Maple Grove residents are by no means deprived of options when it comes to food...and the types of foods being offered around town are certainly shifting. Many families are now taking part in the healthy-foods and shopping-in-the-organic-aisle crazes. From anti-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) enthusiasts to gluten-free advocates and calorie-counting app users, it seems people are paying more and more attention to what they’re putting into their bodies. People are looking for healthier choices, especially when dining out. But, surrounded by the Grove’s many tempting bakeries, pizzerias and fast food joints, it often seems the only way to eat healthy is to eat in. (Or settle for that boring salad with dressing on the side.) This couldn’t be further from the truth. We did the research and found healthy plates around town at restaurants that are definitely keeping up with this popular food trend.
Stir-Fry
“Healthy eating is in the bowl.” That’s Mongo’s motto, and it couldn’t be more fitting for our theme this month. At Mongo’s, customers pick exactly what goes into their dish and they see exactly what comes out as they are the ones who choose from a selection of more than 26 vegetables, 16 sauces and several varieties of meat and seafood—teriyaki is a classic.
“We only have about two things that would make something unhealthy here—ranch or Alfredo,” says manager Troy Gabler. “So if you leave those out, you’d have to try really hard to make your meal unhealthy.” Even the sauces, which add most of the flavor, typically only have 10–15 calories per ladle, and Mongo’s recommends 5–7 ladles per dish. All the vegetables, white, brown and fried rice, many meats, and at least seven sauces are gluten-free (Mongo’s also offers a complete menu of gluten-free options). On busy nights, customers can enjoy watching multiple cooks flip rice bowls and eggs on the 650 degree grill. The great thing about the multitude of vegetable and sauce options means each visit can provide a completely new, yet still healthy, meal. A stir fry bowl is $9.49 during lunch and $11.49 during dinner. Keeping the meal so wholesome means you can treat yourself later, right? From 2-5 p.m., get any dessert and any specialty drink from Mongo’s in-house café, Tully’s Coffee, for $5. 11628 Fountains Drive N.; 763.493.2695.
Egg White Scramble
First stop: Breakfast. Steer clear of the alluring biscuits and gravy or buttermilk pancakes and opt for the egg white scramble instead. With oven-dried tomato, fresh herbs, portabella mushrooms and green beans, it won’t disappoint. Egg whites are a great healthy choice for breakfast, as they have fewer calories and fat than the yolk. A side of fresh fruit also comes with the plate and includes bananas, strawberries, grapes and melons. Enjoy a piece of toast with the dish as well. All the bread at 3 Squares comes from Minneapolis-based Franklin Street Bakery—the selections include white, wheat, rye and even a gluten- free option. In the spirit of healthy eating, it’s important to note that 3 Squares prides itself on using quality ingredients. “We’re very concerned about fresh ingredients…Nothing’s frozen, everything is fresh,” says Heather Johnson, a manager at 3 Squares. Take a break from your granola or Special K cereal and let yourself enjoy this delicious egg dish. $11.25. 12690 Arbor Lakes Parkway; 763.425.3330.
Almond Pesto Chicken
Biaggi’s
“Because we’re Italian, we understand a lot of people think of us as [serving ]the heavy, full-body pastas,” says Biaggi’s manager Lindsay Allen. “We want to let people know we offer other things as well.” Enter The Lighter Side—Biaggi’s newly implemented menu with delightful options all under 600 calories. The menu was created last year when Biaggi’s noticed a huge shift in what diners wanted in their meals—people were thinking more and more about healthy options.
One lighter menu item is the almond pesto chicken, which you can indulge in for only 310 calories. Enjoy the grilled almond and herb-crusted chicken breast with a side of sautéed spinach, house-made Giardiniera (a mix of pickled vegetables) and charred grape tomatoes. It’s the kind of side that’s incredibly filling, but light enough that you don’t feel like you have to hit the gym for the next two weeks because of it. And if you’re still looking for that classic Italian experience, add some wine. Allen recommends pairing the meal with a white wine—like a Pinot Grigio—so as not to overpower the lighter dish. $13.99. 12051 Elm Creek Blvd.; 763.416.2225.
Mediterranean Crunch Salad and California Quinoa Salad
Both of these refreshing salads are a part of the Health Starts Here program at Whole Foods, which features dishes that are nutrient dense (high nutrient content in comparison to total calories), PlantStrong (fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds), and made with no added oil, sodium or diary. The menu
stresses plant-based foods that emphasize nutrient-rich meals containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients and antioxidants. These two hearty salads are featured on the Whole Foods salad bar, in the chef’s case and in their grab-and- go area all year long. While other selections change seasonally, these two are staples that are almost always available. Include them in your diet and you’re bound to experience a serious health boost. $7.99-$9.99/lb. 12201 Elm Creek Blvd. N. 763.416.7326.
