After a year like 2020, it’s hard to know what to expect for 2021 but time keeps moving along, ready or not. So many of us found ourselves indulging a bit during the various quarantine phases. Whether you were “eating your feelings,” discovering the joys of baking bread, or preparing some delish but not-so-good-for-you snacks during multiple binge-watch sessions, the flip of the calendar page can signal a new beginning. January often brings with it a renewed sense of possibility, one that prompts the revisiting of goals and setting new ones. That fresh sense of purpose can include a re-examination of diet and lifestyle, and an interest in nutrition.
“Generally, we see an uptick after the holidays,” says Maggie Pearson, founder of Feast & Fettle, a Rhode Island meal delivery service. “In January, people definitely want to eat healthy.”
If the changing of the calendar prompts a renewed sense of interest in healthy eating for you, you’re in luck because all across South County there is a host of businesses, restaurants, and meal services that will help you do just that.
Oftentimes, the first place to begin a health journey is at the grocery store, but that can be daunting without a road map. Fortunately, there are a number of markets in South County that specialize in catering to healthy lifestyles, including carefully curated selections in which shop owners take pride in the quality, nutritional value, and scope. Back to Basics in East Greenwich has been serving their community for over 20 years: “We know our customers. Our customers here are all regulars,” says owner Fran Shaver. “The majority we have relationships with. We know what they’re looking for. If they request items we don’t have in stock, we bring it in for them.”
Find supplements, health foods, and more at stores like the ones below.
A local supermarket that cares about wellness and offers wide holistic solutions with a range of top-quality products.
Independent grocer that started as a wholesale fruit stand and has evolved into a locally lauded bakery and source for fresh veggies and fruit.
This local supermarket chain is a Rhode Island tradition, and is stocked with healthy, local, and prepared foods.
Offering many homeopathic remedies, vitamins, and more – including one of the largest inventories of bulk herbs and spices in New England.
Family-run supermarket known for “farm to fork” fresh produce sourced from Rhode Island farmers.
South Coast Organics and Bulk Foods
Discover a wide selection of quality bulk foods, coffee, tea, herbs, and spices. They also specialize in custom packaging so that customers can order only the amount needed.
This “farm shop” evolved during quarantine from a farm stand started in 2019 by Rebecca Wright, and focuses on connecting local farms to the community.
For those looking to change their diet, or introduce new, healthy measures to the mix, it can be helpful to use the services of a dietician or a nutritionist. What’s the difference? Dietitians treat medical conditions through food therapy while nutritionists advise people on what to eat to meet health goals.
“Going to see a dietician means you’re likely to be able to add food to your routine rather than take it away,” says Emily DelConte, registered dietician, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and director of Evolution Nutrition, a group practice of 15 nutrition professionals based in the East Bay. “We assess where the person is at and what they’re hoping to do and we engage them in a sustainable way to have healthful eating,” Delconte explains. “A sustainable way entails finding a way to eat that isn’t a quick fix or a fad, but finding ways to engage with food and eating and their body that’s not restrictive or has a lot of rules around it. Instead, it’s honoring their body’s cues.”
Learn more about the science of health and how to incorporate it into your life from these local service providers, including a mix of licensed nutritionists and health coaches.
A social club dedicated to educating others about the importance of good health and nutrition while keeping things fun with one-on-one wellness coaching and weight loss challenges.
This group of registered dieticians works with clients to find a sustainable way of eating that supports their physical and mental health.
Newly opened in November, this community club boasts nutrition coaching, fit camps, sports nutrition, and programs to fit all lifestyles – plus they serve up yummy teas, shakes, protein coffees, and more.
Pairing clients with a registered dietician to aid in making healthy eating choices.
Registered dietician Wendy Leonard has been helping patients meet their health and wellness goals for over 15 years, and offers many different types of nutritional therapy.
Vitamin Smart creates a custom plan for you to improve and restore your health through clean food, exercise, and supplements.
We hear you – sometimes you just want someone to take the guesswork (and the work work) out of the meal equation and have the healthy option made for you. That’s where the restaurants, cafes, and eateries below come into play. South County has a large variety of options so that whatever you’re craving, you can find it!
Coastal neighborhood market offering breakfast, lunch, prepared foods, pantry essentials, and household items, sourced from local farms, purveyors, and creators that use natural and sustainable practices.
This healthy cafe offers an entire menu of foods free of anti-inflammatories. Offerings include plant-based superfoods, organic fruits, and house-made “mylks”, inspired by the owner’s own journey with chronic Lyme disease.
Craving something sweet? Celebrated creates plant-based and allergen-free desserts, and sources their mostly organic, 100 percent vegan ingredients from local producers whenever possible. They also use low-impact packaging and support local animal sanctuaries.
Offering fresh juice, smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, sandwiches, coffee – and more! The menu is influenced by the owners’ love for the sand and the surf.
Find energizing teas, healthy shakes, protein coffees, and health coaching new to Wickford Village.
Perfectly Fit RI & Raw Bob’s Juicery
Raw Bob's Juicery, which is always plant-based and organic, can be found inside of personal training studio Perfectly Fit.
Choose from nutritional shakes, energizing teas, protein snacks, and more on a menu designed to help you work nutrition into your daily routine.
Locally owned, healthy smoothie and tea bar.
What’s Shakin’ Protein Shake & Beverage Bar
Featuring over 110 flavors of protein shakes, fruit and green smoothies, and other beverages, as well as health food and snack items.
Finally, if you’re really looking to up your game, consider investing in a meal service. “It’s so much easier. It’s almost like we meal prep for people,” says Pearson of Feast & Fettle. “This is an option where you don’t have to meal prep – the food will come to you.”
Get your food delivered from local services like these:
Inspired by the owners’ roots, these 100 percent plant-based meals bring the flavors of different regions of France to your table.
Offering home-cooked meals without the cooking. The curated menus accommodate all diets and change weekly.
Innovation Fitness offers sports nutrition supplements, meals, vitamins, and accessories for a range of dietary needs.
This personal chef service offers everything from weekly meal preparation, small events, and holiday celebrations, to cooking instruction.
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