New York City’s gentrified Meatpacking District seems an unlikely place to find a “go-to” restaurant specializing in fish, seafood and veggies, but that’s pretty much the culinary focus of Fig & Olive.

Here, in this trendy, industrially chic neighbourhood, chef Pascal Lorange has the wants of the health-conscious diner covered. At Fig & Olive, www.figandolive.com, the Mediterranean-inspired menu includes things like Zucchini Carpaccio, Grilled Bell Peppers with Herbes de Provence, Cote d’Azure Bouillabaisse and Trio de la Mer.

All dishes are prepared with olive oil instead of butter and cooked to maintain maximum nutrients. So forget the fried and deep-fried, and expect grilling, poaching, baking and sautéing.

While healthy eating may mean different things to different people, the buzzwords today are farm-fresh, seasonal, naturally-raised, artisanal and low fat, and chefs at an increasing number of Big Apple restaurants (in all price ranges) are paying heed. Here are five other restaurants offering healthy food choices in New York City:

Zen Palate: In Hell’s Kitchen, Zen Palate has been dishing out to vegetarians since 1991. Zagat calls it “a meatless nirvana.”  Restaurant manger Chris Chang says his “Asian vegetarian fusion” cuisine uses more than 60 different plants and flowers from  culinary cultures around the world. They use a lot of meat substitution such as soy protein, and the Zen Burger is the vegetarian version of the Big Mac.   

The Pump Energy Food: Billed as the “physical fitness restaurant,” The Pump Energy Food, www.thepumpenergyfood.com, has five outlets in various parts of the city.  The one on the West Side is tiny and basic and if you didn’t know it was there, you could walk right by. But its meals are wholesome, tasty, and nicely prepared, and prices won’t take a chunk out of the wallet.   Look for sandwiches on whole wheat bread, healthy shakes, vegetarian chili, grilled chicken over brown rice or steamed greens, plus lots of other high-protein foods.  Low-fat, low sodium is also key.  They don’t cook with butter, cream or mayo, and nothing is fried.

Scarlatto Italian Restaurant: Located in the heart of the Theatre District, the elegant and intimate Scarlatto offers an impressive variety of fish dishes including salmon, halibut, tuna, red snapper and sea bass prepared with healthier cooking techniques, including baking, searing, grilling and poaching. There are also about half-a-dozen different salads. Expect a rush from the pre-theatre crowd.   

Jamba Juice: For a quick energy boost drop into any one of the city’s 10 Jamba Juice locations, www.jambajuice.com. The extensive menu of “fast food” items includes freshly squeezed juices, protein shakes, yogurt and fruit blends, and whole wheat pockets stuffed with nutritious fixings. In the busy Times Square location you can sit at one of a few tables and watch the crowds file by as you nibble on Omega 3 Cookies.

Dove Tail: The year-old Dove Tail, www.dovetailnyc.com, with its  innovative menu and fabulous food is already a hit in the Upper West Side neighbourhood. Chef John Fraser’s travels throughout the French and Spanish countryside inspired the “sourcing locally” philosophy he embraces.

Save room for the Olive Oil Brownie — low in fat, made with anti-oxidant-rich dark chocolate and surprisingly yummy.

– Anne Dimon is a spa and wellness travel writer. Visit www.traveltowellness.com.