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Best Healthy Spots To Refuel After A Workout In LA

[header] greenleaf chopshop
(credit: Greenleaf Chopshop)

When you're sweaty, famished, and coming off an endorphin high, there's only one thing that's on your mind: food. Here are some of the most loved eateries that the fit and healthy denizens of LA go to treat their temples right.

clover juice
(credit: Clover Juice)

Clover Juice & Eatery
342 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 609-3903
www.cloverjuice.com

Like a good luck charm to your health, Clover has cultivated a healthy community crush as a one-stop shop for all things to nourish your health and energy when you're on the go. Whether it's local and organic raw cold-pressed juices, delicious made-to-order smoothies, wellness shots, or locally made salads, sandwiches, or baked goods you're in the mood for, they've got it all under one roof. In addition to their flagship location, they have two others, including W. 3rd Street and Los Feliz.

healthyca
(credit: HealthyCA)

HealthyCA
4724 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91602
(818) 505-1035
www.healthyyca.us

Its namesake is defined as "tasty food conducive to good health" and they deliver on every level. Inside you'll find what's geared towards a catering/take out heavy operation, but it doesn't stop the clean eating brigade from flocking here for their delectable sandwiches, salads, hot dishes, and fresh pressed juices at extremely reasonable prices. Generously sized sandwiches are a favorite at under $10, served with vegan house mayo and Dijon, your choice of bread, and one side. Check out one of the favorites, a Real Mc Coy on wheat ciabatta with a side of quinoa salad.

m cafe
(credit: Chaya Restaurant Group)

M Café
11678 San Vicente Boulevard
Brentwood, CA 90049
(310) 207-1122
www.mcafedechaya.com

To satisfy that after work snack craving that won't attack your bank account, check out M Café's Macro Hour, available Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm, featuring fresh and healthy fare that will make your mind and body happy and centered. The menu includes items under $10, including the macro-slider and fries, popcorn shrimp, and gluten-free faux-mozzarella stix. The menu also offers the macro-shooters for $1 each or go big with the 4-shot juice flight for $3.50, including the Wellness shot (ginger, lemon, and cayenne), the Go Green shot (chlorophyll and minty green tea), and the Grasshopper (carrot and wheatgrass).

The chefs at this eatery prepare each item fresh daily using the finest natural and organic ingredients, without any refined sugars, eggs, dairy, red meat, or poultry. It's no surprise why it's LA's go-to spot for contemporary macrobiotics. M Café can also be found in Beverly Hills and Melrose/Hollywood.

greenleaf chopshop
(credit: Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop)

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
9671 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 246-0756
www.greenleafchopshop.com

Affordable, fresh, fast, local, and organic is the name of the game at this healthy casual shop. Greenleaf serves made-to-order salads, wraps and sandwiches using flame-grilled proteins and organic, locally-grown produce showcased in a sleek open display kitchen. Some items to try include the Antioxidant Orchard Salad and the Wild Mushroom and Truffle "Pizza." They also offer a menu of delicious cold-pressed juices, or you have the option to concoct your own. Greenleaf has a second LA location in Century City and two OC locations.

erewhon
(credit: erewhon)

Erewhon Market Café
7660 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 937-0777
www.erewhonmarket.com

This natural market is a great alternative to its big chain counterparts. It's a family owned haven of pure, clean, nutrient-dense foods that positively impacts the lives of their customers and the wellbeing of the planet. In addition, they have an organic café that offers clean, pure, organic dishes all day that are made from whole foods and local produce. Think fresh salads, seasonal veggies, grilled fish, homemade soups, and other satisfying options. Also on offer is their new line of raw dishes, including dishes like zucchini pasta, mock tuna salad, and cashew nut cheese. Could super-healthy food really taste this good! Don't miss their famous Tonic and Juice Bar, where their tonic masters mix up a healthy potion custom designed to bring your body back into balance or heal what ails you. In addition to their flagship location, they recently opened their second in Calabasas.

mrs winstons green grocery
(credit: Mrs. Winston's Green Grocery)

Mrs. Winston's Green Grocery
3150 Ocean Park Blvd, Ste A
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 452-7770

On any given weekday, you'll see white-collar folks pouring out of the surrounding office park during lunch and straight into this little local gem. Inside, you'll find Mrs. Winston's salad factory, stocked full of a gorgeous assortment of fresh greens, veggies, cold salads, and every health conscious dressing and topping under the California sun. Simply grab a biodegradable carton (or bring your own for a discount) and create your edible masterpiece for just under $8 a pound. Round it out with chips or other healthy snacks available in the grocery section, and you'll be ready to tackle the rest of your day. They also have a juice and smoothie bar offering an abundance of good-for-you choices.

make
(credit: Matthew Kenney Cuisine)

M.A.K.E.
395 Santa Monica Pl, Ste 333
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.matthewkenneycuisine.com

When you want to give your body an extra special reward, this is where you go. M.A.K.E. is quite simply the best plant-based, whole food restaurants, brought to LA by renowned plant-based chef Matthew Kenney. There are so many ways to enjoy this cuisine throughout the week. A Lunch Prix Fixe that includes a starter, main, optional juice/dessert Monday-Friday between noon to 4 p.m. There is also a Happy Hour offered Monday-Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. On Mondays, you can get 20% off your check if you make a reservation on Open Table and mention "Meatless Mondays" in the comments. In addition to his flagship location, Kenney will be opening MAKE OUT, a plant-based fast casual café for the everyday eater, located in the heart of Culver City. It will feature carefully crafted juices, nutritiously centered food and intelligently chosen takeout products.

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.

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