Freshii is one of my favourite places to eat when I need a healthy quick fix or when I am catering an event. This is because freshii has no problem customizing any dish to provide those with specific dietary needs the foods they desire. Moreover, freshii offers superfoods including quinoa, kale, avocado, blueberries and more! Wohoo!
Undressing the Nutritional Highlights & Tips for Eating at Freshii
1) Although it is not guaranteed due to price changes and different suppliers, freshii aims to source hormone/antibiotic free meats and eggs as often as possible. You can also take advantage of the other protein options that freshii provides, such as black beans, bean sprouts, chick peas, quinoa, and all nuts and seeds.
2) There has been great controversy over the health effects and digestibility of processed, non-organic, non-sprouted tofu. For this reason, I would recommend spicing things up by taking advantage of the other vegetarian protein options that freshii provides, such as black beans, bean sprouts, chick peas, quinoa, and all nuts and seeds.
3) Freshii offers a plethora of delicious salad dressings. If you want to avoid canola oil and added sugar I recommend asking for extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar or lemon wedges rather than the prepared salad dressings. If you are eating your salad outside of the restaurant, make your own favourite salad dressing using flaxseed or hemp oil for the extra anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids!
4) Substitute tortilla wraps and rice noodles with quinoa or brown rice! Quinoa is my personal favourite because it is more nutritious than wheat or rice.
5) Choose fresh fruit over the dried fruit. This is because dried fruit may contain unhealthy oils and has a very high sugar concentration (both natural and added) which may cause blood sugar spikes, indigestion, bloating and gas when combined with other foods. Fresh fruit on the other hand contains a much lower sugar concentration and no added sugars or oils.
6) When ordering a salad or wrap, go for the freshii mix/field greens, spinach and kale to get the most nutrient bang for your buck.
7) Go nuts on the raw veggies! These nutrient-dense delights are offered at no extra charge and make your dish
way more delicious!
9) When ordering soup, choose the Asian Vegetable or 7 Vegetable because they contain no gluten or soy and less sodium than the other options. If salt is an issue, stay clear of the soups as they contain half or more of your recommended daily intake. None of the soups contain MSG, preservatives or additives and the ingredients are always readily available when you order, so do not hesitate to ask.
10) Although desserts with added sugar are never encouraged, a small serving of freshii’s frozen yogurt is a lovely low calorie treat for those with an unbearable craving for something cool and sweet. Go for the fruit and nut toppings rather than cookies and processed goodies to reduce your chemical and sugar intake. Since anything sugary after a meal may lead to digestive issues, try to have the frozen yogurt on its own, away from a complex meal.
My personal healthy favourites at freshii
Freshii Prepared Salads
1) Grilled Salmon with extra avocado and a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon, and pepper for dressing.
2) Superbiotic Vegan with quinoa, avocado, fresh tomatoes (rather than sun-dried) and a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and pepper for a dressing. Note: This option is only available on the new menu (currently offered only at certain locations).
Freshii Prepared Bowls
1) Bliss with ½ brown rice and ½ freshii mix. For the dressing get a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon, and pepper.
2) Lemongrass Boost with ½ quinoa and ½ kale. Ask for a side of olive oil and lemon wedges (which I mix with the given dressing/sauce)
Freshii Prepared Soups
Asian Vegetable with bean sprouts instead of tofu
Bon appetit, mon amie!
Have you tried any of these healthy tips at Freshii? Let us know about it!
Also, don’t forget to share this review with your friends and family so that they can dine the healthy way too!
Want to find a Freshii near you? Check out our map below. There are a number of locations in Toronto. Click the map to find one close to you.
