It’s no surprise that you can find just about any type of food you’re looking for here in NYC, and that has come in particular handy lately as I’ve found myself on a “health kick” of sorts. I guess joining a gym does that to a girl 
If we’re being honest here, I’ve been practically living off of prepared foods from my favorite natural foods stores. But yesterday I decided to try Energy Kitchen - an eatery that is essentially entirely focused on healthy meals (all under 500 calories) that can compete with typical fast-food favorites.
I initially wanted to try their lunch/dinner options, but I was pretty starving after my morning workout, so I swung by for breakfast instead. I ended up ordering the Protein Punch Smoothie (fruit punch, mango, strawberries, banana, and strawberry protein powder) and an egg white omelet with spinach and broccoli.
The total of my meal was about $12, which is a heck of a lot more than I’m used to spending on my morning meal. And then, after waiting for a little over 5 minutes, I even more so developed a “this better be good” attitude. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a massive smoothie and ginormous omelet coming my way.
It was a lot of food. I actually ended up eating the two a few hours apart.
As for the taste – impressive! The smoothie was especially delicious - I downed almost the entire thing before getting to work. The omelet was just about as you’d imagine an egg white omelet with broccoli and spinach to taste…
…although it at least tasted better than it looks (promise). I mean, it wasn’t bad, but I’ll definitely get some cheese on it next time.
Like I said – with menu options like a Thai Chicken Wrap and mashed sweet potatoes – I definitely want to give Energy Kitchen a try for lunch and/or dinner. But my morning dose of energy was pretty darn good too!
What do you think about restaurants posting their calorie/nutrition information on the menu? Is it a good thing or TMI??
I want that calorie infomation to be made available. I try to eat very healthfully most days, but when I do splurge (and understand that anything I order at DQ or BK is going to be a splurge!), I want to find something that won’t be completely ridiculous. One splurge doesnt have to blow through a days worth of calories and sat fat, so that info can help make wise choices (even when “splurging” at a restaurant!)
Faith, that’s a really good point! Sometimes “A” can be just as delicious as “B” but can be hundreds of calories less! I’m with you - I’d rather err on the side of the lesser option.
Posting calorie info is great in theory but I don’t think it’s overly effective. It’s great for people who care/are on a diet etc. but for people who are generally not concerned about their caloric intake, the availability of the info probably won’t influence their ultimate decision. I personally would rather see a list of ingredients than a number (which is probably why I have an obsession with the Whole Foods hot/salad bars)! Great question!
Good point, Emily! I think it makes more sense at places like Energy Kitchen where the customers are clearly people who are health-conscious, but I wonder how effective it is at say, Burger King. Hopefully studies/statistics will come out soon about that, since posting calorie info on menus is still rather new!
I always pass that place!! But I’ve heard it’s always swarmed with “beefy gym guys” so I’ve been intimidated. That smoothie looks good, though!
I haven’t seen any beefy gym guys there yet….unfortunately
hahaha
I saw an article aboutnthis place! I think it is so great that they are making healthier fast food!
I think the new law that will make restaurants post calories is a GREAT thing. Unfortunately we can’t make consumers care about calories if they don’t.
Maybe I’m a little biased, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. I just don’t see it being effective. I feel like the people who shouldn’t be worried about intake (cough cough, oh haaaay) will pay attention to it, whereas others won’t. I know for sure my brothers’ eyes wouldn’t even notice nutrition info even if it was written in hot pink!
Hmmm…I don’t know if the calorie count would prove particularly beneficial for me. (I’m more of an intuitive eater than a calorie-counter. Calorie counting just drives me to Crazytown.) I WOULD like to see restaurants posting exactly what goes into their food, though. (I mean every single ingredient.)
Sarah - I’m so with you on the ingredients! that would be the day…
I like being able to see the calorie information. While - I only think it is used be people who already lead.. or are in the processing of changing to - a healthy lifestyle.
I do like when restaurants post nutrition info for curiosity sake but I will admit that ignorance really is bliss sometimes.
Random but I thought of you this morning! I purely did weights at the gym this morning and it felt SO weird to walk out after only doing 10mins worth of cardio! I was def feeling the burn. Make room as I miiight be hopping on the strength training bandwagon
Yeah girl!! Strength training fo’ life!
xo
I love love love when the post nutrition info. It helps make me make smarter decisions. And if I want something that is decadent and calorie-dense, I just eat half and save half.
I believe that the law is restaurants with over 20 locations have to post their nutrition information. I think this is a great idea and will, hopefully, help people to make better choices. There are a lot of places out there that claim to be healthy but smother their sandwiches with sauce and add tons of creamy dressing to their salads..not so healthy! I’m looking forward to this change!
Is that the place on 23rd? I have debated a few times to go there but I always end up at “Terri” which is just a few steps further. They have awesome wraps and sandwiches that are all vegan but oh so tasty ( I am no vegan by any means…) and so huge that I usually just eat one half for lunch (with a side of sweet potatoes or a smoothie) and save the other for dinner.
@Emily: Hi my name is Alex and I am a Whole Foods salad bar addict. Seriously I could eat there every day for the rest of my life. Who needs a restaurant salad if I can make my own with 4 different kinds of marinated roasted tofu, baked chicken and as many sesame crunch thingies as I can pile in my bowl?
Yep! They’re all over the city too. I’m dying to try Terri!! Will have to ASAP!!
When I used to eat meat, I really loved all of their burgers there! Best way to get a healthy burger on the go!
I love that restaurants post nutritional info. Whenever I go to Starbucks and am tempted by a treat and realize the amount of calories is the same as an entire meal, it makes me avoid it…sometimes
This looks SO delicious, especially the smoothie! I think it can be a good thing, but sometimes, honestly, I’d rather just be able to enjoy my meal than have to be thinking about how many calories I’m consuming - especially when I go out to eat.
Love Energy Kitchen! Especially their “create-your-own” salads. It is $$$ though. I like having the NI available. I don’t think it affects everyone, but most times it will persuade me to pick a better option.
I think calorie info on menus is a good thing, as long as it doesn’t completely overtake the menu. I love how panera does it.
I think restaurants should DEF be required to post nutrition info! Or at the very least, they should all have it available for those who ask - a separate pamphlet with all of the info.
I like it when restaurants post their calorie information. If I’m on the fence about something, it helps me make the right decision, or turn away from a bad one. Good example: Panera’s (delicious) baked goods.
I kind of had the same reaction you did when I ate EK last summer. It definitely was food I could make myself, but buying that is so much more convenient in NYC.
I so so appreciate it when restaurants post the calories of their menu items. When I go to Panera, I love that I can look at their menu and base my order off of how many calories I want to take in. I can go heavy or light, and I love that I can choose that and not have to guess.
I really wish all restaurants posted their nutritional info right on the menu. For whatever reason, the calorie counts are very unexpected for me at restaurants (they are always higher than I would think). So I think if restaurants listed them, people would be able to make better choices. PLUS, it would encourage restaurants to make healthier dishes because they are required to post the nutritional info, which affects buying. Everyone wins
Oh that looks yummy! We have a place kind of similar in SF (minus the calorie counts) but it is this amazing organic restaurant. One day I got a smoothie there and it was delicious, but I think it was only like 8 or 12 oz and it cost $8.75! Def more than I was expecting!
But ya, I really like it when they display calorie counts- albeit it does make bum me out when the thing that sounds the best is more calories than I want to consume! Haha sometimes ignorance is bliss!
I love being pleasantly surprised when I think I’ve paid too much but then get a meal that makes it worth it. I think more restaurants should post nutrition info. I get so annoyed when I find out my salad is less healthy than an entree choice.
I have a love/hate relationship with posted calories on restaurant food. On the one hand, I feel like it helps me make much healthier choices, which helps me feel better about myself in the long run. However, there are definitely times (specifically, times when I am eating. Or when I’m not eating. So basically just every time) where something delightfully ooey and gooey and chocolatey is calling my name, and then I see that it’s approximately 392,292,293 calories, and that’s always a disappointment, to say the least. AND THEN I get into this horrible mental battle of should I/shouldn’t I, where the rational part of my brain says, “No, Bethany! Resist!” and the every other part of my brain says, “Shush, you. It will be worth it in the end!”
Alas.
But Bethany, you shouldn’t fear those 392,292,293 calories!!!! It’s all about balance, remember?
(totally kidding. totally know what you mean!!) xoxo
I love energy kitchen, been there a few times when I’m in the city. I actually really like the calorie stats on food. Foods can be so deceiving that I appreciate the info. I know calories isn’t the only thing to be considering, but it at least gives me some good context to make my decision.
I think it’s definitely helpful but also scares me sometimes! When I want to indulge I just plain don’t look!
That looks like an awesome meal, will definitely have to try this place out when I head back to NYC!
As for the calorie information, I think it should be posted, but the actual ingredients and other stats for the food are even more important. People should be given enough information to be able to make informed choices. If you really don’t care about calorie counts, then don’t use them! That being said, there are other, more important, factors I consider when making a choice at a restaurant other than how many calories a dish contains.
I say it’s a good thing! knowledge is never bad in my opinion! although, sometimes, I know something is bad and honestly, I just want to eat it and not know.
All in all-I’m for it.
PS: I just wrote a post today and as I was writing it one of your old posts came to mind-your Who cares post. it’s pretty similiar, but with a little different twist! Regardless, wanted to tell you that I loved that old post of yours.
The eggs look good but the smoothie looks GOOD!!
Love your blog!! I think it doesn’t hurt to have nutrition facts listed on menus. There will always be people that it will have no affect on, but some people see it and make better choices because of it. It is also important to remember that calories aren’t always the biggest factor of course!!
I’ve been to Energy Kitchen before! I think it’s great when you’re looking for healthy food on the go but definitely think it’s more cost-effective to make your own (of course, we can’t always do that - we’re new yorkers!)
I’m a big fan of calories on the menu. The way I see it, there is no negative to providing additional nutritional info. Those who don’t care still won’t care. Those who care can make informed decisions. And those who might care if they knew what they were getting into…well I think these are the people the nutritional info will help
I think it’s a great thing. Some people don’t think about what they’re eating and it’s a great step to making our country healthier. And hey, if you want to eat the extra calories, at least you know what you’re doing!
Have you tried Pump yet?? It’s my fave NYC healthy-food-on-the-go place.
I haven’t, but it’s on my list of places to try asap!