Clean Eatz

Myrtle Beach: 7727 N. Kings Highway; (843) 839-9569
Carolina Forest: 4012 Postal Way; (843) 903-5464
Murrells Inlet: 804 Inlet Square Drive; (843) 357-8100
www.cleaneatz.com

A franchise that began in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2011, Clean Eatz has made believers out of people who thought they’d never join the healthy eating revolution. David and Wendy Gooden, owners of the Carolina Forest Clean Eatz, own two additional Clean Eatz in the Charleston area with more on the way. “We were looking for something that suited our lifestyle,” said David Gooden. “[My wife and I] like to eat healthy and work out, so this seemed like a great fit.” With more than 20 franchises already opened and 20 more coming, the Clean Eatz concept is meeting the needs of consumers looking for ultra-healthy meals prepared in advance and ready for carry out one meal at a time or through a week-long meal plan. Two additional Grand Strand Clean Eatz are separately owned. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Kindbelly

316 79th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach; (843) 712-1731
www.kindbelly.com

A one-of-a-kind “Healthy Choice Cafe,” Kindbelly got its start in June 2014 at St. James Square off Grissom Parkway, but moved to 79th Avenue North in late 2015. Locally owned, Kindbelly’s staff (mostly family) prepare vegetarian and vegan meals they call “breakfast, lunch, brunch and snacks.” General manager Josh Shimmin says the vegan Good Goddess Wrap ($7) is among the most popular. “We use our house SuperChop Mix (a homemade blend of greens and veggies, minced) with hummus, tomato, cucumber, carrot and avocado with Goddess dressing in a choice of wraps.” Kindbelly’s extensive menu includes plenty of breakfast items, like pancakes and egg dishes (including Salmon & Eggs). They also offer tuna and chicken salads, lots of smoothie choices and a kids’ menu. You won’t find burgers and fries here, but you will find the fresh, healthy choices that helped Kindbelly make our “Best Of” list.

Be Well Meals

121 Gateway Drive, Carolina Forest; (843) 796-3108
www.bewellmeals.com

Leslie O’Neill is a holistic wellness coach who’s dedicated her life to helping people feel better, look better and live better through diet and nutrition. “I started this for people who really needed healing,” she said from her Be Well Meals cafe and food prep kitchen in Carolina Forest, which opened about a year and a half ago. “We’re a meal-prepping service—almost like having a personal chef. We can help people prepare for the week with healthy, pre-packaged meals that we freshly make for them in-house. We scratch-make everything, even our ketchup. We’re allergen friendly, we use no processed foods, we use as much organic as we can, buy locally, and support a lot of local farmers. We have an in-house cafe that seats around 20, and we primarily offer take-out meals. We have a smoothie and fresh juice bar, too.” Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Soho

407 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach; (843) 443-9441
www.sohomb.com

That Soho, a hip Myrtle Beach locals’ hangout, should make the “Healthy Eating” category has a caveat attached. A full-service, full-menu restaurant with plenty of high-calorie, higher in fat and fried menu items, Soho is also all about its Asian fare, and that’s where its “healthy eating” shines. Besides sushi items, many of which are low in fat, high in protein and loaded with healthy fish, Soho serves lean grilled chicken, beef and lamb, plus salads and seafood. Like many restaurants with a large menu, Soho requires those looking to eat healthy to exercise a little restraint. Instead of the deep fried coconut shrimp with plum sauce, as delicious as the dish may be, try the Japanese Stone Grill, which is low in calories and big on flavor. Healthy? Yes. Also delicious? For sure. Open 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

Bay Naturals

Myrtle Beach: 7611 N. Kings Highway; (843) 448-0011
North Myrtle Beach: 556 U.S. 17 N.; (843) 272-4436
www.baynaturals.com

Many readers will remember the original Myrtle Beach Bay Naturals, tucked into a tiny strip mall storefront on 38th Avenue North. The health food store enjoyed a brisk lunchtime business serving organic smoothies and a handful of additional menu items. Then came locations North Myrtle Beach and at Northwoods Plaza (76th Avenue North and U.S. 17 Business) with indoor/outdoor seating and an expanded menu. Locally owned and operated, Bay Naturals prepares only certified organic foods and all menu items are made from scratch. Lunch items include daily specials, vegan options, savory soups and salads, sandwiches and even a BLT made with Fakin’ Bacon’ and veganaise (vegetarian eggless mayo) on a choice of organic breads. Try the “Full of Fruit” smoothie with almond milk, banana, strawberries, pineapple and blueberries with the option to add boosters like Echinacea, B-12 and whey protein. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.