Bites from The Apple (as featured in Mesmer Magazine)

Bites from The Apple

New York City is full of temptation, the most tempting of all being food. There are restaurants, cafes, bars and take out eateries everywhere you look, rendering it difficult to make healthy choices when it comes to dining out. The availability of space in an average New York kitchen - or lack thereof - also adds to the need for dining out. America is one of the most, if not the most overweight nation in the world, with the fast food industry dominating the food market. This fact was highlighted with the release of 2007's 'Supersize Me' when brave film maker Morgan Spurlock took on the challenge of eating McDonald's 3 times a day with dire consequences. Though the food giant retorted their cuisine was not meant to be eaten as a solid diet and they have made some serious changes to their menu, the bulk of their offerings still remain the same - nutritionally lacking, fried fast food.

The long-lasting effects of fast food chains such as McDonalds are also starting to cause growing concern, especially as the bulk of their advertising is aimed at children and younger people. Having products such as fast food and candy advertised in children's TV time slots can lead to unhealthy food choices in later life, thus perpetuating the epidemic of obesity. Obesity can also contribute to ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and some cancers. But the buck doesn't just stop with television. The internet and magazines also play host to a myriad of unhealthy food and drink options are are a lot less easy to censor.

For those of us wanting to escape the weight gain train there's no need to lock ourselves indoors, exercise 24-7 and discard everything in our kitchen besides fruits, vegetables and the occasional piece of gluten-free multi-seed unbleached artisan bread. Nor must we eat in every night using organically approved politically correct ingredients from the holy church of Wholefoods which collectively cost more than we earn each week. A well-balanced and healthy diet full of plenty of proteins and fresh vegetables coupled with regular exercise is the best way to combat that fat, and there are many and varied healthy alternatives for the native New Yorker who feels like an indulgent night out with a tasty moment on the lips without the lifetime on the hips, and some are downright ethical to boot:

ZEN PALATE
http://zenpalate.com/
Union Square, Theatre District and Upper West Side locations
- With their outstanding use of soy beans, wheat gluten, tofu and exotic vegetables Zen Palate has shattered the myth that Vegetarian and healthy eating tends to be bland, plain and lacking in flavour. Their Asian styling's and use of rarely found flavor combinations and ingredients make them stand out from the crowd and stand tall. From their soups to their noodles, their summer rolls to their stir fries, Zen Palate is a healthy option you'll come back to again and again.

BACKFORTY
backfortynyc.com
190 Avenue B at 12th Street, Alphabet City
- A farm-to-table restaurant with an edge this place is always packed and never disappoints. If you're willing to wait for a table at any time of the night or day they serve arguably one of the best burgers in town, and also branch out with delicious fish, brown rice risotto and a mouthwatering appetizer of Yucca fries that will leave you full before you even started - and all this freshly farmed from pastures Upstate. Just stay away from their devilishly delightful cocktails and you'll be healthy and home free!

ZEN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
31 St Marks Place, East Village
- Japanese food is always on the healthier side and this place is no exception. Fantastic soups, tasty sushi and bountiful bento boxes make this a great find - the staff are friendly, the food is fresh and it won't leave a hole in your wallet, hence the place is always packed. The only thing is, the size of the bento boxes plus the accompanying Happy Hour from 8-10pm every night may make your visit a little less healthy than you anticipated.

COUNTER
counternyc.com
105 1st Ave, East Village
- With an ever-changing menu of sumptuous delights this self-professed Vegetarian Bistro, Organic Wine & Martini Bar never leaves you wanting. Guest chefs, classy decor, a beautiful garden and a stunning selection of organic wines and spirits (both local and imported) makes Counter a real treat for Vegetarians and Booze-lovers alike. During the colder months they also serve a cracking home-made warm Cider, served with or without alcohol lest you be on or off the wagon.