6 places to eat light before the holidays get heavy

As the holiday season approaches, so does the season of excessive, unabashed (and yet totally socially acceptable) gluttony. From now until January, when the inevitable shame sets in, most of our diets will predominantly consist of fat, carbs, and sugar. It’s all coming: booze- and baked good-laden holiday parties, feasts with family and friends, dining on congealed leftovers for days on end. But hold up, wait a minute! It’s not quite here yet. You have about two seconds, figuratively speaking, before your average caloric intake triples for the next 30-something days, give or take. Do your body a favor and eat light before you put it through holiday hell.

Ameer's Mediterranean Grill Restaurant

Ameer's specializes in Irresistible Middle Eastern favorites, including falafel, shawarma, kebabs, hummus and pita, and more. Expect casual digs and friendly service. | more...

Cafe Sunflower Buckhead Vegan/Vegetarian

A favorite among Atlanta's meat-free diners, Cafe Sunflower offers a friendly staff, inspired plant-based dishes, and innovative vegan desserts. | more...

facebook: @Cafe Sunflower

Kale Me Crazy Restaurant, Vegan/Vegetarian

Run by "juicetenders," the upscale juice bar specializes in made-to-order organic and cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and raw foods. | more...

facebook: @Kale Me Crazy

MetroFresh Restaurant

Mitchell Anderson opened MetroFresh after a stint at Souper Jenny's in Buckhead. Here, you'll find hearty soups and sandwiches, along with salads, pastas, and a few more complicated entrees from time to time. A couple of specials are posted daily. You can eat in, but the food is ideal for carryout, ... | more...

facebook: @MetroFresh

Yalla Restaurant

From chef Todd Ginsburg and the team behind The General Muir, Yalla specializes in Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, including shawarma, kebabs, and more. | more...

instagram: @yallaatl

The list above first appeared in the 2015 CL Cityguide and was updated by CL Staff recently.