajun chicken without the hassle of accounting for extra carbohydrates.
- The Flying Cupcake—831 S. Range Line Rd., Carmel
It might seem odd, but the words ‘cupcake’ and ‘healthy’ can go together, as least when it comes to having a ‘healthier cupcake.’ This day in age, dieters (and not just celiac sufferers) are cutting gluten from their foods in order to help starve fat and sugar cells in the body (equaling weight-loss). The Flying Cupcake in Carmel makes vegan and gluten-free cupcakes daily, although for large orders patrons are encouraged to call ahead.
- Amber Indian—12510 N. Meridian St., Carmel
Amber Indian, deemed by many local Indians the most authentic Indian cuisine in Indy, is one place where it is completely possible to have a healthy, and hearty, meal. The Amber lunch buffet is particularly good for dieters because it has a full section of salad items (plain veggies and fruits, with spiced-up dipping sauces such as mango chutney). If diners skip over the rice and naan selections, many of the meat and vegetable entrees can be enjoyed healthily. Even the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are good options, because in Indian cuisine the “butter” used is actually “ghee,” a purified version of butter that it known for its internal healing benefits and help in moving oxygen throughout the body.
