Top Carrot: Wholesome & Juicy

When it comes to eating healthy on vacation, many of us tend to make poor choices and relax our restraint, but there are ways to keep watch over what you put in your mouths, and with some help from Top Carrot Restaurant and Juice Bar (Plaza del Lago, Simpson Bay Yacht Club) your job should be made a little bit easier. It’s one of the few places on St. Maarten dedicated to health food mostly made with locally grown vegetables and fruits.

The Bulgarian yoghurt for breakfast is homemade and so are the freshly squeezed juices. You can choose from 11 fruits and vegetables and even make your own combination. But at Top Carrot they’ve already put together some interesting choices – have an Early Sunrise (pineapple, grapefruit and cranberry) or fuel your body with a Liquid Life (carrot, wheatgrass powder, celery and apple).

The smoothies make up for a more nutritional option – the Rejuvenate made off banana, apple, dates and cashew nuts is rich and tasty and enough to still you hunger. If not, you can always go for one of their wholesome sandwiches or salads. Healthy ingredients and exotic combinations are served on a 7 grain French bread or in a whole wheat pita. Salads run from Classic Caesar to Apple Turkey. Vegetarian will enjoy Gourmet sandwich, the veggie wrap or the Greek Platter (stuffed wine leaves, tzaziki, tomato, black olives and feta cheese). If you like the ingredients on the menu but not the combination, don’t hesitate to make your own mix – if they have it they can customize it anyway you want.

If the food has put you into a healthy state of mind, browse through their bookcase for a pick that shows you how to maintain it nutritionally, physically and mentally. Grab some new age music and incense while you’re at it for complete body wellness. Top Carrot also sells natural beauty products, supplements, organic food products, fresh fruits, exotic jewellery and accessories. They open every day for breakfast and lunch.