We’ve all heard the story of Subway spokesman Jared Fogle who lost hundreds of pounds eating only Subway sandwiches. Now, meet Rick Cunha.
The owner of the health-food restaurant Healthy For Life in Hoboken, Cunha has lost 40 pounds since the store opened three months ago. Hoping people give up the trappings of fast food for a fresh-food alternative, Cunha offers quick and delicious meals like wraps, salads, and entrees.
“He has lost an unbelievable amount of weight,” said Cunha’s sister and manager Angela Cunha. “He used to be 225 and now he’s only 185.”
With entrees like London broil and Teriyaki stir-fry chicken, the restaurant has great food and at a great price: everything on the menu under $10.
“It’s just wholesome and natural food,” Ms. Cunha said. “You don’t feel over stuffed after you eat it – just satisfied. I have it every single day.” An average wrap costs $6.75 and has 40 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, and 2 grams of saturated fat. The savory entrees are prepared by head chef Eric Rodriguez who recommends adhering to a healthier lifestyle.
“Eating is just as important as how you behave otherwise,” Rodriguez said. “Changing the way you eat, changes your lifestyle.” Rodriguez, a Hoboken resident, has worked with the Chart House restaurant in Weehawken and Uptown Pizzeria in Hoboken. “How you feel, how you look, how you carry yourself – it all starts with your eating habits.”
The Greek wrap, which Rodriguez served with steamed vegetables, was a hearty and flavorful meal made with grilled chicken or London broil. The particulars of the wrap include fresh spinach, sliced olives, hummus, roasted peppers and a side of Tzadziki dipping sauce. After eating the wrap, it’s evident that Healthy For Life makes it easy to enjoy healthy foods.
“If you want to enjoy a good life and be healthy,” Rodriguez said, “sometimes you have to be disciplined and sacrifice on taste. But, not here.”
Smoothies, shakes and supplements
Healthy For Life also offers delicious all-natural smoothies and shakes made with 45 grams of whey protein. With an on-site blender, the store creates a collection of all-natural concoctions sure to keep you healthy and satisfied. The cranorange crush combines cranberry and orange juice with mixed fruit and vanilla protein; while the bananaberry is made with pineapple juice, strawberries, bananas and vanilla protein.
“I haven’t even had time to work out.” – Rick Cunha
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With a thriving business and growing clientele, Mr. Cunha is happy to share his healthy cuisines and his weight loss secret with the Hoboken community.
“I haven’t even had time to work out,” Cunha said.
For more information on Healthy For Life, call (201) 683-8554, or check out the store on the corner of Fourteenth Street and Bloomfield Avenue in Hoboken. Franchise opportunities are available; call the store for more details.
Sean Allocca can be reached at current@hudsonreporter.com