Establishment: Jivamukti
Meal: Supergreen Salad
-Spirulina, coleslaw, romaine lettuce, spinach, millet,
One of the coolest places to grab a bite and relax in the city is the Jivamukti cafe, located in Union Square. I’m not much of a spiritual person myself, but I can’t help but feel a little zenned out eating here from all the decorations, mellow staff, and the fact that it’s within a yoga school. A Russell Simmons sighting is a bonus you might get while dining here.
Anyway, the Supergreen Salad was probably the greatest salad I’ve ever eaten.
Breakdown…
Whenever I see a green dish like this one I think of the Vitamin A, Iron, and Magnesium the dark leafy greens will nourish me with. The gluten free grain millet proved that hearty fiber content I was craving for this meal, and on top of the millet was a green substance that a lot of people aren’t familiar with… Spirulina.
Spirulina is one of the most nutritious foods you can possibly eat. By itself, it tastes like the bottom of a pond, so I recommend always mixing it with other foods (blending it in a smoothie with fruit, or in this case tossing it around in a salad).
Spirulina contains all essential amino acids making it a complete protein which is perfect for aiding in strength gains/muscle recovery after exercise. Even though this food is packed with protein, it’s the other nutritional benefits your body receives from Spirulina that makes this gem so interesting.
It’s gamma linolenic acid (GLA) content and Omega 3’s aids in easing achy joints, has way more calcium found in milk, has been shown to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and is extremely detoxifying!
The phytonutrients and antioxidants found in spirulina have been known to fight free radicals and bond to various toxins in the body and help escort them out of the system. And when I say toxins, I mean everything from metal in the body, to helping reverse the conditions of people who have been exposed to radioactive rays!
Although there aren’t any nuclear plants here in NYC, you can believe with all the smokers walking around, exhaust from cars, toxic attitudes, and sewer smog, it’s a good idea to have a strong detoxifying agent in your kitchen when you need one!
Greg Sher, Founder of I Kill Fat, Manhattan Personal Training has been a personal trainer in NYC for over 5 years (and vegan for 4!). Offering custom resistance training programs, nutritional guidance, and convenience to his clients, Greg’s mission is to make training as efficient and fun as possible. Download his new eBook: How Not To Be A Junk Food Vegan.