The Best Northern Liberties Healthy Food Spots and Workouts

According to Christine Hronec, a food scientist, Philly trainer, and founder of Gauge Girl Training.


northern liberties healthy food

Northern Liberties healthy food options make healthy eating seem easy. Photo via Flickr user Dan Reed.

Philly has an insanely wonderful fitness scene, but the truth is, many of us tend to stick to our own neighborhoods — we’ve all got our favorite corner coffee shops, yoga studios, healthy food, running trails, and more. That’s why we’re asking local fitness pros to give us a tour of their neighborhoods — and to spill all their secrets on the hidden gems they can’t quit.

northern liberties healthy food

Here, Christine Hronec shares her favorite Northern Liberties healthy food and workouts. Photograph courtesy Christine Hronec.

Northern Liberties is one of those Philly neighborhoods that seems to have all of the essentials jammed into one quaint neighborhood boundary. That being said, it’s packed with healthy food options, workouts, and self-care galore. Giving us the inside scoop on Northern Liberties is Christine Hronec, a local trainer, founder of Gauge Girl Training, and food scientist that lives in the neighborhood.

Below, you’ll find Hronec’s picks for all things healthy in Northern Liberties, from where to get a low-carb high-protein breakfast to the best place to sweat, and even where to treat yourself to a massage, with some tips for healthy living along the way.

Northern Liberties Healthy Food and Drink Spots

Coffee shop: “At One Shot Coffee Café, my go-to order is black coffee — I like to save my calories for eating, not drinking. This place has quality coffee and tea and boasts a great atmosphere with a gorgeous, cozy, modern, rustic interior. The white marble tables are awesome for taking Instagram-able food and beverage photos as well.”

 

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Healthy brunch spot: “The Egg White Omelet with lox is my go-to at Green Eggs Café. Skip the bread and potatoes and go heavy on the spinach, mushrooms, and peppers. The portions of excess carbs will always be far too much — compared to what you actually need — so simply pass before it’s even on your plate. You will still get nutrient dense carbs from the veggies and dietary fiber, which is always a plus while hitting your protein goals with egg whites. Oh, and I always give a huge YES to fried capers on top, as I have a serious salt tooth.”

 

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Healthy lunch spot: “Eating healthy does not have to be boring! The Salmon Lover’s Poke Bowl at Poke Bowl Philly is LIFE! Salmon is, by far, my favorite healthy protein source. It’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is not only great for your hair and skin but is an incredible protein source for after a workout session. I love adding extra seaweed to these bowls for a satisfying, nourishing meal.”

 

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Healthy date night spot: “Asian Cuisine is probably the easiest to tailor to a healthy eating plan. I typically enjoy miso soup or a seaweed salad to start with a hand roll like the salmon avocado or tuna at Seiko Japanese Restaurant. Steer clear of tempura or tempura sushi as it adds a lot of extra fat and carbs to your daily macros. If this is your cheat meal, by all means enjoy, but you can stretch your caloric budget much further by going for fresh or raw sushi.”

Bar: “For a nice atmosphere, great food, and live jazz brunches, Jerry’s Bar is an excellent place to go. Aside from your traditional cocktails, they have prosecco on tap for serious brunchers, but this isn’t ideal for those with serious weight loss goals. It’s better to skip the alcohol altogether and go for one of their amazing appetizers like the burrata mozzarella and tomatoes minus the grilled bread or the meatballs and toast minus the toast.”

 

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Healthy takeout: “I’m all about Café La Maude, which is available on Uber Eats, FTW.”

Grocery store for healthy foods: “Acme is your best bet for the best prices and variety here in Northern Liberties. Specialty corner stores won’t have the options and convenient stores won’t compare with their prices.”

Northern Liberties Workouts and Gyms

Gym: “I’m a new member at City Fitness. It’s a super-convenient location, with a great variety of weight training equipment, and plenty of space for filming workout vlogs.”

 

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Workout class: “Orange Theory‘s one-hour total body training is one of the most efficient workouts because it gets you to burn a lot of calories while getting you in and out in an hour.”

 

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Nearby running route: “I love running along the water, so it’s a no-brainer that I would hit the Delaware River Waterfront. I do a very simple out-and-back-style run, and run along the water going south or running across the Ben Franklin Bridge into New Jersey while soaking up some of the best views of the city.”

Northern Liberties Self-Care

Meditation studio: “With a convenient class schedule, excellent location, and friendly staff, Sculpere is my go-to zen spot. With the studio’s excellent energy and calming decor, it feels like a calm alternate universe that serves as a mental escape when you need to de-stress. I usually opt for their Happy Hour yoga class.”

 

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Spa treatment: “I love the 50-minute therapeutic massage at Tree of Zen Spa. This spot is clean, calming, restoring, and, thankfully, they have excellent availability.”

Northern Liberties Outdoor Fun

Park: “I love movie night at the outdoor Piazza (a.k.a Schmidt’s Commons). The outdoor Piazza is such a unique and safe setting to socialize without every activity being solely focused on food. It’s important to have fun activities that will keep you on track for your health goals.”

Annual events: “The 2nd Street Festival is so much fun. It’s so nice to see so many people come together in this up and coming neighborhood.”

 

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