Off to a Healthy Start!

After all that holiday indulgence, it's time to start the New Year off with a healthier outlook.

But who wants to drink wheatgerm or chow down on nothing but rice cakes for a month?!

The Loop's Protein Bar, located directly across from Willis Sears Tower, is making it fun for those who take on their New Year challenge.

For every 10 meals you order through Feb. 28 you'll get a free meal and a chance to win health- and fitness-related prizes like personal training sessions, spa certificates, mani-pedis or a happy hour for friends at Protein Bar.

In addition to signature smoothies like the whimsical Wrigley Peeled (chocolate protein, milk, all-natural peanut butter, banana), Protein Bar offers an extensive list of delicious diet-friendly dishes to whip you in shape.


Lynn House, award-winning mixologist of graham elliot (Photo: graham elliot)


If you crossed booze off your list for awhile, graham elliot's master mixologist Lynn House has got you covered with a few of her award-winning cocktails that have been converted to "mocktails."

We're especially craving the Pomegranate Fizz (egg white, lime juice, homemade grenadine or pomegranate molasses, club soda, diet Sprite) and sexy Ruby Slippers (lemon juice, blood orange juice, ginger syrup, Sprecher's ginger ale).

And sushi is one of the healthiest foods out there, as long as you're not piling it on with cream cheese, tempura shrimp or avocado.

To chow down in style, here's a refresher, plus you can always find the freshest bites at Wicker Park fave Mirai Sushi and the South Loop's original location for Oysy.

More sushi's on tap at Sushi Samba where chef Dan Tucker just launched the SAMBA FIT menu for lunch and dinner. For $20.10, guests get to choose healthy items from a three-course menu. These sound especially good: yuzu soy glazed green beans; grilled tofu marinated in Japanese herb sauce; and a selection of sushi rolls, including tuna, Yellowtail scallion and Yellowtail jalapeno.

Happy New Year!