STAY FIT 305

We live in the wealthiest, most agriculturally abundant country in the history of the world, yet 25-40% of produce goes to waste every year, and nearly 50 million people live in homes that can’t afford enough food.13 million American children live in homes that can’t afford enough food. That roughly equals the population of NYC and LA combined.1 in 5 fruits and veggies go to waste because of aesthetic imperfections or logistical inefficiencies (cosmetic imperfections, surpluses, or logistical challenges).Now that a pretty grim picture of the food industry has painted, the question is, what are we doing about it?Hungry Harvest, a produce delivery service, is looking to solve that very problem. Just pick and personalize your harvest and get it delivered right to your door.There are a variety of harvests to choose from – super, full, mini and organic, with a variety of different weekly add ons that will become available in weeks to come, all of which are Whole 30 approved.Knowing that you are eliminating produce waste is only half the fun. For every delivery, Hungry Harvest empowers a family in need by providing access to affordable fruits & veggies through their Produce in a SNAP program.Produce in a SNAP is a partnership between Hungry Harvest and the Lotus House in Miami. For every delivery Hungry Harvest makes to a subscriber, the will donate 1-3 lbs of produce to Lotus House. Every order goes toward reducing hunger in the Miami community.The goal is to allow food-insecure families and individuals who could benefit from affordable produce, including those on government assistance programs such as SNAP/EBT, WIC, and SSDI, to stretch their food budgets and put nutritious produce on their dinner table.Hungry Harvest is now available in Miami for home deliveries. For more information, visit http://www.hungryharvest.net/.

“Ain’t that the truth,” I thought as I sat down with General Manager Juan Rivera to talk shop about Plant Food + Wine, and how it’s revolutionizing the Miami food scene.Located just steps from Midtown and a quick ride from Downtown, Brickell and Miami Beach (although beach residents can visit the location at 1Hotel South Beach), Plant Food + Wine is set on changing the vegan game, where all items (including the vino) are vegan.A converted vegan himself (and also a personal trainer), Rivera is practicing what Plant Food + Wine preaches and is a key player behind its success.Guests have the option of taking a tour of the kitchen where they can experience how the amazing non-dairy cheese that you didn’t even know was non-dairy, is made. Take a moment to notice the fact that the kitchen has absolutely no ovens – NONE!Education is a huge part of the culture at Plant Food + Wine, playing host to South Florida’s only certified Vegan culinary school, with a cutting-edge, plant based cuisine that will knock your socks off.After a bite at Plant Food + Wine, stop by neighboring Sacred Space, home to many health and wellness events in the area.For more information, visit http://www.matthewkenneycuisine.com/.

Since 1984, Shape Lovers has made eating healthy, convenient and economical for the people of South Florida.Before many of the meal delivery services in Miami hit the market, Shape Lovers was serving up their delicious traditional and bistro menus to the masses, not to mention their tasty desserts.Like most meal delivery services in Miami, Shape Lovers meals are fresh and delivered right to your door. An interesting point of differentiation is that Shape Lovers delivery daily, while most meal delivery services in Miami delivery every other day.Shape Lovers recently partnered with Real Housewives of Miami star, Chef, Author and Creator of Skinny Latina™, Ana Quincoces, to launch their “26-Day Challenge.”The challenge is open to new and existing customers who want to push themselves to eat better and reach their dietary goals.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JUgKfXzK8oGet lunch and dinner for 26-days for less than $20 a day - that’s almost impossible to beat if you are eating out.Does 26-days seem like a lifetime to you? Shape Lovers also offers access to a support group of other challenge accepters to keep you motivated throughout.Get more information on Shape Lovers and the 26-Day Challenge at http://www.shapelovers.net/.

Eating healthy can be a serious undertaking even for those dedicated to living a healthy and fit lifestyle. Expensive grocery store trips and long Sunday meal preps inevitably lead to the same meals far too often. The folks over at Eat Clean Meal Delivery are changing that with one of the best tasting affordable meal plans in Miami delivered right to your door.Eat Clean Meal Delivery offers five types of meal plans – traditional, athlete, paleo, vegetarian and vegan. Each plan is customizable to fit your budget and goals. For example, you can have three paleo meals, 6-days a week, for only $9 a meal, which is very reasonable.

*Read: Healthy Meal Delivery Services in Miami - Part 1*

For vegetarians out there, your morning could start off with delicious almond pancakes and fresh fruit. Lunch might consist of a CranApple Kale Burger, with Asian Sesame Meatless Meatballs served for dinner.

*Read: Healthy Meal Delivery Services in Miami - Part 2*

Meat eaters looking for a Paleo meal plan, your day might start with a bacon n' egg frittata, filet mignon for lunch, and BBQ pulled pork for dinner.Like to snack between meals? Eat Clean Meal Delivery has you covered, with a whole menu of healthy snacks, vegan and paleo desserts and cold pressed juices to wash everything down.For more info on Eat Clean Meal Delivery, visit http://www.eatcleantogo.com/.

Designed to be a community hangout with coffee, breakfast, drinks, sandwiches and pastries with an upstairs creative space perfect for wellness classes and designer pop-ups, the team behind New York City’s The Smile has joined forces with David Grutman and developer Craig Robins to open OTL in the Miami Design District. The two-story, 7,000-square-foot restaurant and café is located at 160 NE 40th Street, in the pedestrian neighborhood, home to more than 60 flagship stores, design showrooms, restaurants, galleries and cultural experiences.

OTL is both comfortable and cultural, and deeply rooted in the local community. The second floor will be used for a variety of programming, from yoga classes and meditation to interactive panel discussions, designer pop-up shops, and much more. OTL will feature ultra high-speed internet and both indoor and outdoor seating, encouraging patrons to treat the space as their creative headquarters in the District.

“All the partners of OTL are bringing what we do best to the table to ensure this is a winning concept,” said David Grutman, owner of LIV, Story and Komodo. “The Smile team knows how to create a welcoming, casual space with great food. Craig Robins will bring his expertise in art and design, and I’m excited to bring fresh content to the programming and event space of the restaurant. This is the perfect concept to expand my footprint even further and become a part of the Design District.”

OTL will serve breakfast, light fare, snacks and a happy hour. The menu will feature organic food available on-the-go or to-stay, for those looking to sit and make the most of the vibrant destination. Breakfast items include healthy options such as granola, avocado toast, eggs and fruit. Sandwiches are served on freshly-made Zak the Baker bread. Salad ingredients, wraps and pastries will also be locally sourced.

"When opening our restaurants we've always been drawn to artistic communities, and the Miami Design District was exciting to us for this reason," said Matt Kliegman co-owner and operator of The Smile.

"We really admire what Craig [Robins] has done with the District, where art is on view at every turn, and we hope OTL will become a place in the neighborhood where locals and visitors feel free to enjoy a meal, get work done or just unwind and hang out," added Carlos Quirarte, co-owner of The Smile.

OTL’s design is an approachable yet luxurious environment. Designed by Deft Union, a design and custom fabrication studio that creates commercial interiors, custom furniture and architectural installations. The open space has earthy tones, ample comfortable seating and hints of marble. The design accents subtly nod to Miami’s Cuban-influenced culture.

“The idea of being out to lunch not literally, but in a metaphysical way, drove a lot of the design intent,” said Michael Dolatowski, one of the three principals of Deft Union. “We wanted to create a space that would invite people to day dream.” Other Deft Union principals include Taylor Kienholz and Craig Hamlin.

Located in the core of Miami’s Design District, OTL will also feature a number of dynamic pieces of art. Currently on display are two vibrant pieces that resemble magnetized bullet holes by Nate Lowman named “Pink Altima” and “Green Altima.”

"We're thrilled to have David Grutman bring his particular brand of magic to the District, and to welcome The Smile guys to Miami with their first project in Florida. They share a real understanding of what makes a great neighborhood restaurant, a place that people want to visit time and time again," Robins says. "Enjoying good coffee and food in a comfortable setting provides a break from the daily grind. This new concept is going to be the soul of the Design District. OTL is set to be a hub for locals and visitors who want a bit of culture with their coffee."

For more information, visit www.OTLMIA.com.

Whole Foods Market’s has recently announced trends to watch in 2017. Wellness tonics, products from byproducts and purple foods are just a few top predictions according to the trend-spotters, who share more than 100 years of combined experience in sourcing products and tracking consumer preferences.Whole Foods Market’s top 10 trends for 2017 include:

• Wellness Tonics – The new year will usher in a new wave of tonics, tinctures and wellness drinks that go far beyond the fresh-pressed juice craze. The year’s hottest picks will draw on beneficial botanicals and have roots in alternative medicine and global traditions.Buzzed-about ingredients include kava, Tulsi/holy basil, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, medicinal mushrooms (like reishi and chaga), and adaptogenic herbs (maca and ashwagandha). Kor Organic Raw Shots, Suja Drinking Vinegars and Temple Turmeric Elixirs are just a few products leading the trend.

• Products from Byproducts – Whether it’s leftover whey from strained Greek yogurt or spent grains from beer, food producers are finding innovative – and delicious – ways to give byproducts new life.Eco-Olea is using water from its olive oil production as the base for a household cleaner line; condiment brand Sir Kensington’s is repurposing leftover liquid from cooking chickpeas in a vegan mayo; and Atlanta Fresh and White Moustache are using leftover whey from yogurt production to create probiotic drinks.

• Coconut Everything – Move over coconut oil and coconut water – coconut flour tortillas, coconut sugar aminos and more unexpected coconut-based products are on the rise. Virtually every component of this versatile fruit-nut-seed (coconuts qualify for all three!) is being used in new applications. The sap is turned into coconut sugar as an alternative to refined sweeteners; the oil is used in a growing list of natural beauty products; and the white flesh of the coconut is now in flours, tortillas, chips, ice creams, butters and more.New picks like coconut flour Paleo wraps, 365 Everyday Value® Fair Trade coconut chips and Pacifica Blushious Coconut & Rose Infused Cheek Color demonstrate coconut’s growing range.

• Japanese Food, Beyond Sushi – Japanese-inspired eating is on the rise and it doesn’t look anything like a sushi roll. Long-celebrated condiments with roots in Japanese cuisine, like ponzu, miso, mirin, sesame oil and plum vinegar are making their way from restaurant menus to mainstream American pantries. Seaweed is a rising star as shoppers seek more varieties of the savory greens, including fresh and dried kelp, wakame, dulse and nori, while farmhouse staples like Japanese-style pickles will continue to gain popularity.The trend will also impact breakfast and dessert, as shoppers experiment with savory breakfast bowl combinations and a growing number of mochi flavors like green tea and matcha, black sesame, pickled plum, yuzu citrus and Azuki bean. This is playing out in products like 365 Everyday Value® Sweet Sabi mustard, Republic of Tea’s new Super Green Tea Matcha blends and recipes like Coconut Mochi Cakes.

• Creative Condiments – From traditional global recipes to brand new ingredients, interesting condiments are taking center stage. Once rare and unfamiliar sauces and dips are showing up on menus and store shelves.Look for black sesame tahini, habanero jam, ghee, Pomegranate Molasses, black garlic purée, date syrup, plum jam with chia seeds, beet salsa, Mexican hot chocolate spreads, sambal oelek or piri piri sauce, Mina Harissa, and Frontera Adobo Sauces (Ancho, Chipotle and Guajillo varieties).

• Rethinking Pasta – Today’s pastas are influenced less by Italian grandmothers and more by popular plant-based and clean-eating movements. Alternative grain noodles made from quinoa, lentils and chickpeas (which also happen to be gluten-free) are quickly becoming favorites, while grain-free options like spiralized veggies and kelp noodles are also on the rise. That said, more traditional fresh-milled and seasonal pastas are having a moment too, which means pasta is cruising into new territories with something for everyone.

• Purple Power – Richly colored purple foods are popping up everywhere: purple cauliflower, black rice, purple asparagus, elderberries, acai, purple sweet potatoes, purple corn and cereal. The power of purple goes beyond the vibrant color and often indicates nutrient density and antioxidants.Back to the Roots Purple Corn Cereal, Jackson’s Honest Purple Heirloom Potato Chips, Que Pasa Purple Corn Tortilla Chips, Love Beets and Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes are all examples of this fast-growing trend.

• On-the-Go Beauty – “Athleisure” is not just a fashion trend; the style is now being reflected in natural beauty products, too. With multitasking ingredients and simple applications, natural beauty brands are blurring the line between skincare and makeup products, and simplifying routines by eliminating the need for special brushes or tools.Trending products include Mineral Fusion 3-in-1 Color Stick, Well People Universalist Multi-Stick and Spectrum Essentials Organic Coconut Oil Packet.

• Flexitarian – In 2017, consumers will embrace a new, personalized version of healthy eating that’s less rigid than typical vegan, Paleo, gluten-free and other “special diets” that have gone mainstream. For instance, eating vegan before 6 p.m., or eating Paleo five days a week, or gluten-free whenever possible allows consumers more flexibility. Instead of a strict identity aligned with one diet, shoppers embrace the “flexitarian” approach to making conscious choices about what, when and how much to eat.Growing demand for products like 365 Everyday Value® Riced Cauliflower (used for clean-eating favorites like gluten-free pizza crusts), Epic Bison Apple Cider Bone Broth and Forager Cashew Yogurt point to growth in this clean-eating category.
• Mindful Meal Prep – People aren’t just asking themselves what they’d like to eat, but also how meals can stretch their dollar, reduce food waste, save time and be healthier. Trends to watch include the “make some/buy some,” approach, like using pre-cooked ingredients from the hot bar to jumpstart dinner, or preparing a main dish from scratch and using frozen or store-bought ingredients as sides.

The uber popular, healthy fast-food concept, Dr. Smood, is expanding their South Florida presence to close out 2016, with three new locations planned in Sunset Harbour, Brickell City Centre and the Aventura Mall.“The ‘rapid expansion’ of our Dr. Smood concept actually ties in with the ‘rapid demand’ from our fellow citizens of Miami,” says Dr. Smood partner, Kasper Kriby. “The positive reception of our concept by the city of Miami has made us put the foot on the gas pedal, to basically being able to fulfill our main vision, which is to being able to offer Smart Food to as many people possible.”Smart Food is exactly what Dr. Smood delivers. Their cafes are stocked with organic salads, sandwiches and small meals, all delivering on their ‘food with benefits’ promise. Every item at Dr. Smood is color-coded based on six health benefits, including immunity, energy, general health, beauty, detox, and power.

The spaces at the new locations will all be similar in concept, yet designed specifically to meet space needs. “The first 5 cafes will be conceptually identical, including the Live bar operation, a fully stocked fridge with even more exiting recipe’s that is freshly produced overnight in our commissary facilities as well as an even bigger selection of products in our Smood Markets,” says Kriby. “Our mantra is to be serving the healthiest food to everybody – that being for people who feels like hanging out in the cafes or with the need of healthy grab and go food. We want to cater everybody and we plan to keep it like that going forward.”The popularity of Dr. Smood doesn’t start and stop with Miami. Interest for additional locations domestically and internationally have popped up, with the team considering New York, South America, Dubai, Europe and Asia in the near future.Kriby adds, “Miami is and will always be where the whole journey began and we are proud of that!”For more information, visit http://www.drsmood.com/.

Seed Food and Wine Festival Miami, is the premiere plant based food and wine festival in the country. It's a week-long adventure, where attendees sip, savor and experience conscious, sustainable plant-based living. Taking place November 2-6th, activities are carefully crafted to take guests through a one-of-a-kind journey from cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, celebrity chef dinners, craft beer and spirits tastings, the first ever veggie burger battle, fitness to body care, workshops, yoga, urban gardening, a 5k run, kids day and more. SFWFs line-up features something for everyone and showcases the beauty of the tropical paradise that is Miami and her beaches. Everything served during the festival will be plant-based / vegan and whenever possible, organic and non-gmo certified. For a schedule of events, visit the Seed Food and Wine Festival Miami website.

As a fixture in Miami for more than 70 years, Epicure Gourmet Market and Café has a long history of serving the local community and offering gourmet options for all market needs. Epicure Market is unveiling a fresh look, complete with a redesigned layout, new café, competitive prices and cooking demonstrations led by executive Chef Michael Love.Patrons entering Epicure Market on Miami Beach will be welcomed by the aroma of freshly cut blooms from the newly-positioned floral department. Beyond that lies the reformatted produce section featuring competitively-priced produce marked lower than other comparable grocers such as Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Publix. Customers visiting for a lunch-time fix from Epicure’s classic prepared foods deli can now take a moment to enjoy their meals at the café, which features a dining area overlooking bustling Alton Road. Deli fans looking to try their hand at preparing their favorite items at home can learn from the creator himself – Chef Michael Love – through his interactive series of cooking demonstrations, hosted on select dates.

“We’re excited to enhance the Epicure Market experience for customers both old and new,” said Epicure Market’s Executive Chef, Michael Love. “Customers gave us their feedback and we listened – Epicure Market will now cater to our customers’ needs more than ever.”Epicure Gourmet Market opened on Miami Beach in 1945 as a prime meat butcher; it is now one of the finest gourmet markets in South Florida with an on-site bakery, award-winning cheese department, sommelier-curated wine cellar and hand-selected grocery items from around the world. Additionally, the market features a one-of-a-kind deli counter that offers prepared delicacies created and prepared daily by Chef Michael Love. Current Epicure Market locations include the original store in Miami Beach, with a second location in Sunny Isles Beach featuring a full-service restaurant, which opened in 2008.Epicure Market conveniently serves patrons all week long, with both locations open seven days a week. The Miami Beach market is located at 1656 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Sunny Isles Beach market and restaurant is located at 17190 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Miami Beach’s favorite farm-to-counter eatery and wellness bar, DIRT, is pleased to announce the opening of its second location in the heart of Miami’s burgeoning Brickell neighborhood. Slated to open in early 2017, the highly anticipated DIRT Mary Brickell Village location will combine high-quality seasonal ingredients and chef-driven cuisine in a fast casual environment, central to DIRT’s “fine food fast” mission.

Co-founder Jeff LaTulippe and Executive Chef and Director of Operations Nicole Votano will oversee operations and culinary development, ensuring the product, vibe, and overall experience maintain the standards that DIRT aficionados have come to know and love in the South of Fifth neighborhood on Miami Beach. “The response we've received in South Beach since opening in November has been overwhelming, and we’re truly honored to have developed an enthusiastic local customer base,” LaTulippe states. “We also know that many of our regular guests live across Biscayne Bay, so we’re extremely excited to make DIRT a more convenient, everyday option for them.”The menu at the DIRT Mary Brickell Village outpost will stay true to DIRT’s seasonal, handcrafted menu, offering crowd favorites such as the Chimayo Chili Bowl, the Curried Cauliflower Bowl, and the DIRTy Steak + Cheese; a daily rotation of fresh traditional, gluten-free, and vegan pastries; and creative, colorful, and seasonal house-made sodas, lemonades, and teas. In addition to these popular mainstays, guests “will definitely see a few new additions to both the food and beverage categories on the menu,” explains Executive Chef and mastermind behind DIRT’s creative menu, Nicole Votano. “We'll also have a much larger grab-and-go area filled with lots of great options that will completely eliminate your wait. Of course, we will continue to support as many local farmers and purveyors as possible (now more than ever with two restaurants to service!)”

Having lived and worked in the Brickell area for years, Chef Nicole has a particular interest and insight into what the neighborhood really needs from DIRT’s second outpost. “One priority we will really focus on in the Brickell location is offering convenient, affordable daily specials that will run during breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” says Chef Nicole. “Energizing breakfast specials will be convenient and portable, making them easy to pick up on your morning commute. Lunch choices will be fast and filling, designed with the ‘on-the-go’ office crowd in mind. At dinner, specials will include familiar classics with a lighter touch, great for enjoying with a glass of wine or local craft beer.”The DIRT Mary Brickell Village's planned operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Delivery will be available throughout the Brickell / Downtown area shortly after opening.

Veganism is certainly a hot button issue in the nutritional and fitness space these days. There are many misconceptions about Veganism, from the protein source debate, to B-12 vitamin deficiency. With Veganism on the rise, many myths are circling about the Vegan lifestyle and its pros and cons.We decided to reach out to ACE Certified Health Coach, Fitness Instructor, and Vegan Athlete Daria Deptula, to have her bust some of these Vegan Myths. Daria is a fitness instructor at Sobekick Gym in Miami Beach and Fitbox Method in Downtown Miami. She also offers Online Coaching, Vegan Nutrition Guidance and Fitness Programs.Here are four Vegan myths Daria says are just not true.Myth 1: Vegans do not get enough proteinOne of the first things any Vegan gets asked is “Where do you get your protein?” First, let’s start with how much protein a typical person needs on a daily basis. We have been programmed to believe we need huge amounts of protein, and because of this, most people intake about 2-3 times the daily amount needed from animal products. A typical American consumes around 270lbs of meat a year. That’s more than any other country on the planet!The truth is, our bodies only need 10-25% of our daily calorie consumption to come from protein. That means, a typical person needs around 50 grams of protein a day. However, that excludes body builders and professional athletes, or anyone looking to build muscle, but even then, the protein intake is not as high as everyone believes it to be.Protein is in everything, from broccoli to tofu. There are many alternative sources of protein. There are also mock meats and plant based supplements which are great protein options.

Myth 2: Vegans are nutrient deficient, especially B-12Most Americans do not meet their daily vitamin, mineral and fiber requirements, making this argument a stretch. Vegan or not, Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables in a day to meet these dietary requirements.However, when a person switches to a whole food plant based diet, that nutrient intake tends to spikes up. The animal protein gets substituted for vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, automatically raising the fiber and nutrient intake our bodies crave.As for the B-12 dilemma. Our bodies store B-12 in the liver. It takes 3 to 5 years for the reserves to deplete if no form of this vitamin is being consumed on a daily basis. Yes, it is true that most animal products are high in B-12, however, there are many foods fortified with the vitamin, like nutritional yeast seasoning, which in itself, is a great addition to any meal. B-12 can also be consumed in a supplement form.Myth 3: Vegans eat salads all dayThis myth is so funny to me, and so far from the truth! Yes, Vegans do tend to eat many more veggies and fruits than a typical person, but that doesn’t mean it’s all spinach, kale, and wheat grass.My diet has personally become so much more diverse and colorful. From colorful acaì smoothie bowls for breakfast, to delicious veggie burgers or quinoa bowls for lunch, and seared tempeh or lentil dishes for dinner, a Vegan diet will never get boring.We live in the world where social media has become so popular, there are ton of Vegan recipes on most social media platforms.

Myth 4: Veganism is a dietVeganism is a lifestyle change. While some people become Vegan for health reasons, they soon find other benefits in going Vegan, like being a contributing factor in saving the animals and our planet.Animal agriculture is a leading cause to most of the environmental issues we are currently facing. Deforestation, overfishing and pollution are just a few examples. According to the documentary “Cowspiracy,” our oceans will be fishless by 2048. 2048! That’s a little over 30 years from now.The bottom line is many people will question or dismiss ideas they don’t fully understand. It is better for someone to bombard a Vegan with questions, then dismiss it all together. The future belongs to the curious.

Last month, Deliver Lean, one of Florida’s premier gourmet healthy meal delivery services, launched Perfect Fuel Meals, a meal plan that delivers clean, fresh, and healthy balanced meals to meet the macronutrient needs of athletes and anyone looking to eat clean and live a healthier life. Perfect Fuel Meals hooked us up with a week's worth of delicious and tasty meals to try, and we thought it'd be great to share our experience with you.The first thing to note is the volume of food. Now, we are not shy at the kitchen table, and can always eat, but Perfect Fuel Meals is stepping up with athlete sized portions. One of the gripes that often plagues meal delivery services is they aren't filling enough and still require grocery runs, defeating the purpose. Perfect Fuel Meals has solved that problem with meals that contain clean complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats and fresh vegetables to create the ultimate balance in nutrition.

The meals are delivered to your doorstep three times a week. One of the best feelings in the world is knowing you don't have to meal prep and you are still going to eat clean, healthy and delicious meals. Co-Creator of Perfect Fuel Meals, Guido Trinidad, an athlete himself, is excited about getting Perfect Fuel into the hands of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. "We have one goal in mind: to assist athletes in reaching their maximum potential by eating healthy food delivered right to their front door. We’re giving athletes a convenient way to keep their goals, and health in check,” said Trinidad.

He was certainly spot on, as each day was an exciting new dish. Perfect Fuel Meals is offering three different meal portion sizes created in order for the athlete to consume the correct amount of fuel needed to achieve their goals. These portions include Lean, Performance and Gainz all of which contain the same quality ingredients and macronutrient breakdown; 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein, 30% Fat.Perfect Fuel Meals is available for purchase at www.PerfectFuelMeals.com. Meals will be delivered three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and delivery areas range from Jupiter to Kendall in South Florida as well as the metropolitan areas of Tampa and Orlando. Meals start at $8.95.

While summer in South Florida may be in full swing, things are about to get a whole lot cooler. This month, healthy lifestyle company Juicense will bring its own unique brand of raw foods and cold-pressed juices to 2992 Mc Farlane Rd. in Coconut Grove.Juicense is the brainchild of nutrition expert Mariana Diez who moved from Washington, D.C., to Miami with the hope of sharing her passion toward conscious wellness. A registered dietitian, she received her training from Georgetown University and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition before beginning her own health practice online.“I have a background business but have always loved cooking and staying healthy,” says Diez. “And when I started taking classes in nutrition, I found myself constantly sharing things with my brother or my friends who probably didn’t care about what I was saying, but they helped me shift jobs and start doing something new.”After moving down to South Florida with her husband, Adrian Moreno, she decided to open Juicense. Diez reached out to experienced members of the health food industry to help create the menu. Traveling back and forth from D.C. and New York City, she met with chefs and other nutritionists who helped guide her in what to do. Unlike most conventional smoothies and juices that sacrifice health for flavor, Juicense's products have been made to optimize your body's biological and chemical reactions.“I wanted to make sure that every ingredient we used had a purpose,” says Diez. “Every juice had to be geared towards something special. Every juice had to help people achieve a certain goal.”With this in mind, Diez chose to label each cold-pressed juice according to the key benefit it provides your body. The names “Keep Me Young,” “Clean Me Up,” “Defenses Up,” and “BFF (Burning Fat Fast)” are meant to help customers choose the juices that are best for them.Juicense will also offer a detox program which will involve cleansing the body not only with juices but also with food. Instead of leaving customers fatigued and disillusioned, the detox program will ensure that the body receives all the necessary nutrients from whole foods so that it continue to thrive during the detoxification process.

n addition to an accessible menu featuring favorites like açaí bowls, cacao chia pudding, power quinoa, and avocado toast, Diez plans to have a health coach behind the counter of Juicense every day. Committed to helping her customers achieve a wholesome lifestyle, she wants to extend some of her previous nutrition practice into the store.“It became too much to continue working from home,” says Diez. “ But there will always be someone here, be it another trained specialist or myself, to help answer any health or food related questions.”Diez hopes the personalized attention each customer receives will set Juicense apart from the other juice bars that exist in Miami. “Juicense will be different from the other places because it will be a community,” says Diez. “This will be a place where people can order something to eat and drink for grab and go, but it will also be somewhere people come in after yoga to talk and make friends. People who come here will support each other.”Juicense will open its doors on July 22 with an official grand opening celebration on August 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. The shop will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.This article originally appeared in the Miami New Times by Nicola Haubold and can be found here.

DeliverLean, one of Florida’s premier gourmet healthy meal delivery services, has teamed up with influential fitness figure Guido Trinidad to create Perfect Fuel, a meal plan that delivers clean, fresh, and healthy balanced meals to meet the macronutrient needs of athletes and anyone looking to eat clean and live a healthier life.Deliveries will start on Monday, July 4, 2016 in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Orlando and Tampa. The service gives athletes and health conscious consumers the opportunity to eat the best food possible in the most convenient way possible – meals are delivered three times a week to energize and fuel busy lifestyles. All meals contain clean complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats and fresh vegetables to create the ultimate balance in nutrition. Restaurant quality meals, made by world class chefs are curated to meet athletes' specific needs in order to perform at the highest level.“As a highly competitive athlete, I had tried many meal delivery services in the last eight years, but none of them addressed the specific nutritional needs of athletes, so I decided to create my own macro based meal plan,” says Co-Creator of Perfect Fuel, Guido Trinidad. “We have one goal in mind: to assist athletes in reaching their maximum potential by eating healthy food delivered right to their front door. We're giving athletes a convenient way to keep their goals, and health in check.”By partnering with DeliverLean, Trinidad was able to create the ultimate meal program for athletes and anyone needing to fuel their active lifestyle. Trinidad has worked with DeliverLean’s Chef Caroline Flynn to develop the meals. Flynn is an accredited chef with a degree from The Natural Gourmet Institute of New York. She has kitchen experience ranging from raw vegan to classic French, incorporating classic technique into modern cuisine.“There has always been a need for for perfectly balanced meals for athletes. Athletes need their regimen in the gym but also a clear plan at home to keep a balanced, healthy lifestyle and reach their best selves. By partnering with Guido Trinidad, one of the best athletes in the business, we made sure to find out what athletes needed to accomplish their goals set out to created Perfect Fuel,” says CEO and Founder of DeliverLean, Scott Harris.Perfect Fuel will offer three different meal portion sizes created in order for the athlete to consume the correct amount of fuel needed to achieve their goals. These portions include Lean, Performance and Gainz all of which contain the same quality ingredients and macronutrient breakdown; 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein, 30% Fat. However, the meals will differ in quantity (total calories) so patrons can sustain their level of activity, lifestyle and goals. Customers will also have the option to order third party approved snacks including: Fuel for Fire Protein Smoothies, Caveman Coffee, Best Bar Ever, Peace-A-Cake Baked Goods, and a variety of DeliverLean Snacks.Perfect Fuel will be available for purchase at www.PerfectFuelMeals.com. Meals will be delivered three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and delivery areas range from Jupiter to Kendall in South Florida as well as the metropolitan areas of Tampa and Orlando. Meals start at $8.95.

Brickell is home to a variety of new dining options, but surprisingly, only a few are truly dedicated entirely to healthy menu options. We rounded up the 5 must-try healthy dining options in Brickell to make the search a little easier.

1. Brickell Fresh Café

Brickell Fresh is the brainchild of Antar Sosa and Evelyn Osio. As a health connoisseur, Evelyn always struggled to find a health-conscious restaurant or cafe where one can easily pick-up their meal or sit down for a quick bite. With that in mind, Evelyn created the menu for Brickell Fresh so you don't have to give up tasty meals to eat what's good for you. Together, alongside their chef, Sergio, they've been able to create a new concept in Brickell; an honest and health-oriented cafe with tasty bowls, wraps, salads, and delicious smoothies.

2. Cure Café

Tucked into a little corner of Brickell, Cure Café is whipping up some incredibly delicious plates by Owner and Chef, Kate Farrell. After the departure of “The Juice Spot” owned by Lebron James’ wife Gloria, Kate wanted to give something the area is still desperately lacking, healthier food options. She certainly has delivered on that promise, renovating the old Juice Spot space with some delicious smoothies, bowls, small plates, juices, coffees and teas. We highly recommend the Dragonfruit bowl.

3. Poke 305

The fast casual Poke 305 is brining the traditional Hawaiian dish of poke to Brickell. Mixed with flavors of Latin America, Poke 305 mixes raw fish with various sauces, fruits and spices into one tasty bowl. Chef Yukie Horito, a Japanese chef who is the first female graduate of Japan’s Tsuji cooking school, creates the dishes, with the menu featuring signature and build-your-own bowls.

4. Cold Pressed Raw Kitchen

Cold Pressed Raw opened up shop in Brickell a while back, but unless you know it’s there, it can get lost amongst the many high rises. Nestled on SE 13th Street right by Biscayne Bay, the CPR Kitchen, is whipping up some delicious bites alongside their tasty juices. Do yourself a favor and try the avocado toast and match it with a nice smoothie or freshly pressed juice.

5. Blue Tree Juice

Located right on 8th Street next to Toasted and around the corner from Black Bird is Blue Tree Juice. Blue Tree features all types of freshly pressed juices, smoothies, teas, coffee and some small bites. This is Blue Tree’s second location, with the first being in Honolulu, Hawaii.

It’s no secret that Brickell is in the middle of a building boom, but what may be surprising is that for all the new buildings, retail and restaurant spaces being developed, there are only a few true health food spots to enjoy.Enter, Cure Café. Tucked into a little corner of Brickell, Cure Café is whipping up some incredibly delicious plates by Owner and Chef, Kate Farrell. After the departure of “The Juice Spot” owned by Lebron James’ wife Gloria, Kate wanted to give something the area is still desperately lacking, more healthy food options. She certainly has delivered on that promise, renovating the old Juice Spot space with some delicious smoothies, bowls, small plates, juices, coffees and teas.The best part? The price. Brickell is becoming synonymous with overpriced food options for no other reason than “just because.” But Cure Café has delivered a great menu at price points patrons feel comfortable and satisfied paying.For first timers, we recommend the Dragonfruit Bowl. This delicious bowl is loaded with Dragonfruit, pineapples, blackberries, strawberries, bee pollen and coconut flakes, and makes for a delicious option any time of the day. We also tried the Vegan Veggie Burger with peppers, lentils, kale, carrots and smashed avocados. The menu is 100% gluten free, growing some of their own ingredients on location.If you’re in the neighborhood, we recommend swinging by Cure Café and even dropping in to Cure Fitness next door for a workout. For more information visit www.facebook.com/curecafebrickell.

JoJo Tea has unveiled The Tasting Room, an intimate eight-seat private tasting room born from JoJo Tea’s mission to spread and elevate the American tea culture. Through a traditional Omakase-style tea experience, The Tasting Room will introduce patrons to the ‘Way of Tea’ and the art of selecting, brewing and drinking from a carefully curated menu of teas from across the globe.“The original vision of JoJo Tea was actually a teahouse—somewhere people could go to experience authentic teas in a gong-fu tasting environment. After studying teas at origin and building our brand over the past four years, we’re now positioned to pioneer meaningful evolution in the new American tea culture,” said Michael Ortiz, Co-Founder and Creative Director of JoJo Tea.Founded in 2011, JoJo Tea has become a reputable name within Miami’s booming food and beverage scene. With over 100 wholesale clients, including The Genuine Hospitality Group, Panther Coffee, Zuma, 50 Eggs INC, Eating House, Zak the Baker and Alter, JoJo Tea aims to continue revolutionizing the tea-drinking experience in South Florida and beyond.“It’s about building community. As we’ve built our tea family across Miami and around the world—from India to China, Nepal and Taiwan—so many have warmly opened their doors to us. As we open The Tasting Room and the next chapter of our story along with it, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to do the same,” said Tico Aran, Co-Founder and Director of Operations.JoJo Tea has also recently launched its website, sipjojo.com, where tea aficionados can shop for a selection of thoughtfully sourced, loose-leaf teas from around the world. A unique selection of teaware, such as glass infusers, cups, handmade ceramic teapots, and matcha tea kits, are also available for purchase on the site.Located at 951 S.W. 42nd Ave, Suite # 305, the Tasting Room opened its doors on May 23rd, 2016. Hours of operation will be 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Seating is by reservation only. To schedule your reservation, please visit sipjojo.com and book through Resy.

Miami Beach’s “fine food fast” casual eatery and wellness bar, DIRT, debuts a new menu with the warmer weather of the Summer months in mind. The menu is rooted in seasonality, using many local ingredients to create light yet satisfying dishes filled with crisp refreshing flavors and vibrant colors.“One of the things I feel makes us different is that although we are a healthy restaurant, we are all about flavor first. When I create the dishes for the menu, I think first about what ingredients are in season and use as many vegetables as possible. Then I think about what those ingredients pair well with, and finally I choose the highest quality sustainable products I can source,” says Executive Chef Nicole Votano, creator of the new Summer menu at DIRT.

“I am very excited about our new seasonal options on this menu. At DIRT, we love to showcase ingredients from local farms, vendors, and artisans. I am particularly looking forward to shining a bright light on both JoJo Tea and Harpke Farms. It was designed with efficiency in mind, with the idea of staying true to our ‘fine food fast’ roots, " says Votano.Featured breakfast items on the new menu include the Seasonal Breakfast x Harpke Farms, a collaboration between DIRT and the local Harpke Family Farms. Inspired by Spring’s bounty of green vegetables and mushrooms, pasture-raised eggs are cooked over easy and served over your choice of quinoa or farro, along with fresh peas, asparagus, local mushrooms, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano.Guests who order the cult favorite Avocado Toast may gravitate to the new Goat Cheese + English PeaToast; a thick slice of multigrain bread from Zak the Baker is grilled to perfection and topped with whipped goat cheese and lemon-scented peas, then sprinkled with toasted pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp seeds.The Hazelnut Chia Seed Parfait is a comforting and decadent option for breakfast, or any time of day. Espresso- and hazelnut-scented Greek yogurt is layered with a maple-chia seed pudding and topped with dried Sicilian oranges, toasted hazelnuts, and cacao nibs to create a bite filled with familiar flavor and lots of texture.The Chimayo Chili Bowl is Chef Votano’s all-vegetarian chili dish. It’s a hearty combination of onions, peppers, zucchini, sweet potato, and heirloom beans stewed with a blend of smoky spices thoughtfully sourced from La Boite, a custom spice blender based in New York. The chili is served over a bed of bright green gluten-free bamboo rice, topped with Greek yogurt, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack cheese, and spring onions.

The Seasonal plate is always a favorite at DIRT, and the Spring Plate does not disappoint. Crisp broccolini is grilled and tossed with a touch of lemon and chili flakes, then served on the side of roasted red and Yukon gold potatoes which are smashed with Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The dish is offered with your choice of protein and garnished with more vegetables in the form of shaved carrots and radishes.“I’m really enjoying the Spring Plate, maybe even more than the Autumn and Winter Plates. It’s hearty yet refreshing, and it’s the type of high-quality, well-executed dish that you’d expect at a sit-down restaurant, in keeping with our goal to elevate the type of food that a counter-service restaurant can serve”, says Co-Founder and General Manager Jeff LaTulippe.

The Berkeley Beets sandwich (or collard wrap) is inspired by Northern California. With each bite you’ll find another layer of complexity. The bread is slathered with smashed avocado, French feta, and golden raisins, then braised beets are layered with shaved fennel, sliced cucumber, and wild arugula. Finally, all of the veggies are drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, making this an undeniably vibrant and complex sandwich.A unique offering on the new menu is the DIRT xJoJo Tea Salad by Tico. Local greens from Sun Fresh Farm & Ranch are tossed with broccolini, English peas, asparagus, heirloom carrots, and sautéed mushrooms. The salad is then lightly tossed with JoJo's fresh matcha green tea and lemon vinaigrette and spiked with a blend of toasted pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp seeds. A topping of Parmigiano Reggiano finishes the salad off on an earthy note.More of a seasonal classic, the Santorini Salad is DIRT’s take on a classic Greek salad. Inspired by the simplicity of the Mediterranean diet, the base is a quick swipe of harissa-spiked hummus topped with tomato, cucumber, and farro, crunchy sprouted chickpeas and lentils, olives, and feta, then tossed with an herb vinaigrette featuring mint and fresh oregano.

Proteins can be added to any dish, making them ideal for recharging after a workout. Options include butcher’s cut steak, quinoa-crusted fish of the day, free-range orange basil chicken, sprouted chickpeas and lentils, or cage-free eggs. Signature dishes and top sellers that are mainstays on the DIRT menu include the DIRTy Steak + Cheese, Avocado Toast, Nourish Bowl, CLEAN Bowl, and the Curried Cauliflower Bowl.New beverages on the menu include the Matcha Green Tea Latte and Lavender Latte, flavored with Sonoma lavender syrup and inspired by Chef Nicole’s visits to Napa Valley. Colorful, refreshing additions also include a Blueberry + Orange Blossom + Mint Soda, made with DIRT’s house-made simple syrup; a DIRTy Palmer, DIRT’s take on a traditional Arnold Palmer, with a blend of grapefruit juice, Madagascar vanilla, and chamomile and rooibos teas; and a Dragon Fruit Lemonade, with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, house-made vanilla simple syrup, dragon fruit, and alkaline water combining to make a bold, magenta-colored lemonade for summer. Guests who enjoy Bulletproof coffee can now order a cold, thirst-quenching Bulletproof Smoothie just in time for Miami’s hottest months. A curated selection of locally sourced craft beer and sustainable wines from small European vineyards can also accompany lunch or dinner.DIRT also makes homemade baked goods and desserts in-house every day, ranging from gluten-free peanut butter cookies, almond and orange cake (a traditional recipe from Sevilla, Spain), chocolate chip cookies, vegan brownies, and “Bulletproof Balls”, made with 70 percent dark chocolate, house-made granola, Sunwarrior organic plant protein, and Bulletproof XTC Oil.DIRT is now open for service and delivery Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Are you still trying to decide which of South Florida’s meal delivery services is right for you? If you haven’t already taken a hard look at Fresh is Better (FIB), consider this a wake up call, because the masterminds behind this tasty meal delivery service are doing something right. We tried a few delicious meals from Fresh is Better and here is what we think.Favorite MealHands down, the Chicken Pie with Roasted Veggies was our favorite. We weren’t quite sure what to expect when we saw it on the menu, but after one bite we were hooked. It should be no surprise, because FIB puts time and attention into every meal, using only the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. They use colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish caught from Florida’s waters, and proteins that are pasture fed and antibiotic free. You can choose from four different meal plans – Traditional, Paleo, Vegetarian or Gluten Free.Least Favorite MealIt’s hard to pick a “least favorite meal” because they were all actually quite tasty. If we had to choose, it would be the Turkey Omelette Roll. Eggs are hit or miss when reheated, and while we actually quite enjoyed this delicious breakfast, it wasn’t our favorite from the week.Delivery ExperienceFresh is Better was delivered promptly as promised every morning. The super friendly team member from Fresh is Better, Carlota, arranged everything, and checked in to make sure the experience was enjoyable. What was really great is that not only are the meals prepped the night before and delivered daily to ensure the food is always fresh, they are packed in compostable containers that combine convenience with sustainability. It’s great seeing a company focus on their environmental footprint.Our RecommendationWe highly recommend giving Fresh is Better a try. Plans start as low as $30 a day, and if you use the code “stayfit305” at checkout, you can save 15% off your order.

Are meal delivery services really worth it? That was one of the many questions I set out to answer when I gave Deliver Lean a try for 10 days. South Florida has a number of meal delivery services to choose from, but Deliver Lean ranks among the top selections. So why are so many people choosing to order from Deliver Lean? Let's find out.Meal SelectionAs with most meal delivery services, you are able to choose each individual meal you will be delivered ahead of time. Deliver Lean boasts an impressive 96 different meal selections each week in four different meal plans - The Classic, The Paleo, The Vegetarian and The Vegan. For my 10 days, I chose to select all Paleo meals with as many different meal options as I could. Trust me, the food was so appetizing on the website, it was much harder said than done.

‍Day 1

‍One of the many reservations I've always had about meal delivery services was how would it work delivering to my apartment vs a house? Do I have them leave it at the desk? Do I have them deliver it to my door? What if someone takes it while it sits outside my door? All of these questions were answered in Day 1 when I received a phone call from the Deliver Lean Customer Service Representative. I feel bad for forgetting her name, but she was probably the nicest Customer Service rep I've ever spoken to in my life. She kindly explained the delivery team had issues accessing my building. After a quick 5 minute phone call, instructions were updated, and there was not a single issue with the deliveries after that call. They delivered right to my door every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning with no issues.

‍Day 2

‍A Cranberry Orange Almond Scone is not something I would typically order for breakfast, but once again, for the sake of variety, I selected as many different options as I could in the 10 day period. This scone was delicious, and came with Cultured Coconut Yogurt with Blueberries and Mango.

‍Day 3

‍I was already getting used to seeing the delivery bag waiting outside my door each morning, and since it was Friday, this one was packed with an entire weekend’s worth of meals.  What’s great is that each meal has a label indicating the day and meal you selected it for in case you forget. It really makes organizing and planning that much easier.

‍Day 4

‍The weekend’s are dangerous for me, because if I am going to have a cheat meal, it’s going to be then. Deliver Lean kept me on track throughout Saturday with Scrambled Egg Whites with Sauteed Kale & Tomato with Chicken Apple Sausage.

‍Day 5

‍It was a typical Sunday morning in Miami, so my natural instinct post-workout was, “Where am I going for Brunch?” This week was different because I already had a meal waiting for me at home. On the menu was Grilled Chicken Paillard with Provencial Tomato, Corn & Bell Pepper Salad & Lemon Thyme Reduction.

‍Day 6

‍Monday’s dinner was really delicious. Basil Coconut Chicken with Roasted Spaghetti Squash & Baked Tomato.

‍Day 7

‍The surprise meal of the entire week was definitely the Gluten Free Arepas with Braised Mojo Pull Pork. I don’t know why, but this was one of my favorite meals. I highly recommend this one.

‍Day 8

‍After a week, I started noticing a few things. I wasn’t as hungry as I thought I would be. I eat a lot of food. Healthy food, but a lot of it. When weighing the cost of a meal delivery delivery service, I’ve always thought I would have to buy some additional food as well, so it never really made sense. I was proven wrong. I didn’t need extra food at all. The portions were just right, and I was getting exactly what I needed throughout the day to keep going.

‍Day 9

‍Dinner included Mexican Beef Tenderloin Strips with Peppers, Red Onion, Blistered Tomatoes, Plantain Mash & Grilled Cilantro Lime.

‍Day 10

‍After 10 days with Deliver Lean, one of the biggest things I took away from the experience is their attention to detail with everything, especially food quality. There wasn’t really a bad meal. They were all tasty. For everyone meal prepping every Sunday (myself included), this was a great break, and even gave me some ideas I can cook on my own. I highly recommend giving Deliver Lean a chance.Save 15% off your Deliver Lean order when you use “STAYFIT305” at checkout.

Earlier this month, popular juice spot, Raw Juce, opened its 4th location in Aventura, right next to the Aventura Mall on Biscayne. Juices, cleanses, shots, smooth-e-lixers, acai bowls and more are all on the menu, making the location and must try.Raw Juce is on a mission to make people feel and live better. So naturally, all ingredients are organic and locally sourced so food can be delivered in its most natural form. Raw Juce’s cold- pressed technology guarantees maximum extraction without pulp. Each fruit and vegetable is pressed individually and bottled with no additives or preservatives. The philosophy of Raw Juce was primarily founded on the premise of communal practices. Supporting over 50 community events monthly (at no cost to partners), Raw Juce believes heavily in the power of giving. From early on, Raw Juce founders, Jeff Levine, Steve Shaffer and Barry Rabkin were committed to building a community-centric brand from the inside out. Rabkin states, “We believe that giving back to the community, starting with our team members, creates dedication. Not only does our team (mostly 20 somethings) learn the mechanics of ourbusiness but we offer a diversified program that helps with personal betterment and a vision for their future.”