One year ago I decided to change my way of eating to a fully plant based diet. Now, 365 days later, I can say that it was one of the best lifestyle / health choices I’ve ever made in my life. Not only do I feel better, less tired, more positive and generally more happy, but I have also discovered hundreds of tasty food options I was previously not aware of. I am not eating any animal products, including dairy. I have reduced my alcohol consumption to an absolute minimum (way less than before, which is an accomplishment that makes me really happy) and I’m avoiding sugar and coffee. I was having too much coffee, I think a lot of working parents can relate to that. If you run a company, raise two children, travel for work and have to operate on very little sleep half of the time, coffee quickly becomes your best friend. I am also trying to avoid gluten, even though sometimes I have things like pasta or bread, but I am trying to be conscious about the way it affects me.
To celebrate the first year of my plant based diet, I want to tell you about my favourite healthy, vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona.
Next time you’re in town and looking to treat yourself to something nice – make sure you check out the following places:
The absolute best vegan pizzas ever, several brunch options, salads, amazing bowls and soups, tasty deserts and the best part is: everything is gluten and dairy free. Flax and Kale is decorated in a NY style interior design and located in a beautiful area of Barcelona.
They call themselves a “wholesome kitchen” place. Everything is delicious! Smoothie Bohls, Chia & Porridge Bohls, Power Bohls. The place is run by a super nice, food-loving team and it is quiet, minimalistic and very elegant. A must visit on your next trip to Barcelona!
Link / EMBED of this IG post https://www.instagram.com/p/BjPxRHBnQuI/?taken-by=restaurant_xavierpellicer
This amazing chef is a dear friend of mine and I adore his chic-smart-healthy way of cooking.
You can get every dish in three different variations: vegan, vegetarian or with certain animal protein, but only up to 30% of the dishes entire volume.
Green Spot proves that it is possible to combine high end design with a plant based menu. This place is beautiful and one of the most amazing restaurants in town. Their motto is ” Veggie for veggies. Veggie for non veggies”. Their menu is full of delicious ways to fall in love with the plant based way of life.
Frankie Gallo Cha Cha Cha
Stefano and Max, Italian brothers and also friends of mine, are the men behind this NY style pizza place and I swear it will blow your mind. My plant based diet choice here is usually their Pizza Putanesca, salads, potatoes and amazing beers. This winter they are adding plant based dishes, I still need to go and try them all out. They are located in the heart of Raval.
OMG OMG ! These rolls are something else, especially the vegan cinnamon roll! 
Marc Escursell (also my friend) and his brother run the best cookies and rolls place in Barcelona and, in my opinion, in Europe. If you have a sweet tooth, this place will be your personal, chocolaty paradise.
This author restaurant is in the middle of the old town (gothic quarter) of Barcelona. It has been awarded as best vegetarian restaurant in Spain. Like everything on this list, this restaurant is a MUST. The food is amazing and the organic wines selection is to die for.
Of course, these 7 places are not the only cool healthy food places in my city. Check this useful app if you come to Barcelona for more vegan/vegetarian tips.
And last but not least, I am advocating to be more aware of your options for plant based diets, even in “regular” restaurants. Every cool non-veggie restaurant I usually go to has a whole section in their menu for us plant lovers.
I believe that if we keep pointing out the need for plant based food options, some day all restaurants will have a menu like this. PLANT BASED should be a section of every menu, and should be considered as important as snacks, salads, fish, meat, sides or wines…. Don’t you think?
Love,
Erika
The post Goodbye Carnism: Celebrating my one year anniversary of eating plant based appeared first on ErikaLust.