Virtually every fitness instructor will tell you that ating right and staying active are two key steps toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Beginning next month, the Niles-Buchanan YMCA will make it easier than ever before to do both with the opening of the Olfactory Hue Cafe at the Y.

The new eatery is a partnership between the YMCA and Niles’ Olfactory Hue Bistro.

It is scheduled to open Monday, Feb. 10. Hours will be from 7 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours will be announced later.

“I am very excited about the cafe,” said Lacey Peters, marketing coordinator for the YMCA. “It makes a lot of sense. The Y and Olfactory Hue really is a great fit.”

Daysha Amster, owner of Olfactory Hue Bistro, said food would be prepared fresh at the Main Street restaurant and transported to the YMCA.

The menu includes pastries, muffins, granola, sandwiches, assorted salads, hummus and veggies, fresh fruits and soups. Hot coffee, specialty coffee, health drinks and smoothies will also be available.

“We are trying to have a wide variety, while keeping things fresh with non-processed food made all natural and fresh at the restaurant,” said Amster, adding that they would also offer vegan and gluten-free options.

Amster said the menu would be flexible.

“It will shape and mold itself just like the restaurant did,” she said. “We try to put out exactly what we feel is necessary and what we feel is needed in the community. However, we are loose with that. If we find out something else is selling better we will gravitate toward that and give our customers what they are asking for.”

Peters said she began researching options for opening a cafe at the YMCA last year. She looked at bringing in a franchise, like Starbucks, but eventually switched her focus to local businesses.

Olfactory Hue Bistro quickly came to mind.

“Daysha has been in my fitness classes for years and I’ve always enjoyed her food and beverages… She was my first choice,” Peters said. “The biggest thing for me was it’s local food and local produce she uses, so it’s healthier. It really is a great fit.”

The cafe will be located near the entrance and open to everyone, including non-members of the YMCA.

Peters said the YMCA would still offer free coffee — a popular beverage for people that regularly congregate in the lobby area.

“People that want to just hang out in the lobby can still do that, but now they have the option of buying a pastry or a more quality cup of coffee,” she said.

Peters said members were surveyed about the lobby area and opening a cafe last year. Only about two percent of those surveyed indicated they did not want a cafe. Most people surveyed said they wanted the free coffee to remain.

The YMCA has removed vending machines to make way for the cafe. It also offers Wi-Fi access.

A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 10.

“I am bursting,” Amster said. “The YMCA has been very supportive of my business from day one, and I feel very honored to be a part of it.”