Now that the holidays are over and the rich, decadent meals are not as enticingly abundant, nothing sounds better than a healthy, great tasting meal to start the year off right.

With fitness and weight loss being a couple of 2014’s top-ranked resolutions, you may be asking yourself, “Where can I go in Newport Beach to find food that not only fits within my dietary goals, but also tastes amazing?” Well look no further. The following health-conscious restaurants in Newport Beach will help you stay on track without compromising the satisfaction of great taste:

Fig & Olive
Drawing inspiration from the Riviera and Coastal regions of the South of France, Italy, and Spain, Fig & Olive utilizes the best olive oils from around the world to create their elegant Mediterranean menu. Executive Chef, Pascal Lorange, carefully selects each ingredient based on its genuine flavors and seasonality. Enjoy Fig & Olive’s extensive wine list that includes over 30 varietals as you indulge in a light meal or snack. Afterwards, head over to Fashion Island for an outdoor stroll.

Juice Crafters
If you’re looking for a boost of nutrients to revitalize your spirits, head to Juice Crafters on Balboa Island. Their smoothies and juices combine the highest quality fruits and vegetables and give you the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes your body needs for improved health and enhanced metabolism. If juicing isn’t really your style (it can definitely take some getting used to), try their popular acai bowl and head to the end of Marine Avenue to enjoy it as you gaze out towards the water.

Lemonade
Innovation and adventure pave the way for the classy cafeteria-style restaurant that is Lemonade. The food is fresh, clean, and looks gourmet even in such a casual setting. There are several “stations” to grab food from: sides and salads, sandwiches and main courses, meats and hot portions, and desserts and lemonade. A lunch break at Lemonade wouldn’t be complete without sampling one of their many lemonade options. I usually go for the cucumber mint, but blueberry mint, pomegranate, guava limeade, and blood orange are just definite must-tries.

True Food Kitchen
At this modern yet casual eatery, healthy living and excellent food go hand-in-hand. The variety of menu items — all of which help cleanse the mind, body, and soul — range from edamame dumplings to spaghetti squash casserole to natural refreshments such as a carrot lemonade and my personal favorite, kale-aid (a rejuvenating mix of kale, apple, cucumber, celery, lemon, and ginger). And with plenty of gluten-free items to choose from, True Food Kitchen has become one of my favorite healthy dining spots in Newport Beach.

Zinc Cafe & Market
Known for its breakfast and brunch, this quaint cafe is the perfect place to get your mid-morning fix. Indulge in guilt-free fare such as scrambles, quiches, and oatmeal. Zinc Cafe is also known for being a vegetarian hotspot (vegetarian chili, vegetable lasagna…need I say more?). The food is simple, fresh, and delicious, while the atmosphere is casually sophisticated and modern.

*Photo: True Food Kitchen’s Chicken Chopped Salad