EATING HEALTHY IN BARCELONA
- Jun 2, 2015
- 4 min read
Many of us are planning those long-awaited summer trips. We are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (or work season) and getting ready to pack up, head out and explore. I was fortunate enough to spend four days in Barcelona -- a city full to the brim with intrigue, beauty and fresh, healthy food. Spain may be known for its small bites (tapas) and sangria, but it also has a very well developed health and wellness scene with tons of choices for fresh, local, plant-based and often organic food. For all those traveling to Barcelona this summer, or anytime in the future, I have comprised a list of where to buy snacks, drink a green juice and eat in a city that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Snacks
While traveling, keeping snacks on hand is important to avoid major "hangry" meltdowns and to ensure that you don't eat something you'll regret later. Trust me, we've all been there. Everything is going well and before you know it, you're ravenous and willing to eat anything you can get your hands on, even if it's cookies, chips and other things that are guaranteed to bring your energy level down. To avoid this, I found some great spots that sell healthy food for all your snacking needs.
1. La Boqueria Market
This is one of the best places to go for portable, fresh, healthy food and snacks. There are tons of juice sellers, but my favorite is to the right of the main entrance. I had a mango and coconut juice (more like a smoothie) that was to-die-for. There are also tons of sellers for nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit cups and even dehydrated veggie snacks. I bought tons of snacks here to support me for my trip.
Veggie snacks for the win!
2. Veritas
Veritas is a natural and organic store that sells fresh fruit and packaged snacks. Tons of vegetarian, vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free options. Plus, they use cloth bags which you can reuse during your trip. They also have a pretty decent natural and organic beauty section if you are into that. There are locations all over the city. You can find the details here.
3. Tribu Woki
There is also a restaurant in this spot, which I will discuss later. For now, I'm here to talk snacks, and Tribu Woki has plenty of them. They have a great gluten-free section, plus coconut water, nuts, dried fruit, amazing chia seed bars, organic chocolate and much, much more. They are located near the Universitat Metro stop.
One of my favorite snacks, a 100% raw Roo'bar!
4. Barcelona Reykjavik Organic Bakery
Another great find was this organic bakery, which sells tons of amazing treats. I had a hard time picking so I practically took one of everything. There are tons of gluten-free, sugar-free and low-gluten options (they use a lot of spelt flour). I had a delightful lemon, walnut and coconut muffin, which was gluten free. I also had a spinach and goat cheese quiche. My mom had a veggie pizza on spelt flour and a vegan/gluten-free cookie. We stopped at this bakery for snacks then went to Parc de la Ciutadella, as it is close by.
Juice
1. Teresa's Juicery
In my opinion, the one and only place to go for cold-pressed juice is Teresa's Juicery. It has its own shop but can also be found in the entrance of Flax & Kale Restaurant between Universitat and La Rambla. My favorite juice is the Green Slim Fit, but the nut mylks are also divine. Wish I could have tried more flavors.
Restaurants
1. Flax & Kale
One of the best meals I have eaten in my life. Tons of raw, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Flax & Kale is considered a flexitarian restaurant so there are some dishes containing fish and/or dairy. Everything is well marked, though. I shared kale chips (perfection), goat cheese and beet salad, as well as having the vegan, gluten-free tacos with homemade cashew cheeze all to myself. My mom had the veggie burger with mango chutney and loved it. They serve alcohol and have great, mostly raw, desserts. We shared the deconstructed apple crumble with sweet potato ice cream, which was raw and vegan. They make nut mylks fresh daily and offer full coffee and espresso service with them. I had a hazelnut milk latte that was so creamy and rich. I can't recommend this place enough!
Beet and goat cheese salad coming at yah!
2. Tribu Woki
I ate at Tribu Woki's restaurant one night and enjoyed it thoroughly. They grow most of the vegetables themselves in an organic garden. There are tons of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with a wide ranging menu: salads, pasta, pizza, burgers, tapas, etc. I had a veggie burger on a spelt bun with homemade kethcup and mustard. It was super delicious and filling.
3. La Terrassa Del Do
La Terrassa Del Do is located in Placa de Reial. It does seasonal tapas like I have never seen before. It has so many interesting flavor combinations and has tons of vegetarian and gluten-free options. There are some vegan options, or you can make most things vegan by eliminating the cheese; the waiters are very friendly, so just ask! My favorite tapas were the warm zucchini with tomatoes, goat cheese and pine nuts; asparagus with lemon and almonds; and tomato salad with red onions, olives and almonds. Don't forget a glass of sangria, and enjoy the view, as this is a perfect place for people watching. On the weekends there are entertainers and a homemade bazaar in the placa.
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