Fit Food: Where and how to find healthy food downtown?

The healthy food market was one of the fastest growing during the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil – and around the world.

The consumption of healthier products , such as organic foods, with less sugar, less fat and lower sodium content, generated more than R$100 billion in 2020 in the Brazilian market.

According to a survey carried out by the Ministry of Health, at the end of May 2020, four out of ten Brazilians reported having changed their eating habits since the beginning of social isolation.

Brazil occupies a prominent place in the segment worldwide: a survey carried out by the international agency Euromonitor indicates that the country is 4th on the planet in consumption of healthy foods, generating around US$ 35 billion per year.

Factors that indicate consumer motivation for this type of food

Two factors, according to research, indicate the motivation for this increase – which was already growing significantly, but accelerated during the pandemic – in the search for a more balanced fit diet:

• With more time at home, people have become more concerned about their health and well-being
• With evidence of an increased risk of complications from Covid-19 for people with comorbidities, the population began to pay more attention to what they eat.

This is because some of the biggest complications of Covid are diseases that can be controlled or eliminated with a healthier lifestyle, especially with a healthy diet: diabetes and high blood pressure.

And, according to market indices, good habits have remained even with the practically total return of commercial activities throughout the country.

It's also worth checking out good gyms for exercising!

Given this change in habits, many people who were at home preparing their own food in a healthier way, returned to shops and offices looking for this healthy diet in restaurants and snack bars.

There is no shortage of options, especially in downtown São Paulo, which brings together culinary alternatives from all over the world and does not leave out balanced options, with less sugar, fat and salt in the preparation.

Check out some good options in neighborhoods in the center of São Paulo:

Natural Artichoke

Less than 500 m from the Sé Cathedral, right in the Historic Center of São Paulo, Alcachofra Natural is a reference restaurant in the region and very popular with vegans and vegetarians.

It has several meat-free options, gluten-free and lactose-free food, and very healthy preparation. Highly rated on social media, the restaurant has several dishes with Brazilian seasoning.

On the menu, Alcachofra Natural has options such as Xadrez Tofu, Black-Eyed Pea Burger, Vegetable Couscous, Pumpkin Broth, Chocolate Sagu, Chickpea Falafel, Shredded Jackfruit Lasagna (lacto), Soy Steak with Onions, Vegetable Broth with Vermicelli …

Finally, one of the customers' favorite parts is that the buffet has a fixed price and includes broth, salad, juice and desserts.

Taste and see

A vegan restaurant located in Bela Vista that, according to its owners, aims to offer health through healthy and vegan food. Furthermore, without any added animal products or refined sugar.

The place's motto is that food is your medicine and the basis for a life full of energy and well-being!

On the menu, from breakfast to afternoon snacks, there are options such as bowls, beijus, smoothies , omelets, Arabic food, pancakes and also ideas such as shimeji bobó...

It is also very well spoken of among regulars and the atmosphere is really cool!

Tanka

It is a restaurant located in Liberdade and, as expected, it mainly serves Japanese food. They charge a fixed price for the buffet, where the customer can serve themselves as much as they want.

On the menu, according to them, Japanese cuisine is of high quality, with sophisticated ingredients, such as roe (tobiko, massago), oysters, shrimp, etc.

In addition, the place also offers Chinese, Korean and Thai cuisine options.

Beat Kitchen

This place is more than a restaurant, it is a food space where you can buy your food or take your prepared fit lunch box in advance and heat it up and eat it as you prefer.

A great help for those who are at work or college and need to have a quick lunch and continue their commitments in the region.

Located in Bela Vista, the place has an oven, stove, microwave, sandwich maker and attendants to help and answer questions about how the equipment works.

If you want to buy something there, there are also options. Beat Kitchen has refrigerators with drinks, natural juices, lunch boxes and ready-to-eat proteins.

Nutrisom

Located in Bela Vista, it has been around for over 30 years and is a very popular place at lunchtime.

It has vegetarian food, which is very healthy and customers say it is very tasty and, with one highlight: a very attractive price.

Apfel Vegetarian Restaurant

With food aimed at those who don’t eat meat, this restaurant is a landmark in the Historic Center of São Paulo. According to the owners, the place was created to be “a true refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city center.”

The menu is designed for those looking for healthy food and is produced in a very natural way and there is a lot of variety on the menu.

The place is very charming and peaceful, although it is in a strategic and privileged location in the central region of the city.

Eco Market

This restaurant is located in the República neighborhood and has several healthy options such as eggplant lasagna, tuna salad, omelets and pumpkin kibbeh.

The food is made with whole, organic ingredients, with vegetarian and vegan options, meals for breakfast, lunch and for events.

Very well rated among visitors. Worth a visit.

Smell of Grass

Located in Sé, the center of São Paulo, Cheiro de Relva is another popular option for those who live or work in the region.

There is a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as those prepared with little fat, sugar or processed foods.

The place is simple, but highly recommended for its wide variety of dishes. There are many healthy dessert options, many salads, juices and teas.

Food is sold by the kilo.

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