You know how good it feels after a workout? Endorphins kick in and your energy is high; it’s a great place to be, so the last thing you want to do is to ruin that feeling with the wrong post-exercise meal. With that being said, here are some Vancouver spots for a wholesome bite when you want to refuel without negating all that hard work you just put in at the gym.
Like a fancier, healthier cafeteria, Tractor is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a satisfying option that won’t leave you feeling lethargic afterwards. Choose from a large array of salads or indulge in the best of ways with their hearty stews and sandwiches. Dishes are reasonably priced given the fresh flavours and ingredients; you can get yourself a great meal here for around $10.
No one is more well known that Whole Foods for healthy options, and for good reason. Have a bit of whatever your heart desires at their beautifully stocked hot food and salad bar, which is weighed by the gram and has everything from salmon filets and roast veggies to corn and roast chicken. If you’re the mood for something a little more filling, pizza and sandwiches are available in abundance at the deli.
As delicious as Asian food is, you’d be hard pressed to have a meal without feeling stuffed afterward. Enter Shishinori: this casual eatery serves nutritious brown rice with each dish along with a generous serving of mixed salad. It’s definitely lighter fare, which gives you the perfect excuse to try one of their matcha or black sesame desserts afterward.
The premise here is simple, but oh-so-delicious: decide whether you’re in the mood for a salad or a sandwich, then pick your protein to go with it (my personal preference? pulled pork). Topped with house-made sauces and dressings, and thoughtful extras like pickled jalapeños and crunchy caramelized onions, Hubbub presents fresh fare that’s high in energy-packed protein and greens.
Sushi lovers can get their fix without overloading on simple carbs at Shizen-Ya. With two locations in the city, all of their rolls and dons come on brown rice, rounded out by organic local greens and Ocean Wise certified sashimi. The difference truly comes through as soon as you take your first bite!