The Health Nuts

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With their vaguely threatening aura of Spartan privation and taste-free meals, the very words "health food" immediately raise suspicious hackles. The Health Nuts shops have all the requisite rows of bottled vitamins and supplements, but their rich displays of healthy treats and organic goodies can seduce even the most resolutely disciplined gourmand. Chocolate brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and biscotti (all sugarless); natural honey and maple syrup; trail mix treats; and snacks like popcorn and chips make healthier eating hardly seem like a sacrifice. Brands are both obscure, like Aunt Gussie's, Bob's Red Mill, and the Ginger People, and familiar, Bearitos, Guiltless Gourmet, and the ubiquitous Amy's Organics entrees join tofu and cheese in the refrigerated cases. For the more hard-core DIYer, a small section of fresh organic produce is complemented by an eclectic selection of grains—bags of spelt, bulgur, and rice flour—and a respectable array of dried seaweeds. The store also offers beauty products and books. And after all the healthy indulgence, check out the yoga mats in Chinese satin carrying bags; they're pretty enough to inspire a trip to the gym, too. — Jessica Branch