I was brainstorming on ideas to keep my Friday nutrition theme going and it hit me.

"I could make this a win-win for my readers and local restaurants by providing healthy menu items at their establishments in hopes that 1-2 readers take action and go visit these restaurants and in turn it helps keep these businesses going during these tough times we're living in."

Now, "healthy" is going to be relative.  I don't know calorie counts for these items, so take that into consideration.  Also consider that you will likely want to ensure that you get the proper sides if you opt to get sides.

So without further delay, we're going to talk about Zingerman's Roadhouse.

I love the Zingerman's brand so much.  Partially because they provide such awesome service & because their food is fantastic, but also because their founders, Paul & Ari, are such kick-ass human beings.

 I got to know Paul when he was a client years ago.  You will be hard pressed to find a kinder, sweeter guy than Paul.

Ari has been such an inspiration for me on the business side of things.  He's always super helpful whenever I have questions about business and has been a wealth of knowledge when I've taken his business courses.  Not to mention he's incredibly humble and down-to-earth for having such a successful business empire that he's built.

Now, on to the food here.  Here are 3 menu items that I recommend choosing when trying to stay healthy AND support Zingerman's Roadhouse.

1)  Kale Pinenut Salad - add grilled chicken.  They add dried cherries, parmesan, and a lemon garlic vinaigrette as a dressing and this salad is by far my favorite salad I've ever had.  Every time that I go I get it.  Healthy and delicious!

Can be used as a substitute side (cost extra) or purchased as a small or large salad on its own.

2)  New Mexico Grilled Chicken Sandwich - this is a solid protein option, BUT you may want to consider eating half as meal now and half at some other time as the extras on here can really jack up your calorie count (i.e. bacon, avocado, cheese, spicy mayo).  I'd recommend skipping the fries (they're so good!) and going with a side salad.

3)  Roadhouse Burger - another great protein option!  I typically get this with no cheese or bacon and it still is a really solid burger.  Again, skip the fries and opt for the side salad OR get the side salad and split the fries with a friend.  Their sweet potato fries are so ridiculously good that I'll split them with Heba and get the salad as well.

Click here to go to their site.

Are there any other local restaurants that you would like for me to highlight?  If so, then shoot me the place that is near & dear to you.  I'll check their menu and post at some point in the newsletter!