People often splurge on unhealthy foods when eating out even though a healthy diet has been shown to promote healthy pregnancy outcomes; support vital growth, development and aging; help maintain a healthy body weight; and reduce risk of disease. Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Healthy Eats articles and guide detail places to eat that offer the feeling of the “splurge” on excellent food, but still maintain healthy eating habits. An added benefit is that we can support local entrepreneurs and lower our carbon footprint by eating local foods.

Healthy Eats is a fairly new addition to Natural Awakenings. “We would be remiss if we didn’t promote healthy eating in a healthy living magazine,” says Michelle Smith, publisher. “I encourage readers to suggest their favorite local healthy places to eat and shop so that we can expand this feature. There are many healthy markets and restaurants that I likely haven’t discovered yet, especially outside of Baldwin County. I love finding new places that offer all natural or organic choices, along with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.”

Smith lives in Baldwin County where she and her husband frequent markets and restaurants that offer healthy options. Her plan is to discover new places there and to expand to Mobile County and the Mississippi Gulf Coast counties. “We gravitate toward places that have a reputation of caring for the planet, caring for their customers and providing excellent quality food and service. The Safari Club at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Sunflower Cafes, Agape Juices, Fairhope Juice Co. and Ahi Seafood Market are just a few examples of our favorites,” says Smith.

Readers have given lots of positive feedback on the Healthy Eats articles (not to mention the mouth-watering pictures). The International Goat even had a visitor who drove from Gulf Shores to Fairhope to get a sandwich!

“Not only would we like to hear about new markets and places to eat, but also the foods you love to eat there,” says Smith. “I love The Safari Club Tempura Cauliflower with rice flour and club soda batter with a buffalo or bulgogi sauce and their wood grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos take lunch to another level. One dish I eat often is Sunflower Café’s Sesame Ginger Stir Fry. Superb!”

The Gulf Coast is a great place for healthy food establishments in part because moderate temperatures allow for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and seafood is abundant. Farmers Markets and restaurants have a ready supply of fresh, local and wild-caught ingredients.

“I hope people will continue to get educated on the importance of choosing local, organic and sustainable food for the health of the body and the planet. As a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, I consistently stress the importance of eating a variety of vibrant, colored fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to fight inflammation and disease and boost the body’s immune system,” says Smith. “In that regard, we all need access to safe and nutritious choices regardless of location, income or socioeconomic status to meet dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. My hope is to promote Food Security for all by the end of this decade through awareness and continued education.”

To recommend markets, eateries and your favorite dishes, email [email protected] or send a message at facebook.com/NaturalAwakeningsMag.