Clean it up! How many times have you heard that phrase from your parents, boss or friends? Over the past decade, doctors have applied the term to dietary consumption, prompting patients to embrace clean eating. “It’s a simple, yet powerful way to improve long-term health,” explains Dr. Mary Brittain Blankenship of Spruce MD Integrative Medicine. “Whole-food meals built around fresh vegetables, quality proteins, and healthy fats stabilize energy levels, support gut health, and reduce inflammation.”
This approach to filling your plate emphasizes eating whole, natural foods as close to their origin as possible, while avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives. “Foods grown close to home don’t just taste better, they’re often richer in nutrients,” Blankenship says. “Even in busy seasons of life, choosing real, nutrient-dense foods is one of the best investments you can make for short-term energy and long-term wellness.”
Yep, she used the word “busy.” We’re all busy. So, how do you source, cook, and serve less-processed, fresher foods? TOWN explored some of the best local places offering “clean” options to-go.
Healthy Dining Options
This spot offers fresh seasonal meals. Although it’s a chain, the staff gets to know every customer. They offer both a cafe and custom, weekly meal plans that include flatbreads, wraps, build-your-own-bowls, and more.
3608 Pelham Rd., Ste. C, Greenville
Start your day with a savory turkey sausage muffin and close it out with rigatoni short-rib pasta. Emily’s Pantry crafts offerings to highlight local ingredients and “celebrate the flavors of our region.”
241 N. Main St., Greenville
Family-owned Harvest Kitchen has been serving clean dishes since 2021. The sweet rosemary cornbread and butternut strew draw raves, as do the gluten- and dairy-free profiteroles and eclairs.
112 Cannon St., Greer
Check this chain for flavorful meals, prepped from scratch and geared to fit active lifestyles. Pick up in-store or get protein-packed meals delivered right to your door. We especially like the chicken bacon ranch keto casserole, chorizo breakfast hash, and cheeseburger bowl.
Various locations in Greenville, Taylors, Simpsonville, and Five Forks
This Greenville gem has been working with hundreds of local farmers to source local produce, dairy, and meats since 2011. Grab-and-go items change with the seasons, ranging from street corn pasta salad and pumpkin risotto to eggplant parmesan and gluten-free enchiladas.
205 Cedar Lane Rd., Greenville
Consider splurging by ordering a meal-to-go from James Beard-nominated chef Adam Cooke. Start with the butter bean and bacon soup and close things out with the milk chocolate hazelnut crunch cake. Ask for the 10 percent Golden Hour discount if you’re dining in from Thursday to Saturday.
13 S. Main St., Travelers Rest
This shop, which started in Cameron Kendrick’s home kitchen in 2011, now offers two locations for grab-and-go meals and more. Favorites include steak fajitas, walnut and rosemary oven-fried chicken, and First Place Chili. Add a few Chocolate Chip Powerballs for healthy snacking.
209 W. Antrim Dr., Greenville; 330 Scuffletown Rd., Simpsonville
Tips to Clean Up Your Diet
Start small. Swap water for soda and whole grains for refined grains.
Focus on whole foods. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Read labels. If you buy packaged foods, avoid those with ingredients you can’t pronounce.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, natural beverages, and herbal teas.
