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Bridget Leigh Pugh is a wife, Stay-at-Home
Mother of two children, and dual business owner
in Houston, Texas specializing in Organic
cuisine. Her work in Fair Trade and support of
local farmers is known throughout the Southern
United States. Check out http://www.fudgette.com
Mother of two children, and dual business owner
in Houston, Texas specializing in Organic
cuisine. Her work in Fair Trade and support of
local farmers is known throughout the Southern
United States. Check out http://www.fudgette.com
Want to cook healthy for your family but you're
not sure where to begin? Here's your chance
to ask a real live chef!
Email Bridget now.
not sure where to begin? Here's your chance
to ask a real live chef!
Email Bridget now.
Healthy Houston Hot Spots
It is officially “Food Season,” Mom! With Thanksgiving right around the
corner, fall sports in full swing, and school breaks coming up, a lot of Stay-
At-Home Moms admit they get stressed out. However, it is possible to get
a nutritious meal on your family’s table that is both fast and affordable.
Whether you shop for high quality ingredients yourself and cook a
homemade, nutritious dinner, swing through a drive-through, or sit down
with your family to eat at a restaurant, Houston offers Moms healthful
convenience at an awesome value. The trick is to know where the
Healthy Houston Hot Spots are and what to get when you are there. To
make it easy, these “Hot Spots” have been broken down into three
categories, and don’t forget to buy multiple meals when able. You’ll be
surprised how handy they become!
Natural Farmers Markets: Farmers Markets are usually outdoor
gatherings where local farmers and craftsmen sell their produce, meats
and dairy, baked goods, crafts, and just about anything else you can think
of. One awesome plus to living in Texas, where there are many local
farms, is that Farmers Markets are popping up all over Houston and the
surrounding areas. Saturdays are perfect days to take the children to
these open-air markets where families can choose their own fresh foods
and meet the hard-working farmers who grow the products. A quick tip:
Bring cash in small bills for easy payment. Here is a short list of Farmer’
s Markets in the Houston area:
It is officially “Food Season,” Mom! With Thanksgiving right around the
corner, fall sports in full swing, and school breaks coming up, a lot of Stay-
At-Home Moms admit they get stressed out. However, it is possible to get
a nutritious meal on your family’s table that is both fast and affordable.
Whether you shop for high quality ingredients yourself and cook a
homemade, nutritious dinner, swing through a drive-through, or sit down
with your family to eat at a restaurant, Houston offers Moms healthful
convenience at an awesome value. The trick is to know where the
Healthy Houston Hot Spots are and what to get when you are there. To
make it easy, these “Hot Spots” have been broken down into three
categories, and don’t forget to buy multiple meals when able. You’ll be
surprised how handy they become!
Natural Farmers Markets: Farmers Markets are usually outdoor
gatherings where local farmers and craftsmen sell their produce, meats
and dairy, baked goods, crafts, and just about anything else you can think
of. One awesome plus to living in Texas, where there are many local
farms, is that Farmers Markets are popping up all over Houston and the
surrounding areas. Saturdays are perfect days to take the children to
these open-air markets where families can choose their own fresh foods
and meet the hard-working farmers who grow the products. A quick tip:
Bring cash in small bills for easy payment. Here is a short list of Farmer’
s Markets in the Houston area:
|
Quick Dinner Drive-Bys: Now that Fall sports and extracurricular
activities are in full swing, more Moms are writing in asking for help getting a
nutritious dinner on the table… quick! For Moms that don’t have time to plan
ahead, try a healthier fast-food option like Topz Healthier Burger Grill, with
two locations in the 610 loop, and one coming soon to The Woodlands.
This yummy drive-through establishment specializes in burgers on whole
wheat buns for Dad (Try the Turkey Burger with a side of air-baked fries) and
gourmet salads for Mom (Enjoy a Ginger Grilled Ahi Tuna Salad to go). Even
picky eaters will find something delicious and healthy at Topz, such as
grilled cheese, turkey hot dogs, and low-fat ice cream shakes, so check out
their full menu on their website: www.topz.com for a full menu and
nutritional information.
Boston Market, another healthier fast-food alternative, offers warm,
wholesome meal packages. There are multiple locations in Houston (www.
bostonmarket.com) and many offer online ordering. Skip the fatty salads
offered here and order rotisserie chicken with garlic dill new potatoes
instead of mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies and a fresh fruit salad.
While in the drive-thru, order some chicken noodle soup for a super-quick
“Reheat and Eat supper” later in the week.
Wholesome Restaurants: Houston has tons of family-friendly
restaurants that are just begging to be tried! Ziggy’s Healthy Grill, Soluna,
and McCains Market will all quickly become family favorites, with budget-
friendly prices and lots of healthy options. Ziggy’s Healthy Grill is a cool little
gem with two locations in Houston (www.ziggyshealthygrill.com), one in
River Oaks and another in Montrose. Moms will love Ziggy’s Kids Menu
which includes Whole Wheat Pizza and Pasta options (recommended by
owner, Kevin) as well as traditional kids’ favorites. Ziggy’s also uses
hormone-free beef and chicken. Family-Friendly goes to a whole new level
when parents go during Happy Hour (3-6 every day) and enjoy a Ziggyrita
made with fresh lime juice. Most impressive is their extensive menu for
people with dietary restrictions. Moms that prefer low calorie, low-fat, low-
carb, and vegetarian will be in heaven here.
Soluna Café and Bakery, located in the Texas Medical Center, focuses on
light, nourishing foods that can be eaten in a relaxing atmosphere or
ordered online and picked up at Mom’s convenience. Checking out
nutritional information is easy at Soluna, either by website or in person (www.
solunacafe.com), according to General Manager Jerome. Soluna is known
for sandwiches and salads, and boasts a wide assortment freshly baked
items and soups. Go to lunch with the girls and get the low-calorie
California Turkey on Wheatberry Bread or Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad, and
then bring home the Kettle Soup of the Day with Artisan Bread Boules (bread
bowls) and some decadent gourmet dessert treats for a quick dinner your
family will love. For Moms around the Medical Center, feed your “Sol”
breakfast starting at 6:30 Monday-Friday, but keep in mind Soluna is closed
on the weekends.
Bridget’s Dish reader, Julie, mentioned Heights-located McCains Market, a
practically heavenly spot where families can pick up specialty groceries, eat
a little lunch, and even order party trays for a get-together. This treasure is
packed with local and gourmet foods, so plan on spending a few hours
here, but don’t worry about the kids- there is plenty for them to love, too!
Once you find your favorites at McCains, simply go online and place your
orders for pick-up at your convenience: (www.mccainsmarket.com).
With all of the wholesome, family-friendly Hot Spots around the Houston
area, Moms can find an affordable and delicious alternative to fast foods or
unhealthy grocery store mixes. Take the time to research the best eateries
near soccer practices, schools, and favorite shops to increase convenience.
Also, many Houston restaurants and drive-throughs offer nutritional
information, so just ask for a take-home nutritional menu. The awesome
places mentioned above are just a small selection of Hot Spots around the
city, so use these examples as a guide of what to look for. A healthy, yummy
family dinner is just a quick trip…or a drive-thru…or a phone call…or an e-
mail…away!
activities are in full swing, more Moms are writing in asking for help getting a
nutritious dinner on the table… quick! For Moms that don’t have time to plan
ahead, try a healthier fast-food option like Topz Healthier Burger Grill, with
two locations in the 610 loop, and one coming soon to The Woodlands.
This yummy drive-through establishment specializes in burgers on whole
wheat buns for Dad (Try the Turkey Burger with a side of air-baked fries) and
gourmet salads for Mom (Enjoy a Ginger Grilled Ahi Tuna Salad to go). Even
picky eaters will find something delicious and healthy at Topz, such as
grilled cheese, turkey hot dogs, and low-fat ice cream shakes, so check out
their full menu on their website: www.topz.com for a full menu and
nutritional information.
Boston Market, another healthier fast-food alternative, offers warm,
wholesome meal packages. There are multiple locations in Houston (www.
bostonmarket.com) and many offer online ordering. Skip the fatty salads
offered here and order rotisserie chicken with garlic dill new potatoes
instead of mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies and a fresh fruit salad.
While in the drive-thru, order some chicken noodle soup for a super-quick
“Reheat and Eat supper” later in the week.
Wholesome Restaurants: Houston has tons of family-friendly
restaurants that are just begging to be tried! Ziggy’s Healthy Grill, Soluna,
and McCains Market will all quickly become family favorites, with budget-
friendly prices and lots of healthy options. Ziggy’s Healthy Grill is a cool little
gem with two locations in Houston (www.ziggyshealthygrill.com), one in
River Oaks and another in Montrose. Moms will love Ziggy’s Kids Menu
which includes Whole Wheat Pizza and Pasta options (recommended by
owner, Kevin) as well as traditional kids’ favorites. Ziggy’s also uses
hormone-free beef and chicken. Family-Friendly goes to a whole new level
when parents go during Happy Hour (3-6 every day) and enjoy a Ziggyrita
made with fresh lime juice. Most impressive is their extensive menu for
people with dietary restrictions. Moms that prefer low calorie, low-fat, low-
carb, and vegetarian will be in heaven here.
Soluna Café and Bakery, located in the Texas Medical Center, focuses on
light, nourishing foods that can be eaten in a relaxing atmosphere or
ordered online and picked up at Mom’s convenience. Checking out
nutritional information is easy at Soluna, either by website or in person (www.
solunacafe.com), according to General Manager Jerome. Soluna is known
for sandwiches and salads, and boasts a wide assortment freshly baked
items and soups. Go to lunch with the girls and get the low-calorie
California Turkey on Wheatberry Bread or Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad, and
then bring home the Kettle Soup of the Day with Artisan Bread Boules (bread
bowls) and some decadent gourmet dessert treats for a quick dinner your
family will love. For Moms around the Medical Center, feed your “Sol”
breakfast starting at 6:30 Monday-Friday, but keep in mind Soluna is closed
on the weekends.
Bridget’s Dish reader, Julie, mentioned Heights-located McCains Market, a
practically heavenly spot where families can pick up specialty groceries, eat
a little lunch, and even order party trays for a get-together. This treasure is
packed with local and gourmet foods, so plan on spending a few hours
here, but don’t worry about the kids- there is plenty for them to love, too!
Once you find your favorites at McCains, simply go online and place your
orders for pick-up at your convenience: (www.mccainsmarket.com).
With all of the wholesome, family-friendly Hot Spots around the Houston
area, Moms can find an affordable and delicious alternative to fast foods or
unhealthy grocery store mixes. Take the time to research the best eateries
near soccer practices, schools, and favorite shops to increase convenience.
Also, many Houston restaurants and drive-throughs offer nutritional
information, so just ask for a take-home nutritional menu. The awesome
places mentioned above are just a small selection of Hot Spots around the
city, so use these examples as a guide of what to look for. A healthy, yummy
family dinner is just a quick trip…or a drive-thru…or a phone call…or an e-
mail…away!
"The trick is to know where the
Healthy Houston Hot Spots are and
what to get when you are there."
Healthy Houston Hot Spots are and
what to get when you are there."
Want to cook healthy for your family but you're
not sure where to begin? Here's your chance
to ask a real live chef!
Email Bridget now.
not sure where to begin? Here's your chance
to ask a real live chef!
Email Bridget now.