Cooking for Special Diets: To Your Health

Editor's note: .This is Part 2 of that column.

It's a fast-paced world out there, with few breaks from all that keeps us busy. Add a special diet into the mix and there is even less time for ourselves. But to serve others, perhaps a little time to regroup is necessary. Here are some places where health and self-preservation matter:

• : The organic, vegetarian restaurant in Royal Oak labels all of its menu items that are gluten-free and has a wide range of them, including smoothies that are wheat-free, gluten-free or soy-free. I love that they use Daiya cheese as an option. It is dairy/casein-free, gluten-free and soy-free. To celebrate its recent , Inn Season will be giving out free cupcakes with every order on Sunday and Nov. 30. All will be vegan and many are gluten-free, as well. Other weekly giveaways will continue through Nov. 30 at the restaurant and on its Facebook fan page.

• : The Treehouse in Farmington is known for serving raw dishes and 100 percent organic food, as well as many vegan and gluten-free choices. Some menu options include raw lasagna, raw pizza, raw veggie burgers and smoothies. A health food store, organic cafe, body therapy clinic, deli and Sunday buffet, the Treehouse serves up healthy alternatives. The staff is knowledgable and able to cater to gluten-free and special diets.

• : Special dieters on date night in Berkley can kick back with a cocktail in the Living Room, which offers seating for Amici's. Gourmet pizzas include vegan options and can be made on a gluten-free crust. Special dieters are in for a treat with the No. 11: Pesto, fresh broccoli, fresh plum tomatoes, roasted garlic and fresh herb tomato sauce. The gluten-free crust is the best I've tasted. Amici's makes it once a week while the Berkley restaurant is closed. Separate pans, utensils – everything – are used to make the gluten-free dough. Amici's is also a Certified Green Restaurant, implementing full-scale recycling and using energy-efficient equipment and nontoxic cleaning chemicals. .

• Chef Jeff Johnson joins the next generation of the longtime macrobiotic Ferndale gem, The restaurant takes pride in choosing healthy alternatives to sugar, starch and meat. It also offers a variety of dishes that are gluten-free, vegan and cater to those with special diets. And, the bonus is the food is so amazing, you will get a taste of what it's like to be pampered – for once.

• Naturally Healthy Families of Southeast Michigan: Alycia Schoof and Tricia Bellew founded the support group that meets 10-11 a.m. on the second Monday of every month at in Ferndale. Schoof, of Huntington Woods, said she and Bellew think of the group as “a community service … Tricia and I feel strongly about helping families make informed decisions.” Kids are welcome, Schoof said, and a 10 to 15-minute family yoga session starts each session. Then, topics are discussed, Schoof said, but it's not a lecture hall. “We want to encourage the exchange of information,” Schoof said. “Families are invited to pass on what they know ... and we create an avenue for that discussion.” Renee Mahon, marketing and community relations specialist for Whole Foods, has brought in natural products for participants to sample. Whole Foods also offers samples used as giveaways on the Facebook page, so check it out!

• Treat yourself right with kosher, wheat-free and gluten-free frozen yogurt options. Sweet Earth in Birmingham also serves coffee and tea and a host of premium toppings, including gluten-free, wheat-free and vegan options.