Health & Wellness: Tucson, AZ

Hi Wellness Warrior. I've noticed lately I've been boxing myself into wellness labels like vegan, raw foodie, ayurvedic student, Anusara yogi and on and on. But, you know what? My body doesn't care what I call my diet or my exercise as long as what i'm putting in it and what i'm doing with is life-enhancing. It's when we stop focusing on some outer label or way of being and turn inside and listen to our bodies that we really find the wisdom to make ourselves healthy. Imagine that. So, to support you in rocking your health, spiritual wealth & happiness I'm sharing my guide to the Tucson area with you. Throw out your labels and ask your body what kind of food, care & exercise it really wants. I have a feeling some of the things on my love list below might hit the mark ;)

Restaurants

Lovin' Spoonfuls is a vegetarian restaurant with a clean and comfortable feel. They have vegan and gluten-free options on the menu as well. Their veggie burgers are outstanding and often win local awards. The pricing is moderate with all dishes under $11. You'll find Lovin’ Spoonfuls' storefront restaurant in a shopping plaza. You order at the counter and the food is brought to you.

Tree of Life Café serves live-food to all. They are inspirational and transformational buffet style meals of gourmet, 100% organic, vegan-vegetarian, kosher, live-food, and seasonal cuisine. The menu features international cuisine influenced by all the flavors of the globe. The Tree of Life Café focuses on cuisine that is low-glycemic, diabetic-friendly, and delicious! The location of this place is actually 1 hour 15 minutes outside of Tucson in Patagonia, AZ.

The Tasteful Kitchen and Catering Services specializes in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. It's run by two darling sisters, Keanne and Sigret, who have a passion for creating home made menus that are affordable and environmentally responsible. At the restaurant they have a "Vegetarian Supper Club" menu: a four-course menu for $25 (soup, salad, entrée and dessert, plus two freshly extracted juices), nightly specials, a pretty intriguing a la carte menu and a small raw menu. They use seasonal fruits and vegetables with an emphasis on organic produce.

Markets & Grocers

Sprouts is a farmer's market wrapped up in a grocery store. It's mostly local, it's fresh and it's healthy. Enough said.

Farms, Co-ops & CSAs

Farmer's Market's Tucson operates three urban green markets that are open 52 weeks a year. One in Tucson Farmers' Market East at Jesse Owens Park, the Oro Valley Farmers' Market, and the Tucson Farmers' Market at St. Philips Plaza on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively. They have over 75 vendors with deep roots in Southwest Arizona, including farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and seafood providers, cheese makers, and specialty foods producers. Go for a  vibrant gathering place on the weekend, meet friends, go shopping, and learn about food, agriculture and nutrition.

Food Conspiracy Co-op is a natural foods market committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Their produce department is entirely organic, and they don't carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). They also have the most extensive bulk selection in town. They've got you taken care of!

River Road Gardens CSA is a small urban intensive vegetable farm that uses biodynamic farming methods. They are located right in the heart of the Finger Rock Watershed of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, AZ.  The CSA farm offers 50 vegetable shares, so if you're a local get on board because there's no better way to eat well. River Road Gardens also sells to local restaurants, the Santa Cruz Farmers Market and at their own humble farm stand on Saturday mornings.