Sunny weather have you craving somethin' refreshing?
Now, this is the Chapel Hill weather I love... Carolina blue skies, 65 and sunny, and writing this while rocking in a chair on my front porch tanning my legs. All I'm missing is something refreshing to sip or munch on to make this the perfect day.
Photo credit: @purplebowlch 3/3/21
Luckily there are plenty of local businesses to support in the Chapel Hill area that give us the energy and refreshment that we crave on beautiful days like this. Whether you're into nutritious acai bowls, fresh-fruit smoothies, or energizing teas, these places will be sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling healthy, refreshed and replenished.
The Purple Bowl
When acai bowls were gaining popularity a few years ago, I really wasn't that into them. Purple Bowl quickly changed that... Now I have to hold myself back from going more than once a week because I am that obsessed. Its menu consists of acai bowls, smoothies, toast, coffee, and energizing snacks.
Photo credit: @purplebowlch 3/3/21
For those who are new to the acai bowl game, they have a smoothie-like base, granola, and any toppings you desire. Purple Bowl is great because you can design your own bowl and customize it to your liking. My go-to bowl is: acai base, granola, strawberries, bananas, almonds and chocolate chips. There are probably over 100 combinations you can come up with, so you'll never get bored. These bowls are filling, nutritious and refreshing, perfect for a healthy snack, energy boost, or treat on a hot day.
Photo credit: @purplebowlch 3/3/21
Besides the delicious food and drinks that make Purple Bowl one of my favorite places in Chapel Hill, its owner, Paula Gilland, is an amazing human being who will spark conversation and brighten your day the second you walk through the doors. Paula is a huge supporter of everything Carolina and involves herself in the community and cheers on every sports team.
You can order and eat at Purple Bowl's location on Franklin Street, or order ahead through their easy-to-use app and indulge under the sun on your front porch like me.
Downtown Nutrition Chapel Hill
This new place located in Downtown Chapel Hill is bound to be a huge hit with its healthy shakes and energizing teas that are just as pleasing to the eyes as to the taste buds. Two young entrepreneurs opened this healthy hangout with the intention of bringing nutritious drinks to the local community in a fun, positive and creative way.
Photo credit: @downtownnutrition.ch 3/3/21
Its shakes are complete meal replacements packed with protein and essential minerals and vitamins. Its flavors include Birthday Cake, Sea Salt Caramel, White Chocolate Pretzel, Peanut Butter Cup, Strawberries n' Cream, and so much more. The best part? They're all under 300 calories. Yes, a full meal packed with everything you need to take on the day in delicious flavors without the guilt.
Photo credit: @downtownnutrition.ch 3/3/21
Its teas give you the perfect boost of energy to get through the day. Colorful and filled with flavor, Downtown Nutrition's tea flavors include Captain America, Pineapple Punch, Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Wild Berry and so much more. You can also add different boosters like collagen, fiber, CLA fat reduction, probiotics and extra protein to your shake or tea to help you with your dietary needs.
Photo credit: @downtownnutrition.ch 3/3/21
I went to Downtown Nutrition last week and it was soooo good. I am not a huge coffee drinker, so I went and got myself a Captain America Mega Tea and it was delicious and gave me a ton of energy to accomplish my busy day. Besides it being pretty to look at, it was delish and super healthy. I will definitely be making several trips back there!
Clean Juice
Head over to Clean Juice for organic juices, acai bowls, smoothies and food that will leave you feeling healthy and replenished. Clean Juice has a comprehensive menu that includes products that are packed with vitamins, electrolytes and antioxidants.
Photo credit: cleanjuice.com 3/3/21
Feeling like your body needs a reset? Try Clean Juice's 1,2,3 or 5-day juice cleanse to pack your body with nutrition and give it the attention it needs. Clean Juice makes it easy to get started with its delicious, healthy and organic cleanses. Explore the variety of cleanses Clean Juice has to offer here to give your body the healthy kick-start it needs and deserves.
Photo credit: @cleanjuicechapelhill 3/3/21
Clean Juice's owner, Beth Ellis, is a UNC Women's Lacrosse Alum! I know her personally, and she is an awesome lady who is extremely involved in the Carolina community. Be sure to check out Clean Juice and all of its delicious and healthy products - you won't regret it!
Okay, now I'm craving all of these... anyone else? Let's hope that this beautiful weather is here to stay in Chapel Hill to make our local smoothies, bowls and drinks that much more enjoyable. Places that offer healthy, refreshing food and drinks are my favorite, so please let me know of any local places like the ones listed above I should check out!
Here is the link to The Barstool Fund, a fund that is supporting local businesses in need of help due to COVID-19 across the nation. Check it out!!
Link to blog post: https://www.thehelpingheel.com/post/sunny-weather-having-you-crave-somethin-refreshing