Healthy Dining at Earth Fare of Johnson City, Tennessee

You might not think that you can go have a nice healthy meal at a grocery store; however, Earth Fare is so much more than a grocery store. Oh, yes, you can shop the aisles for organic foods that you can take home and prepare yourself for lunch or dinner. If you are not in the mood to cook, though, Earth Fare has a great restaurant with wonderful selections for your dining pleasure. You can also know that the foods you are getting are organic and healthy.

Earth Fare has a large food bar that changes daily. I have found grilled salmon, various types of lasagna, Mexican food items, roast, and more. There is also a wide selection of hot vegetables and an impressive salad bar. In addition, they offer vegetarian dishes, as well as gluten-free items. Earth Fare uses no hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils; artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives; or high fructose corn syrup. All of the foods that they prepare are like what is found throughout the grocery store; i.e., organic. Eating healthy at Earth Fare, however, does not mean that you have to give up any flavor. I have found many of the entrees to have great flavor and are perfectly seasoned. (My favorite happens to be the grilled salmon.)

If you do not want anything from the food bar, you can order your meal from the deli. Featured are a variety of sandwiches and even pizza. The pizza, by the way, is quite good -- not too heavy and very fresh-tasting. In addition, there are desserts, including cookies and different types of fruit pies.

Earth Fare also has a breakfast bar Mondays through Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 8:00 a.m. All of their eggs are from local farmers and from free range chickens. They also offer breakfast sandwiches; e.g., bagel, English muffin, or biscuit with bacon, egg, and cheese or with just egg and cheese. Their bacon is nitrate-free. Of course, all of their pastries are free of bleached or bromated flour and high fructose corn syrup. Choose Fair Trade coffee to drink or perhaps some green tea.

Once you have chosen what you want to eat, you will be able to enjoy it in their restaurant area. (Overflows are handled by small bistro tables placed outside the restaurant.) Often there are things going on at Earth Fare. I was there one time when they had a drum circle right outside the entrance to the restaurant area. (Earth Fare likes to not only feed the body but also the soul.) Dining healthy can frequently be quite a festive occasion.

Of course, if you do not want to eat there, you can get your meal to-go. They offer full meals that can feed the entire family, or you can just chose an entree to go with your own side dishes or vice versa. You will also be able to order vegan items and/or gluten-free items. If none of this appeals to you at the moment, you can choose from a wide variety of rich and hearty soups. As you may have guessed, Earth Fare has something for everyone. Of course, it is all tasty and all healthy. You really cannot beat that.

For more about this great market that is more than a market, see my article: Earth Fare ... The Healthy Supermarket.

Earth Fare of Johnson City is located at 1735 West State of Franklin in Johnson City, Tennessee. For more information about Earth Fare of Johnson City, visit their website.