The Best Restaurant for Your Waistline (and Wallet) + Bonus Recipe

With this week containing two very green and important days, St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of spring, celebration is in order. With that said, we here at RNL want to celebrate with you and we’re thinking the food kind.

We’re going to take you to our favorite hometown hangout, but if you’re not local, don’t stop reading. We have the most delicious recipe perfect for this week of celebration, so stay with us.

Southern California is sprinkled with healthy hangouts, but in my hometown of San Clemente, we’ve really got what I believe to be one of the best. Active Culture is the name. Healthy yet delicious, affordable, eco-friendly and sustainable food is their game. This family-owned gem started off in Laguna Beach and after a successful run decided to open a second spot with even more seating and an extended menu (lucky us!).

The delectable organic menu includes staples like unique bean and lentil bowls, dynamite salads, shakes, a variety of veggie burgers, seasonal soups, and fresh juices.

One of my favorites on the Active Culture menu is homemade raw almond milk, resulting in bowls and smoothies packed with protein, flavor, and superior nutrition. Shakes are made with a coconut base that’s organic, vegan, soy and gluten-free frozen base and their delicious organic homemade almond milk.

The concept behind their shakes is simple and pure — serve customers shakes that are just as satisfying and tasty as traditional shakes, without the health impacts of ice cream and sugar or for that matter, soy.  We love them for that!

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While its natural richness creates a creamy texture, the fat in coconut milk is a “good fat,” quickly metabolized and turned into energy to fuel your body! The shakes (and all their food) is truly wholesome and delicious! Believe me, well-fed smiling kiddos are a regular at Active Culture.

This all leads me to one of my favorites on the menu. The Moonlight Mint shake. It’s my favorite after a hot afternoon of hiking or fun day on the beach. If you’re not local, they’ve been kind enough to include the fabulous recipe for you to try from afar (Thanks, Active Culture!)

Moonlight Mint Shake

Ingredients

• 2 scoops of vegan coconut ice cream
• 3 ice cubes
• 1 T cacao powder
• 1 T cacao nibs
• 2 sprigs of fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon of organic peppermint extract
• 1/2 cups of unsweetened almond milk

Directions

1. Blend and enjoy!

Who’s hungry? Be sure and Pin this tasty recipe for later!!

Ready for a visit?

San Clemente at 111 S. El Camino Real Or Laguna Beach at 1006 S. Coast Hwy, both complete with ocean breeze as well as friendly and efficient service.

Oh and be sure to “like” them on Facebook as well friends!

Melissa Schollaert is a Holistic Health & Nutrition Counselor and founder of Real Nutritious Living. Helping others achieve their health goals to attain their healthiest, happiest life is her greatest ambition.

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