Upbeat Health Bar, Avenue K, Kuala Lumpur

Words: Patricia Podorsek   Photos: Monica Tindall

Residents of KL are busy. In a single day, we might try to squeeze exercise, culture, and a social life around the demands of work, school, and family. We often eat on the fly, and sadly, too many sugary, palm-oil laden fast food options pounce at us from every street corner. Upbeat Health Bar is working to provide an alternative. Strategically positioned next to Fitness First at Avenue K, Upbeat offers a terrific selection of healthy beverages for the nutrition and weight-conscious crowd in KL. Their protein shakes, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices can power even the busiest days.

“Made Better, Taste Better: We avoid refined sugar and fat. Sweetness from fresh fruits and natural ingredients.”

Three varieties of Powerhouse Protein Shakes head up the menu. Our favorite was Peanut Butter Goodness, a creamy combo of peanut butter, banana, chocolate whey, milk and ice. The banana helps keep the consistency smoother and less icy. Other power shakes include Cocoa Delight, a tasty blend of chocolate and banana, and Mango Mania, fruitier but not too sweet, kcalories 225 – 350, depending on size and flavor.

Of the protein-based but lighter Skinny Shakes, Berry Slim stole our hearts. The zing of fresh strawberries popped and paved the path for the more subtle flavors of honey and vanilla. Upbeat Mocha reminded us of an iced latte with its strong coffee base that wasn’t at all sweet. And Matcha Energizer was a tasty combo of bananas and green tea whey. Skinny shakes go easier on the waistline, kcalories only 140 – 250, depending on size and flavor.

The last option set for drinks are “Smoothies,” high on taste but lower on protein, using yogurt or milk to add body instead of whey. The tangy Mango Matcha jumped out for us. The taste of slightly unripe mango at the start gave way to the zip of real green tea and Greek yogurt. Matcha-lovers will find this the most flavorful of the options on the menu. PB and Choc took us back to childhood days of chocolate malts, and we found Strawberry Field fruity and light.

Shakes and smoothies typically run RM9.90 for a small and RM10.90 for a large. Flax seeds, chia seeds, spirulina, or creatine can be added boosters for an additional RM2.

Such worthy drinks are complemented at Upbeat by three varieties of Tortilla Wraps. Wholesome Croquette combines a pillow of potatoes and mushrooms with tomatoes, garlic, sweet mustard onions, and lettuce with a herbed-yogurt sauce before grilling it panini-style. The Mushroom Galore is similarly prepared but features chewy oyster mushrooms as the central piece, and Gourmet Chicken offers a little meat for the carnivores in the crowd. Wraps will set you back a modest RM8.90.

“Food with Purpose: Every ingredient we use fulfills a purpose.”

In addition to providing meal options for busy Malaysians, Upbeat prepares cold-pressed juices that are delicious once, but even better as part of a digestive cleanse.

Keep Calm and Detox combines apple and pineapple for a little tropical sweetness with the refreshing and clear flavors of cucumber. It also has a terrific ginger kick at the end of each sip. Drink Me Skinny is a slightly bitter, citrusy mix of grapefruit, lemon and orange. Beet the Flu balances the sweetness of beets, carrots and apples with the more subtle flavor of celery without being overpowering.

These healthy jewel-colored beverages run between RM9.90 and RM11.90 in store, but can also be delivered to your home or office in sets of six as part of a physical cleansing program. Juice cleanse packages are offered in plans of one up to six days, with all you need provided in a handy cooler. Information about each juice and when to take it is also supplied.

Next time you’re at Avenue K, stop by for a quick and delicious shake, smoothie or juice and do something nice for your body. Even if you’re busy.

Reasons to visit/ order: Highly nutritious protein shakes, especially Peanut Butter Goodness and Berry Slim; many flavors of cold-pressed juices; and juice cleanse delivery making a change in your eating habits fuss-free an convenient.

Level 2, Avenue K

156 Jalan Ampang

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

017-606 2833

Open Daily 10:00am – 10:00pm