New restaurant offers something healthy for everyone

There is a new hotspot in Cedar Falls. Off of Greenhill Road, “Freshii” boasts takes of things just like its name implies: fresh.

Founded in New York City, Freshii has spread across the nation as a chain. Salads, soups, smoothies, smoothie bowls, juices, rice bowls and burritos all dot the menu with health-centered ingredients.

Freshii also has a “build your own” option, allowing customers to create the dish exactly as they want it or to meet special dietary needs. Freshii has vegan and vegetarian options and caters to a variety of lifestyles.

The food at Freshii is fresh and convenient, and even offers a drive-through option and online-ordering for quick access to healthy foods. Freshii makes it possible to not sacrifice one’s health for convenience.

Many healthy foods can be expensive, but Freshii is an affordable dining option that has prices that rivals chains in Cedar Falls like Pancheros, Chipotle and Jimmy John’s. It also puts healthier twists on classics, such as the Buffalo Chicken Wrap with romaine, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery, Greek yogurt, ranch, buffalo sauce and an optional protein for an extra charge.

While the food served at Freshii is not organic, Freshii does subscribe to “Mission Green,” an initiative to reduce waste and use eco-friendly practices such as biodegradable packaging and no energy consuming dishwashers or ovens.

When I went to Freshii for the first time, I tried the Bamboo Bowl — a brown rice bowl packed with veggies such as broccoli, carrot, mushrooms, cabbage, cilantro, lime and topped with a light, green curry sauce and coconut shavings. For an extra charge, one can add a protein option such as steak, falafel, chicken or tofu. I opted for the chicken option. It was delicious, not greasy like most fast food places.

In addition to their foods, Freshii offers trendy juice cleanses complete with varying numbers of juices per day and a salad, a kid’s menu, frozen yogurt and breakfast options. The “Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Pocket” includes scrambled egg, goat cheese, spinach, roasted red peppers and mushrooms for $3.99.

As someone who eats a diet that includes primarily vegetables and protein, I am thankful that Freshii is able to provide a quick meal option when I am in a pinch that does not sacrifice my dietary preferences.