Shrink your waist. Grow your wallet. Healthy meals that won’t break the bank.

The following five restaurants serve up delicious and healthy meals at fair prices.

When trying to eat healthy, it can be difficult to find restaurants that cater to your grubbing needs without breaking the bank. However, finding food that is delicious, nutritious and inexpensive isn’t impossible. Check out these five San Diego restaurants that will keep your belly full, waist small and bank account unbroken.

If you’re looking to eat a meal packed with fresh and sustainable local ingredients, Farmers Bottega is the spot for you. Located in Mission Hills, this new farm-to-table eatery serves up a ton of healthy menu items under $10, which includes all of their soups and salads and fruit and grain brunch menu options. The House Made Granola served with fresh fruit and strawberry yogurt is a sweet and hearty breakfast option.

Looking for something fast, simple and authentic? Head to the heart of North Park to Encontro for a protein packed lunch. Re-discover classic American craft food with their house-made sandwiches and burgers, which can be wrapped in romaine lettuce as a substitute healthier option. Prices range from $6 to $12 for these tasty menu items. The suggested exotic Thai Sausage protein sandwich is filled with shrimp, duroc pork blend, banana peppers, grilled sweet peppers and onions, served with house-made chips.

With locations in Pacific Beach, Hillcrest and Liberty station,  Fig Tree Café, is a restaurant full of healthy choices waiting to serve you.  Whether you live inland or by the coast, you can find plenty of healthy options at this California eatery for under $12. The Sapphire Salad topped with mixed greens, goat cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts, chicken and lemon-poppy seed dressing is recommended for lunch.

Heading to happy hour with some friends after work? Visit Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro between 3 to 6 p.m. for healthy appetizers under $8. Some of the menu items include Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, Tuna Sashimi and Salmon Carpaccio. The Salmon Carpaccio, with Serrano chilies, chives, lemon heart of palm and fried capers is a recommended happy hour item.

Head to Fish Shop for a healthy omega-3 filled meal.  With locations in Pacific Beach and Encinitas, there’s a boatload of fresh fish to choose from for under $12. Try the Grilled Red Snapper on a fresh salad topped with tomatoes, cumber, pickled red onions, capers and your choice of dressing. Other fish options for your salad include ahi, local halibut, albacore, scallops, shrimp, lobster, yellowtail, salmon and more.

If you’re looking to shrink your waist and expand your wallet, head to one of these fine San Diego eateries for your next breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This is a guest post by Sabrina Shahawi. 

Sabrina is a senior at San Diego State University majoring in journalism and minoring in political science. She has experience in social media marketing, public relations, writing and editing.

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