Do you find yourself trying to eat “better” right now? Perhaps it’s that post-holiday food coma, or maybe you made a pact to (finally) change some bad habits; whatever the reason, eating healthier ends up on many a January to-do list. Lucky for you, we compiled a fun list of better-for-you entrées that don’t sacrifice taste. And that’s not all—you won’t even find the usual offenders in this roundup (tofu and salad, I’m looking at you). Happy eating!

Big appetites and red meat lovers need to try the Tri Tip Cabo Fries from Tallow Organic Grill. Fries, you scoff? Yes! Not only are their potatoes cut in-house, then cooked in tallow instead of seed oils, but nothing is prepared or packaged in plastic, either. The spuds are topped with organic, pasture-raised beef that’s been marinated in organic fruit juice and spices. The organic cheese is from small family dairies, and even the hot sauce is homemade (again with no seed oils in sight). Still not sold? You’ll also get fajita veggies and fire-roasted corn in there, too. 916-337-0177, tallowgrill.com; permanent location coming soon

Plant-based folks who are craving a burger—but not an overly processed patty—should head to The Monk’s Cellar. Their Mana’s Vegan Nut Burger offers a handmade patty composed of nothing but fresh, clean, and real food ingredients. You won’t be lacking in protein or substance with almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews, walnuts, white beans, vegetables, spices, and brown rice inside. It all gets topped with a (vegan!) Russian dressing, white onions, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. You’ll receive it served on a vegan whole-wheat bun with a side of potato chips that, yes, are also made in-house. 240 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-786-6665, monkscellar.com

Land Ocean offers a regularly rotating Fitness Special that consistently clocks in at 450 calories or less. What’s on the menu this month? Blackened halibut, a lean fish that contains plenty of micronutrients, atop a bed of street corn with fresh jalapeños, and a drizzle of cayenne aioli for a nice kick. A dusting of cotija satisfies that cheese craving while micro cilantro amps up the nutrient power even more. 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 241, Roseville, 916-407-5640; 2720 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-7000, landoceanrestaurants.com

Veg heads and meat eaters alike are sure to be satisfied with the Solstice Tacos from Placerville Public House. They’re filled with herb-roasted butternut squash, which is high in fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants—all while being low in calories. They also contain black bean-corn salsa for more fiber and protein, plus feta cheese, which is good for your gut. Green onions add freshness, the chipotle aioli brings a burst of flavor, and the flour tortillas will keep hunger at bay. 305 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3792, placervillepublichouse.com 

If you adore sushi but are trying to stay away from starch, and sashimi just won’t cut it for a full meal, fret not. Enter the Cucumber Special Roll from Nara Sushi. It’s chock-full of lean protein with different flavor profiles to keep things interesting (think shrimp, crab, salmon, tuna, and albacore), which all get wrapped up in cucumber instead of the usual rice. Bonus: They have an entire low-carb rolls section of the menu, so you’re free to explore other similar choices. 1125 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-790-8844, narafolsom.menu11.com

You don’t have to give up pizza while eating cleaner—just order a Cauliflower Crust Sierra Veggie (or Veggie Train, depending on the location) at Old Town Pizza. This bad boy is loaded with an herbivore’s paradise of garlic, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, yellow onions, and tomatoes, plus sauce and cheese. The real star of the show, though, is the gluten-free cauliflower crust; it clocks in at just 160 calories for a 10-inch small. 510 High Street, Auburn, 530-888-7600; 599 Lincoln Boulevard, Lincoln, 916-645-7677; 120 Church Street, Roseville, 916-668-7655, otpizza.net

This list wouldn’t be complete without a solid poultry option, and the Chipotle-Orange Chicken Thigh entrée from Selland’s is too good to pass up. If you’re craving something with a hint of sweetness without going overboard, the glaze of orange marmalade, smoky chipotle chiles, apple cider vinegar, and ginger should do the trick. Make it a full, nutrient-dense meal by adding their miso-maple butternut squash and roasted brussels sprouts on the side. Try and name a better winter dish; we’ll wait. 4370 Town Center Boulevard, El Dorado Hills, 916-932-5025, sellands.com; additional locations in Sacramento 

by Caitlin Emmett

The Monk’s Cellar photo by Jason Kilgore. Tallow Organic Grill photo courtesy of Tallow Organic Grill. Land Ocean photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Placerville Public House photo by Jesse Edelman. Nara Sushi photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.