Jason’s Picks for Clean Eating in the Twin Cities and Beyond

Trying to lose weight and get healthy is hard. Trying to lose weight and get healthy as a food critic is really hard. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was a fourth grader shopping for jeans in the husky section of Venture. Six months ago, I started re-examining my lifestyle: going out to eat three or four times a week, sharing a bottle of wine with my wife almost nightly, plus sampling cocktails, appetizers, and desserts for my job—you get the idea. Dining out isn’t just what I do here at Minnesota Monthly; it’s what my wife and I have always done for entertainment.

But I’m not just one of those guys in a midlife crisis trying to get in better shape. There are many  generations of people fascinated by healthier options and seeking out that information. So why is it so hard to find vegetables that aren’t smothered in butter and cream? It’s no accident we’re seeing an explosion in vegetarian options, dueling salad restaurants, and a proliferation of non-alcoholic drinks that aren’t just sugar-loaded juices.

By making more intentional choices, I’ve lost more than 30 pounds. Whether you’re looking to drop a few yourself or just eat in a way that makes you feel better, we offer these Minnesota restaurants and menu items to make your load a little bit lighter. Want to suggest other eateries or menu items? Comment on this story at minnesotamonthly.com.

LEAN PROTEIN / KETO…