Wellhaus Wellness Guide: Portland, OR

Image from Vetiver Acupuncture

After my first Healthy Food Guide to Portland, you all asked me about the naturopath I go to, spa recommendations, best fitness studio, etc. So, I’m here to share! Luckily, here in Portland, there is no shortage of all things that keep you looking and feeling WELL.

SPA

Blooming Moon Spa: This place might always be my favorite because I’ve been going there since I moved to Portland. They offer great, natural products and they have killer facials, nail care, massages, and waxing. Ginny, the owner, couldn’t be more talented and their new space is beautiful.

KIVA: Both a cafe and spa, they offer a really great overall experience. I prefer their facials the most!

Rumi Simone: This is technically in Lake Oswego, but if you are looking for a “luxe” experience, this is the spot to go!

MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Skin By Lovely: I couldn’t say better things about this place. Everyone there is extremely knowledgeable and talented. If you go this route with your skincare, this is the best place to do so.

FITNESS

Barre3: If you know me, you know I love me some Barre3! It’s challenging, relaxing, and full of good music, great people, and NO PRESSURE. Perhaps my favorite thing about the class is that you don’t feel like you have to be in the best shape, wearing the best outfit to show up. Plus, they are HQ’d in Portland!

YoYoYogi: This is such an awesome yoga studio for so many reasons. I love all of the different classes they offer. My only complaint would be that parking down in the Pearl isn’t always the most fun, but the great classes make it worth it!

StarCycle: Best spin class in town, no question.

NAILS

Midas: Great spot in the NW. Wine and nails? Yes please!

Finger Bang: If you are looking to do get some fun nail designs, this is the spot. Make sure to make an appointment!

Blooming Moon Spa: The best spot for a spa pedicure. All non-toxic too!

WAXING

NATUROPATH

ACUPUNCTURE

Brooke Meadows at Vetiver Acupuncture: Hands down, the cutest spot to get acupuncture. Brooke, the owner of Vetiver, has done such an incredible job with her place. Not only that, but she is incredibly knowledgeable, calming and kind. I highly recommend her as well for someone new to acupuncture.

Sandy Reidman at Mandala Medicine: Sandy was my first experience with acupuncture and got me hooked! Her method is much different than others. She does a massage + acupuncture technique so it feels like a big bang for your buck! Plus, she is an incredible human.

HAIR

coming soon!

DAY SPAS

coming soon!

MAKEUP/BEAUTY

coming soon!

ENERGY HEALERS

coming soon!

NUTRITION COUNSELORS

coming soon!

Healthy Food Guide: Boise

(image from Juniper website)

Boise completely exceeded my expectations. Mark my word, 5 years from now this city will be THE SPOT. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the calm before the storm.

One thing that was pretty impressive to me, and very Portland like, was their dietary options. You can find great vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options just about anywhere. I also really liked their use of fresh produce and meats from local farms; and of course, their seasonal dishes that are everywhere. Go Boise! Which, by the way, is pronounced “boy-see,” I learned that quickly when I kept saying “I love “Boy-Z!” : )

Happy eating!

Best Healthy Breakfast Spots

1. Wild Root Cafe (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Whatever you do, don’t leave Boise without trying this place, especially if you are a total health nut. I loved the egg dish, Wild Skillet. They use a cashew “cheese” and you can even order the dish with vegan eggs (I just ordered regular, cage-free eggs). Oh, and their avocado toast! I want to eat that every.single.day. Seriously!

2. Fork (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This spot is a sure bet for brunch. They pride themselves on local, sustainable foods (some they get the same day at the city market!!). They have so many great options and it is a true Northwest fare.

3. Bacon (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is the perfect spot to go if you have a healthy foodie AND a meat-eating- ‘don’t really care if it is healthy or not’ foodie. It is a great place to grab brunch with a group and their Bloody Mary’s are the best in town! I ordered The Poser for breakfast, which was a nice, light, egg white dish and it was deeeelicious.

4. Slow by Slow (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is the cutest little coffee shop with some great pastries and quick things like granola and tasty, local kombucha.

5. Java (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): A great place for either breakfast or lunch. They’ve got great drinks and super tasty breakfast burritos.

Best Healthy Lunch Spots

1. Bleubird (Gluten-Free Options): This was one of my favorite places for lunch in Boise. They change their menu depending on the season, but I highly recommend the grilled cheese (insert excited emoji). This is great spin on a traditional deli!

2. Boise Co-op (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is such an amazing Co-op! If you want to grab something on-the-fly and affordably, you can find just about anything you would want here.

3. Jenny’s Lunch Line (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): You will find some delicious soups, salads and sandwiches made from scratch here. They change their menu monthly too, so it is always fun to see what is new and seasonal here. This place is so yummy!

Best Healthy Dinner Spots

1. Bittercreek (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): I loved this place! It is the perfect spot to go with a group or girls and guys. Everything we ate (and drank) was super tasty. I ordered an Old Fashioned and the veggie burger and was one happy camper!

2. Juniper (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): The ambiance and decor here is what first sold me, but their menu seals the deal! This is the perfect dinner date spot. They have really good, crafty cocktails and are also extremely food allergy friendly.

3.State & Lemp (Vegan/Vegetarian Options): This is the best spot if you are looking for a culinary experience. This is a reservation-only, prixe fixe menu and features a really beautiful Northwest cuisine. It doesn’t get any fresher than their food. And (bonus), they are extremely accommodating to anyone with dietary restrictions!

4. Barbacoa (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free Options): This is a really great dinner option (with a great view). It is a bit on the pricey side, but you get a ton of food, so make sure you go there hungry! I would highly suggest one of their seafood dishes.

ENJOY!

Healthy Food Guide: Portland

Well, it’s no secret that Portland is just about the best town there is when it comes to food. We pretty much have anything and everything here. Which also means a lot of healthy options, but also a lot of not so healthy ones.

Below, I’ve put together a list of my favorite healthy places to eat in Portland. And I give major props to this city for gluten-free and vegan options just about anywhere (even bars!).

Best Healthy Breakfast Spots

1. Prasad (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Now with two locations, this place is SO good. The Classic Oatmeal or Chili Scramble is a must-try!

2. Kure (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place is another great option at any point during the day. Their juices and smoothies are SO tasty and packed with nutrients. My personal favorite is the Lush Life smoothie. I’ve also heard rave reviews about the Hangover Helper smoothie and that it will help you feel like a different person. I wouldn’t know, I’ve just heard about it… ; )

3. Bob’s Red Mill (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Yes, this is at the HQ where they make all of the awesome Bob’s Red Mill products. I personally love the museli and yogurt, but there are loads of options and the food is extremely affordable.

4. Radio Room (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Back in my single days, this spot was my favorite place to go on the weekend after a night out. They have a lot of options for carnivores and herbivores, as well as great gluten-free options. My go-to? The Classic Rocker Scramble and the pint Mimosa with blood orange (yes… I repeat… pint!). YUM.

5. Fern Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Tons of healthy, tasty options and they use all local and organic produce. I love the “Eggs Your Way” with tempeh and New Cascadia toast.

Best Healthy Lunch Spots

1. The Whole Bowl (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I think if I had to eat a single meal for the rest of my life, it might be this. And yes, there is just one bowl on the menu and you can order it “veganized” or “full loaded.” Either way, it is so dang good.

2. Harlow (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is the sister to Prasad and just as tasty. I love their bowls; specifically the Urban Bowl. I also can’t leave there without ordering their Turmeric Toddy (hot). This place has a lot of space too, so I like to grab my computer and get some work done there from time to time.

3. Jade (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Ahhh, this place! I honestly can’t say enough good things about this spot. This place is a unique twist on veitnamese and thai food, but it is so much lighter and healthier than most places. The Minced Chicken dish is my go-to. And you have to order the sweet rice with mango for afterwards. Mmm!

4. Garden Bar (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are a salad-for-lunch kind of person, this will be your new favorite. The salads on the menu are great, but if you prefer to mix your own, you can do that too. The Bliss-Detox salad is excellent!

5. Cultured Caveman (Paleo): This place is a great spot, especially if you eat a paleo diet! I will warn you, it is pricier than most lunch spots, but well worth it. Make sure to grab some bone broth while you are there. They also have amazing chicken tenders for kiddos!

Best Healthy Dinner Spots

1. Bamboo Sushi (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is actually the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the world and let me just tell you, this spot is never a disappointment. Make sure when you visit, you order everything because everything is so delicious. I also really love their happy hour menu. It’s no wonder this place is so popular!

2. Farm Spirit (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is a multiple-course dinner place, so you are going to have to reserve your spot and pay ahead of time. But don’t worry, this is totally worth it. You are not only getting incredible food that just so happens to be vegan, you get to enjoy an amazing culinary experience.

3. Andina (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Talk about a culinary experience, Andina is just that. I recommend ordering a bunch of tapas to try. My favorites are the Quinoa Con Verduras and the Atun Fusion. They have a lot of fresh and healthy options, which is why I like it there so much. Oh yes, and don’t forget to order a Pico Sour! They are the BEST!

4. Park Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are looking for a great Northwest style cuisine, you won’t be disappointed here. They have plenty of healthy, seasonal options and a great happy hour.

5. Blossoming Lotus (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This place is deeeeelicious. I highly recommend the mac n’ cheese and a slice of raw cheesecake. Everything here is organic and vegan.

6. Higgins (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Don’t be misled by the traditional decor; this place is great! It isn’t up there as the hippest spot in Portland, but this is a great, classic Portland restaurant and because of that, it has a lot of charm. They are known for their Northwest cuisine and using locally sourced ingredients. I recommend ordering their seasonal fish dishes.

7. Luc Lac (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place has, hands down, the BEST pho in town. I will just leave it at that!

Best Healthy Bars/Breweries:

1. Sweet Hereafter (Vegan/Gluten-Free): Ahhh, this place is great for a good drink and a vegan meal. Definitely not your typical bar food. My go-to? Old Fashioned with a Jamaican Bowl (ask for a brown rice tortilla on the side to make a burrito out of it).

2. Wilder (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): I love this place. It has a great date night vibe and the food is super tasty. It is the perfect spot to go if there are vegetarians and/or meat eaters in the group. What to order? Wilder burger and ask for it over polenta. And don’t forget to order one of their craft cocktails. There are so many good options.

3. Ground Breaker (Gluten-Free): This is a 100% gluten-free brewery. It also has some really great healthy food options for all dietary needs!

4. Bye & Bye (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I like to head here with a large group of friends. The food is super tasty, they have great vegan/gluten-free options, and the drinks are always strong. My drink of choice: Lefty’s Prayer. Food pick: Brussel bowl.

5. Interurban (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free): This is one of my favorite bars in Portland. They have the best old-fashioned’s and such great food. You can find a lighter meal here or a heavier one; either way, your belly will be happy : )

Best Dessert Spots:

1. Back to Eden (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is my absolute favorite dessert spot in Portland. No matter what your food sensitivity might be, they have a dessert for you! My favorite? The dairy free yogurt in a gluten-free waffle cone.

2. Eb and Bean (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): You will not be disappointed here. This is an organic yogurt spot that also has some great dairy-free options.

3. Petunias (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This bakery is completely vegan and gluten-free, and is my go-to for office treats, birthday treats, etc. Their black and white cake is out of this world!

I am always on the search for new, healthy places to indulge. I will keep this list updated as I find new places. And as always, please share your favorites with me!