Katelyn O’Neil is a food and nutrition senior at Sacramento State who believes eating healthy and exercise are important for living a balanced lifestyle. On a typical day, you can catch O’Neil carrying around a fancy mason jar filled with fresh juice or infused water and rocking yoga pants with some fresh colorful kicks. Aside from being a full-time student, O’Neil enjoys working out, coffee, shopping and yoga-ing anywhere she can lay her mat.

O’Neil is a Curtis Park resident and midtown lover who enjoys quality food and welcoming environments. Some of her favorite restaurants include:

1. Magpie: 1409 R St

O’Neil says: “I am obsessed with everything on the menu. It is local, fresh and organic.”

2. Selland’s: 5340 H St

O’Neil says: “The mushroom chicken is to die for and I love the friendly atmosphere.”

3. Zocalo: 1801 Capitol Ave

O’Neil says: “The patio is my favorite during the summer.”

4. Pangaea Two Brews Cafe: 2743 Franklin Blvd

O’Neil says: “ It has the best craft beer selection in town for sure!”

5. Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates: 1801 L St

O’Neil says: “Macaroon ice cream sandwiches– yes, I just said that.”

Although O’Neil loves to wine and dine, she prefers cooking at home with her favorite man, testing different recipes in the kitchen and juicing up a storm. O’Neil believes eating healthy improves people’s bodies from the inside out.

“It not only makes you more alert, but it improves your mood,” she said.

O’Neil’s go-to yoga superfoods: Kale, spinach, berries, pineapple and chia seeds.

Janice Daniels can be reached at [email protected]