Food

Traditional Jamaican meets health-conscientious with Jrk! in Aventura. This new restaurant has chef-inspired dishes using high-quality ingredients in a fast-casual environment. 

Owner Harrison Berstein grew up loving Jamaican cuisine, influenced by Kavan Burke. Kavan Burke housed Wayne Sharpe for free when he initially moved here from Jamaica until he moved to Atlanta to open his first restaurant. Once Harrison and Kavan decided to join forces and open Jrk!, they convinced Wayne to move back to Miami and the rest was history.

At Jrk! your meal is served bowl-style with a combination of bases, proteins, and toppings. Choose from one of the signature bowls, or make your own. Proteins include Jerk BBQ, Jamrock Pepper Steak, and Oxtail. For vegans, there is even Vegan Jerk. Some of the mouth-watering topping options are Pineapple Plantain, Cabbage Slaw, Pineapple Mango Salsa, Sweet Scotch Bonnet Cauliflower, and Jerk Peppers and Onion. Top off your bowl with a number of sauces with names like Rude Boy and The Tropics.

Finish your meal with a chocolate or pineapple 305 Rum Cake. The restaurant also carries a range of juices, Jamaican sodas, beer, and wine.

Jrk! is open from 11:30 am - 8 pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 11:30 am - 8:30 pm Thursday through Saturday.

Find Jrk! on the third-floor food hall at the Aventura Mall, 19565 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura. For more information head to eatjrk.com or check them out on social media at @eatjrk on Instagram and Facebook and even TikTok.

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If you’ve sworn off gluten because you have a sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance, or simply want to give your gut a break from wheat, barley, or rye, the most common forms of gluten (which are found in pretty much everything these days), don’t fret. You can still eat out with ease. Here we explore 8 places that you can partake in a full meal as well as satisfy your sweet tooth - all without gluten-containing grains. 

Dora Gluten Free (Coral Gables)

This is the only fully dedicated gluten-free restaurant in Miami. Get a hamburger and fries for a fulfilling meal or opt for some, croquetas (ham and chicken, and vegan). Finish off your meal with desserts including lemon loaves, key lime pie (also available in dairy-free), cinnamon rolls (also available in guava and Nutella), or some brownies and cookies. They now offer shipping on their gluten-free goodies. @doraglutenfree

Carrot Express (multiple locations)

With an extensive menu of good-for-you eats, from smoothies to bowls to platters, Carrot Express has a number of gluten-free options for those avoiding wheat. Be sure to check out the Shaved Kale Brussels Sprout Salad, Pesto Salmon, Mahi Mahi, BBQ Chicken Platter, or Grilled Chicken Platter for lunch or dinner. @carrotexpress

Coyo Taco (multiple locations)

Don’t get sidelined when your crew hits this local taco institution because of your dietary restrictions. Opt for the new “secret menu” option, the Yogi Bowl (available through the end of April). This delight for gluten-free, vegetarians, and vegans alike, consists of layers of mixed greens, quinoa salad, roasted cauliflower and mushrooms, avocado, pickled red onions, jalapeños, citrus slaw, pico de gallo, and toasted pepitas. You can add salsa and proteins if desired. @coyotaco

Thatch (Midtown)

Pop into the market for a smoothie, a grab-and-go bite, or dine-in for lunch or dinner at this plant-based establishment with an extensive gluten-free offering. From salads to bowls, to gluten-free pad Thai and the not-to-be-missed Shattered Potatoes, you will not leave hungry. For brunch seekers, be sure to try the banana almond pancakes. @thatchmiami

And you can satisfy your gluten-free sweet tooth here:

The Chocolate Chip Bakery (Midtown)

This newcomer to Midtown, offers vegan, gluten-, soy-, refined sugar-,GMO-free cookies, brownies and baked goods that will frankly blow your mind. We stopped in to purchase one of everything and we simply couldn’t choose a favorite from the selection cookies, banana bread, and a light and fluffy sweet potato bun. We were already pre-caffeinated when we dropped in, so we passed on the iced latte, but we’ll be back as they looked just as good as the baked goods.  @thechocolatechipbakery

Bunnie Cakes (Doral) 

This cupcake mainstay that just moved their operations to Doral is the OG in vegan and gluten-free cupcake and cakes. You can stop in (or opt for delivery) to choose from a variety of flavors including some cookies and cream, red velvet, funfetti, key lime, dulce no leche, coconut, and more. Bunnie Cakes can also customize your order for cupcakes, cakes, and mini cakes all to be gluten -free. @msbunniecakes

Purely Baked By Sarah (delivery)

If you’re a fan of the Kardashians, you may have seen their obsession with olive oil cakes and cupcakes. Now you can get your very own from this local baker, who sells all organic, dairy-free, gluten-free and parve, cakes in a selection of flavors like original olive oil, chocolate, chocolate chip, guava (with coconut or without), and lemon poppy seed (with lemon glaze on top). Place your order via Instagram DM and choose to pick up your goods at the Fresh Market Parking lot in Aventura or opt for delivery. @purelybakedbysarah

The Oats Guy (delivery)

When we saw The Oats Guy’s stunning creations pop-up on our Instagram, we thought it was another case of ‘looks good, but can’t eat’ situation. Then we learned that these donuts can all be made gluten-free (as well as vegan and sugar-free if you’re so inclined) we dropped a DM and eagerly checked out the weekly menu of these oatmeal rings. We received a quick reply via a very accommodating baker and our donuts were delivered with care. They taste more cake-y than fried donuts (which is fine by us because we actually don’t like fried dough) and each creation looked (and tasted) better than the next. You can tell and taste there is a lot of love that goes into making these by the attention to detail each ring has. @theoatsguy

Sprouts Farmers Market plans to open as many as ten new stores in Florida, including locations in South Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

The Phoenix, Arizona-based grocer known for its unique selection of responsibly sourced products and a farmers' market-style experience will open approximately 20 stores this year, including five in South Florida. Several South Florida locations are in the works, from Homestead to West Palm Beach. Addresses are as follows (stores listed with cross streets don’t yet have addresses). Opening dates have not yet been announced.

• Boynton Beach: W. Boynton Beach Boulevard and Jog Road
• Homestead: 2631 NE Tenth Ct.
• Miami: 12690 SW 88th St.
• Oakland Park: 700 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
• West Palm Beach: Okeechobee Boulevard and Military Trail
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*This article was originally published on MiamiNewTimes.com by Nicole Danna and can be found here.

For a fresh way to spend Sundays and support local businesses, the Town of Surfside invites the public to its outdoor Farmers Market. The popular market returns to the area on Sunday, March 7 and is helmed by Surfside resident Javier Valmana, who is also the creator of Wavey Acai Bowls.  

With COVID-19 guidelines enforced, visitors can safely shop for home decor, artisan items, apparel, handmade jewelry and baked goods, or fuel up on delicious fare from a plant-based vendor, healthy acai bowls and Peruvian-style cuisine. The Surfside Farmers Market is conveniently located across the street from the beach. It is a must-visit during a trip to Miami’s charming beach town.

The following is a list of participating vendors…and the list is still growing:

• Paz y Luna - hats, hand bags, handmade apparel. @paz_y_luna
• Cherelune - artisanal soaps, crystals, candles @cherelunemia
• LifeACTivated - bohemian clothes @lifeact_ivated
• SueBeeQ Jewlery - handmade jewelry @suebeeqjewlery
• Wavey Acai bowls - Acai bowls @waveyacaibowls
• Ciabella - baked goods @ciabellabakery
• Moana Kai - handmade baby and kids clothing and accessories @moanaandkai
• Mind of art - decorative accessories, handmade concrete pots, refurbished artistic furniture @justart1970
• Yessis - Peruvian-style ceviche, hot pressed paninis, handmade empanadas, vegan options, fresh lemonade, hot churros, banana bread & other baked good @Yessiskitchen
• Planta sol -  freshly potted plants for indoor and outdoor @jengricas
• Soapciety- handcrafted soaps, body scrubs, hand sanitizers, lip balms, small accessories @1934soapciety
• Fruitsncahoots - Fruits and veggies @fruitsncahoots
• Bussdown vegans – plant-based vendor that serves west coast flavors, featuring burritos and bowls. Everything is made from scratch: no GMOs or processed ingredients and soy free @bussdownvegans

WHEN:

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday, starting March 7, 2021

WHERE:

9500 Collins Avenue in Surfside

COST:

Free to attend

VENDORS:

New vendors are welcome to participate in the Surfside Farmers Market and can fill out an application online at https://form.jotform.com/210245312434139. For questions, contact Javier Valmana at 305-923-2518 or email surfsidefarmersmarket@gmail.com.

If there was a Peanut Butter Anonymous, we’d be a part of the program. No matter the form -  raw, butter, or even powder -  we don’t discriminate. As far as nutrition goes, peanuts pack quite a punch with approximately 7 grams of protein per ounce, making them a great choice when looking for something to keep you satisfied. And while 14 grams of fat per serving might scare some off, most of the fats in peanuts are good fats and will keep your blood sugars low and keep you from getting hangry. 

All in the name of research we tested a selection of peanut butter products to deliver our top 6 (narrowing it 5 was just too hard!)

1. Brooklyn Roasting

Coffee and peanut butter don't sound like they’d be a good match, but the folks at Brooklyn Roasting dared to combine the two. The result is a delicious peanut butter infused with fresh roasted Turkish ground single-origin coffee. We tried the Ethiopian Natural Peanut Butter and our taste buds freaked out in the best possible way. This creamy spread has a deliciously nutty flavor combined with coffee and you can taste the most delectable hint of blueberry thanks to the Ethiopian natural processed coffee. https://brooklynroasting.com, @brooklynroasting

2. R.E.D.D. Peanut Butter Protein Bar

With a soft, cookie dough-like texture this bar is packed with superfoods, adaptogenic mushrooms, probiotics, and 10g of plant-based protein, and a perfect peanutty flavor. These bars are chock full of peanuts and are gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO and Kosher and  https://www.reddbar.com, @reddbar‍

3. Catalina Crunch Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal

With zero sugar, non-GMO, grain-free, and 100% vegan, we were shocked by how crunchy, flavorful, and frankly irresistible this cereal is. While we admit we didn’t go for the traditional milk and cereal in a bowl, rather we ate it by the handful or sprinkled on acai bowls, this cereal uses seven plant proteins and fibers that are designed to keep you full longer and promote gut health. And the Catalina Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies, those are a must-try, too! https://us.catalinacrunch.com, @catalinacrunch

4. Quinn Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

These gluten-free, crunchy peanut butter-filled pretzels have been a go-to snack of ours for some time now. The little pillow-looking pretzels have a crunchy exterior with creamy peanut butter filling inside, and use whole grain sorghum, an ancient whole grain that is naturally gluten-free and better for the environment.  https://www.quinnsnacks.com, @quinnsnacks

5. Organic PBfit Peanut Butter Powder

If you’re like us and have a hard time putting the spoon down and walking away from the jar, then this powder formula gives you goodness without the guilt. With just three ingredients including gently pressed roasted peanuts, coconut palm sugar, and a pinch of salt, it has 87% less fat and ⅓ the calories of traditional peanut butter. Just add water and mix to get a creamy texture that you won’t want to put down. https://pbfit.com, @betterbodyfoods

6. Gr8nola Peanut Butter Granola

When two of our favorite snacks, peanut butter and granola, collide AND give back, we consider that a major win. That’s why we are fans of this woman-owned BIPOC superfood granola brand, who has partnered with Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative uniting girls to change the world. 8% of all Peanut Butter sales will be donated to Girl Up. Five girl leaders were chosen to work alongside gr8nola’s founder Erica Liu Williams to bring this flavor to market - from ideation to launch. Through this partnership, Gr8nola strives to inspire young women to achieve gr8ness by giving these girls real-world entrepreneurial experience, while supporting Girl Up's mission to achieve gender equality worldwide. https://www.gr8nola.com, @gr8nola

Pura Vida opened their sixth all-day cafe location in West Palm Beach this winter.   The opening of this new outpost arrives on the heels of Pura Vida’s latest opening on West Avenue in Miami Beach this past October, as the brand looks to continue growing its footprint across South Florida.

Located at 460 S Rosemary Avenue, Pura Vida West Palm Beach will inhabit 2,500 square feet of the newly rebranded Rosemary Square. This location is designed in Pura Vida’s signature breezy aesthetic that includes a cornerless NanaWall for a truly indoor-outdoor experience.

What began as a side passion project in 2012 for founder Omer Horev, has grown into a wellness hub for South Floridians, providing an array of all-day breakfast menu items, superfood smoothies, fresh juices, flavorful salads, wraps, and bowls, along with a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan sweet treats, sourced using all local and organic ingredients whenever available.

Pura Vida was originally established in Miami Beach and has since launched several locations in the Miami Design District, Edgewater, South Beach, in Coral Gables at the University of Miami, and in West Avenue in Miami Beach. 

 “We are so excited about the debut of our West Palm Beach location, especially in such a walkable area like Rosemary Square,” states Horev, Chief Executive Officer at Pura Vida. “This marks Pura Vida’s first cafe outside of Miami and a huge milestone for the Pura Vida brand. We have always had big plans in the works for expansion, and it’s great to see those come to fruition while continuing to positively impact the local economy.”

“At Pura Vida, we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming space, where visitors can enjoy healthy and nourishing dishes, sourced from the highest quality ingredients,” states Jennifer Horev, Chief Brand Officer at Pura Vida. "This year, our brand has shown how strong and resilient we are, and we can't wait to welcome residents and visitors of West Palm Beach, and the surrounding area into our space to experience what we have to offer."

 Pura Vida plans to welcome three more locations in the coming months including establishments in Aventura, Bay Harbour, and Las Olas. Pura Vida West Palm Beach is located at 460 S Rosemary Ave., Suite 186, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Hours of operation will be 8 AM - 4 PM daily with both delivery and pick up available through the Pura Vida app. For more information, please visit www.PuraVidaMiami.com. 

Carrot Express opened their doors in Downtown Dadeland this week, bring their nourishing foods to South Miami in a 7th location. Since 1993, Carrot Express founder Mario Laufer has been on a mission to create Miami’s healthiest dishes with a flavorful twist.

The Downtown Dadeland location is 1,800 square feet featuring indoor and outdoor seating as well as takeout and delivery. The space will incorporate the similar relaxed atmosphere of Carrot Express featuring their branded colors of orange and green.

The menu has something for every kind of dietary restriction including a wide range of salads, smoothies, bowls, wraps, fresh pressed juices and smoothies.

Laufer is thrilled to grow the wholesome legacy throughout South Florida. “We are so excited for this new chapter of Carrot Express! We feel a lot of the neighborhoods we’re expanding to (like Downtown Dadeland) are lacking in healthier cuisine and we want to help fill that void,” he shared.

By the end of February 2021, the healthy empire looks to unveil their first location outside of Miami in Boca Raton. Later this year, additional outposts will debut in CityPlace Doral, Brickell, Weston, Kendall, and Fort Lauderdale. Currently, Carrot Express has locations in Downtown Miami, Midtown, South Beach, North Beach, Aventura, Coral Gables and Miami Shores.

Laufer also added, “People are becoming more conscious about what we put into our bodies and we want to help support their healthy choices.”

Downtown Dadeland is located at 8880 SW 72nd Pl., Kendall, FL 33156. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 11 am until 9 pm. Deliver and takeout orders can be made directly through the Carrot Express website or via ChowNow, Toast, Postmates, UberEats and GrubHub.

Stay updated on their future openings and visit www.EatCarrotExpress.com or follow along on Instagram @CarrotExpress.

The Los Angeles based, seasonal fast-casual restaurant sweetgreen, opened its doors today in Coral Gables, marking the chain's first South Florida location. Following Coral Gables, sweetgreen announced expansion to its local footprint with locations in Coconut Grove, Wynwood, and Sunset Harbour slated for early 2021.

“We were drawn to Miami because it’s truly a hub for real food, art and culture, a place we strive to be at the intersection of in all our stores,” said sweetgreen co-founder and CEO, Jonathan Neman. “We are passionate about entering new markets the right way, working with local partners to ensure our restaurants reflect and feel unique to the surrounding community. Our hope is that our Miami guests will experience that each time they walk into one of our restaurants.” 

Founded in 2007, sweetgreen is known for their menu of core and seasonal salads, warm bowls, plates and sides, that use fresh ingredients and produce delivered that same day. For locals, expect sweetgreen to serve up exclusive items that emphasize Florida’s year-round warm weather, including the Citrus Shrimp + Avocado Bowl with baby spinach, warm quinoa, roasted shrimp, avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, shredded cabbage, cilantro, tortilla chips, and a ceviche dressing that will be available only in Miami. 

To make you feel even more at home, sweetgreen partnered with local artists to feature custom art pieces in their Miami restaurants. For Coral Gables they tapped Élan Byrd, known for her use of natural fibers and other resources from the earth, who has created raffia on canvas artwork that nods to the warm beach culture while tying in sweetgreen’s focus on following mother nature’s lead and seasonality. 

Coral Gables and all Miami restaurants will open following sweetgreen’s new safety standards, including mandatory face masks, elevated sanitation schedules, dedicated concierges to ensure safety compliance, and more. 

For more information on sweetgreen Coral Gables and their other Miami locations, visit www.sweetgreen.com. Follow sweetgreen on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @sweetgreen.

The holidays are upon us and even though they might look a bit different this year, the fact is, the holidays tend to be a time when people start to slack off on their healthy eating habits. We are all for everything in moderation and a ’treat yo self’ mentality, but there are ways to be mindful about indulging. That one cocktail (or two) here, the extra slice of pie here, the missed workout, all can play into holiday weight gain. 

We turned to Cristie Besu, Founder of Eat Me Guilt Free and Certified Sports Nutritionist who shares her tips on how to still take part in your favorite holiday treats yet stay the course over the next few months. 

Tip #1

Find and use “better for you” versions of your favorite foods.  Stuffing is a common holiday favorite and you can make a high protein, low carb version that is still delicious and satisfying using Eat Me Guilt Free Protein Bread (check out Eat Me Guilt Free's recommended stuffing recipe here)

Tip #2 

As we increase our calories and the pandemic continues to keep us distant for our close friends and family, it is a good time to organize #wfh workouts that are outdoors with them. It helps us stay close to those we want to see over the holidays without engaging in indoor activities that are more difficult to distance yourself socially at.  AND you burn off all the extra calories you are consuming. 

Tip #3

Indulge in holiday wine spritzers vs wine at holiday gatherings.  You use 50% wine and 50% club soda and, voila, your wine now has half of the calories. If you enjoy red wines, pinot noir works well and most whites are a perfect fit. 

Tip #4

Serve your holiday meals with measuring cups vs a large spoon.  Using the 1 cup measuring cup helps keep your portions in check and your calorie intake within what you normally consume.  

Over the past decade, RSP Nutrition has evolved with the modern consumer, establishing itself as a top brand in both the sports nutrition and health and wellness space. Based right here in Miami, RSP Nutrition has the goal of providing products that are not only made of clean, proven ingredients but are also convenient and effective.

Started in 2008 by former collegiate athlete Victor Davanzo, RSP Nutrition filled a gap in the market for healthy, everyday wellness needs. Prior to launching the company, Davanzo could only find supplements with unnatural or dangerous ingredients. RSP Nutrition aimed to bring clean, nutritional products for active people and fitness enthusiasts while never compromising quality or convenience. Even 10 years ago, Davanzo recognized that people were focusing more on natural food and that performance training was no longer just for athletes.

"RSP products are designed and crafted to be all-in-one solutions to someone's path to physical achievements," said Kevin Escalera, the Digital Marketing Director at RSP Nutrition. "These achievements look different to everyone but RSP's products can improve everyone's performance."

RSP Nutrition has a full line-up of products to meet your needs whether your goal is energy, recovery, building muscle, or just general health and wellness. There is TrueFit, their all-in-one grass-fed protein that includes fruits and veggies, prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and healthy fats, and TrueFit Shake, which is a portable meal replacement. AminoLean is RSP's pre-workout with natural caffeine, zero calories, and zero sugar. (The pink lemonade flavor is delicious!) AvoCollagen combines hydrolyzed collagen peptides with avocado oil. And those are just a few of their best-sellers.

"You'll find that RSP Nutrition products accomplish a multitude of goals for the consumer. The all-in-one benefits are a great way for consumers to save time and pantry space," said Escalera. "For example, with TrueFit alone containing pre and probiotics for gut health, fruits, and vegetables, plus grass-fed protein - the customer is receiving so much more than just protein. The AminoLean pre-workout can be used for anytime energy, weight management, amino acids for muscle recovery, and for a pre-workout boost."

All of their products come with a money-back guarantee and Stay Fit readers can save 15% on your purchase with code STAYFIT15 at RSPNutrition.com. In addition to shopping, their website also has a blog with a variety of recipes using their products. RSP Nutrition products can also be found nationwide at Whole Foods, GNC, and Vitamin Shoppe, among others, as well as on Amazon.

Cookies that are low carb, low sugar, made with 100% natural ingredients, AND taste amazing? It may sound too good to be true but that's what you get from Jane Bakes, a woman-owned business founded by Jane Carroll.

A self-made entrepreneur, Carroll was the owner of a successful floral design business before an insane 10 months that changed her life. After a hard turn that included a house fire, a heart attack, and the stock market crash, Carroll decided to pivot and open up a small café. It was there that Carroll found a love for baking and experimenting with healthy recipes, and Jane Bakes was born.

Jane Bakes cookies are a clean treat made up of simple, real ingredients. You won't find artificial flavoring here - Carroll's seven flavors of cookies use real ingredients like crushed hazelnuts and scraped vanilla beans. Real ingredients also means that the cookies are very satisfying for being such a small treat. They are inspired by a French sable cookie, which means they have a unique texture that is soft, crumbly, and melt in your mouth.

Other ingredients include cage-free eggs and non-hormone butter. The cookies are made with 100% whole grain, except for the two gluten-free varieties which are made with almond and coconut flours. They are also made with an all-natural sugar, wheylow, which has 75% less calories and carbs than traditional sugar. Every ingredient contributes to making these cookies a high fiber treat that does not raise your glycemic index.

Each cookie is around 60 calories and with flavors like Double Chocolate, Whiskey & Rye Chocolate Chip, and Vanilla Bean you'll be thankful that you can enjoy them guilt-free. My favorites were Maple Pecan and Raisin Oatmeal, but I also loved the Vanilla Bean because it tasted like shortbread.

While these cookies may not be local to Miami, they are packed in an environmentally-friendly kraft paper sleeve that has a ziplock bag inside to maintain freshness and keep the bakery quality. Jane Bakes makes the small batches of cookies in their New York store and then vacuum seals right before shipping to ensure freshness.

Jane Bakes is currently distributed to over 1,000 stores in and around the northeast. For those of us down south, the cookies are also sold online through their website and available on Amazon Prime! If you want to order your own cookies, you can get a discount on your order by using coupon code insta25 at janebakes.com.

della bowls, based in Miami, is bringing their vibrant, plant-based recipes into your home with the launch of their first cookbook.

After the COVID pandemic forced them to change their plans for a grand opening at The Doral Yard, the team pivoted to focus on connecting with the della bowls community digitally through virtual cooking classes and their new digital cookbook.

della bowls’ core mission is to make healthy food delicious, affordable, and easily accessible. Now their recipes are in an easy-to-follow format, using simple ingredients that you can find almost anywhere. With the della bowls cookbook, you will be layering new textures and flavors and building your own bowls.

RELATED 3 Tips to Help You Break Into a Healthy Eating Lifestyle without Breaking the Bank

All della bowls generally follow the magic number 5 to make what they call ‘healthy bowls of happy.’ The 5 components of every bowl are base + protein + veggies + sauce + boost. ⁠ The globally-inspired bowls in their cookbook include five house favorite bowls, like the Dalé Bowl, stacked with vibrant layers of brown rice, refried black beans, cashew queso, pico de gallo, panelle, and Verde Sauce, and the Caribbean Bowl, packed with marinated kale, coconut black forbidden rice, toasted coconut, plantains, avocado, and Yellow Sauce.

The della bowls team has compiled recipes for all lifestyles, occasions, and paletes. In their cookbook you will get:

• recipes from their current della bowls menu
• new recipes
• old favorites
• suggested bowl combinations
• cooking tips and tools

⁠We loved the sweet potato hummus for snacking, and the della bites for a quick boost of energy. Whether you prefer to meal prep, or cook meals on the fly, all of the recipes are simple and easy to prepare.

The digital cookbook is now for sale on their website and on Amazon for $9.99.

della bowls is also currently delivering via Door Dash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates in Miami 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 2:00 am. Please visit our website dellabowls.com for more information, or on Instagram at @dellabowls.

Aldi recently opened its newest Florida store on Oakland Park Boulevard in Sunrise. This new location is one of a growing list of South Florida locations since the grocer first arrived in the state in 2008.

In the past decade, Aldi has expanded its footprint to more than 150 stores statewide and there are currently 39 Aldi stores in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.

Nationwide, Aldi is on pace to become the nation's third-largest "value" retail grocer, operating more than 2,000 stores in 36 states. Aldi recently invested more than $5 billion in a multiyear initiative to open hundreds of new locations.

"As we continue to expand, we promise to do everything in our power to offer the lowest prices, every day, without exception," Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi U.S., said in a press release. "In fact, as food costs continue to rise across the country, we're lowering prices on hundreds of items to meet our customers' increased need for savings."

The grocer's no-frills approach to shopping keeps overhead low. That also means Aldi doesn’t offer bags at checkout, so make sure to bring your totes. And bring change to rent a shopping cart for a quarter as well. (You get your quarter back when you return the cart.)

According to Chris Hewitt, vice president of Aldi's Royal Palm Beach division, the Florida expansion goes hand in hand with the company's push to increase its fresh-food selection by 40 percent over the past few years.

"Offering the best products at affordable prices is something that never goes out of style," says Hewitt. "We look forward to offering Florida customers more as we grow the Aldi footprint over the coming years."

FitLife Foods Plantation reopened for business Monday after being closed for 13 months.

FitLife Foods is a meal prep company with in-store pickup and delivery, offering pre-made healthy meals and snacks, and health and wellness training. They have locations throughout Florida, including in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.

On July 6, 2019, a gas explosion tore apart the plaza in Plantation where one of their stores was located. The blast was so powerful it leveled the restaurant and caused massive structural damage to everything else around it, forcing them to rebuild.

As part of the renovation, the Plantation location is now updated with a new look that FitLife is testing in different markets.

Fitlife Foods was the first business to re-open out of the 30+ businesses impacted by the blast.

"We hope that this location becomes a symbol for our company, our team, the Plantation community, and our customers," said Founder and CEO David Osterweil. "If there’s a lesson to be learned in all of this, it’s that 'It doesn’t matter what happens to you. It only matters how you react.'"

Follow their stories this week on Instagram @fitlifefoods to see their daily grand reopening giveaways.

While healthy eating is a goal for many Americans, it can be hard to know exactly what this entails. Supermarkets are full of foods with labels promising "clean" this, or "healthy" that', creating a minefield of messaging that can be difficult to maneuver.

Oftentimes food labels are nothing more than marketing tactics designed to convince consumers the product is healthy, or at least, better than the alternative. But a closer look shows than many of these labels really don’t mean much at all. Here are 5 food labels that might sound healthy, but actually have a different meaning when grocery shopping.

Part of a Healthy/Complete/Nourishing Breakfast

Some variation of this slogan is a common fixture on the packaging of children's cereals and other processed foods, along with an illustration of whatever said food may be, and a piece of fruit, a glass of water, and maybe a side of protein. Here’s the thing: if the product in question is in fact part of a healthy breakfast, it may not be the “healthy” part. Next.

Cage-Free

According to USDA Guidelines, eggs “labeled as cage-free must be produced by hens housed in a building, room, or enclosed area that allows for unlimited access to food, water, and provides the freedom to roam within the area during the laying cycle.” So, quite literally, they cannot be kept in cages. However, considering the guideline doesn’t specify how much space each chicken can get and allows for “cage-free” hens to be kept fully indoors, it doesn’t really mean anything at all.

A similar offender is “free-range,” which requires hens to have continuous access to outdoor space but does not specify how much space. While eggs may be a great source of nutrients, their labels are often nothing more than marketing wordplay.

Hormone Free/ No Hormones Added

This label, commonly found on just about every chicken and pork product in the grocery store, needs to be read a little closer. According to the USDA, “hormones are not allowed in raising hogs or poultry.” So, pretty much all of it is hormone-free, and the per regulation the small print below this pointless claim likely says something along the lines of, “Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones." So, while this claim is true, it is utterly unimpressive.

Low Fat/Reduced Fat/No Fat

To be fair, these products likely are lower in fat than their full-fat alternatives, but why remove the fat in the first place? The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) recommended by the US government for fat is 20%-35% of daily calories for adults over 18. Though not all sources of fat are nutritious, a healthy adult that isn’t adhering to a particular diet doesn’t need to worry about axing this macro completely; on the contrary, fat is officially recognized as an important part of a balanced diet. While the processed food this label is slapped on may indeed be unhealthy, taking the fat out of it probably doesn’t make it any better. It might even make you think, “What are they replacing the fat with?”

Vegan

If something is vegan, it simply does not contain animal products. While this label is very useful for individuals whose goal is to avoid eating such products, it does not in any way determine the nutritional value of the food and should not be read as “healthy.” Case study: Oreos are vegan.

Experience delicious, plant-based, scratch-made food at Delicious Raw Kitchen and Juice Bar in Miami Beach. Located in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood, Delicious Raw has a diverse menu of items made in house, ranging from juices and smoothies, to meals like their fan-favorite vegan Nobl veggie burger.

Delicious Raw has a passion for creating food that tastes good and is good for you. Their plant-based menu is constantly evolving to stay on the cutting edge of healthy cuisine. Additionally, their ingredients are always sourced with quality, freshness, and responsible farming practices in mind.

Some of their signature menu items include the Righteous Waffle, based on energy-sustaining ancient grains, the fusion Buddha Bowl with house-made sweet potato pasta, and the Super-Bowl açai bowl. Raw Delicious also serves up a variety of hot and iced coffee-based beverages, such as the Maca Bullet. Their juices and smoothies are unharmed by oxidation, additives, and preservatives.

For those running in for a quick bite, there are also a variety of grab and go items pre-packaged for convenience. However, with the goal of recharging both your mind and your body, Delicious Raw has a cozy ambiance and both indoor and outdoor seating that encourages you to stay for a while.

Their growing scratch in-house production includes core ingredients such as nut butters, nut milks, and nut flours, superfood pastas made of such vegetables as black bean, sweet potato, and turmeric pepper, gluten-free and vegan baked goods, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, vegan yogurts, dressings, and jams.

Delicious Raw was launched in 2013 in Naples and has since expanded to South Florida. In addition to their location in Miami Beach, you can also visit their restaurant in Davie.

Check them out in Miami Beach from 7am – 10pm daily.

Protein is an essential part of any diet, but even seasoned fitness enthusiasts may still have some questions about this vital macronutrient and the best way to work it into a healthy day of eating. How much do you need, and how much is too much? And, If you’re a vegan, can you get enough?

To answer these questions and more Lisa Dorfman, a board-certified sports and performance nutritionist and author also known as The Running Nutritionist®, chatted with STAY FIT 305 all about sources of protein, when to consume it and how to know how much you need.

A former professional triathlete herself, Dorfman has been in the nutrition industry for over three decades and counseled clients from all walks of life. Olympic, professional, and college athletes have relied on her counsel, and she has served as a celebrity nutritionist for the stars of movies such Gone Girl, Avengers, and Iron Man 3. And, spoiler alert, Dorfman is a vegetarian- so if there’s no meat in your kitchen, you’re definitely in good company.

How much protein do you need...?

Put simply, it depends! The exact amount of protein an active individual needs each day can vary from person to person, but according to Dorfman it can range from 1.2 to 2.4 grams per kilogram of bodyweight (remember: 1 kilogram is about 2.2 pounds.) For reference, an average 150-pound individual should shoot for at least 80 grams every day.

...And what factors affect this?

A variety of factors affect exactly where you should fall on the scale of how much protein to consume per kilogram of bodyweight. Athletes who perform highly anaerobic activities such as heavy weightlifting, boxing, or sprinting will find that they need more protein each day to help their bodies recover.

“If you're doing a lot of high-intensity work where you’re just ripping apart your muscles,” Dorfman said, “then your needs will most certainly go up.”

Sleep patterns and stress levels can also affect how much protein you need, as “stressing out” or not getting enough sleep can make it difficult for your body to recover from the day. Further, Dorfman says, individuals consuming a lower amount of calories per day need more protein to make up for this deficit.

“The less you eat,” she said, “the more protein you need because then all of a sudden you rely on protein (as opposed to carbohydrates and fat) more as an energy source.”

How should you work protein into your daily diet?

You might want to forgo that 16-ounce steak dinner in favor of a more balanced approach to eating protein over the course of the day, Dorfman says. The best way to go is to eat this macro a few ounces at a time, “little by little,” to ensure your body always has what it needs.

According to Dorfman, chowing down on a protein power snack is especially important after a workout. Shakes, bars, and smoothies, she continued, are all quick and easy ways to get some protein in your system.

What are the best (and worst) sources of protein?

Lean meats and plant-based proteins, Dorfman said, are some of the healthiest sources of protein out there. Lean chicken, turkey, and pork are great, as well as fish and grass-fed beef. Vegan options such as quinoa, peas, whole grains, beans, and more make the cut too. And that whey (or pea) powder sitting in a tub on your counter? A-ok, says Dorfman. In fact, protein powders and bars are great sources of protein when you’re running out of time.

Now, what’s not on the list? First of all, Dorfman suggests saving marbled meat for the holidays. She also warns against vegan products designed to mimic meat and noted that not all foods marketed as “vegan” are actually healthy.

“Some of the vegan burgers out there,” she said, “have more fat than a regular beef burger, or more sodium and saturated fat.”

Finally, she said, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you can see the protein you’re eating. If it’s covered in sauces, oils, or breadcrumbs, it probably isn’t the best option.

Can vegans get enough protein?

Heck yes, Dorfman says. Animal and plant proteins can be equally nutritious, but vegetarians and vegans may need to monitor their intake more closely to ensure they get enough.

“Vegetarians can certainly be healthy,” she said, “if you do it the right way.”

When it comes to whole foods and sources of plant-based protein, she said, vegans and vegetarians have “oodles of variety.”

What are some common misconceptions about protein?

“(A) common misconception,” Dorfman said, “is that you can eat as much as you want and not have repercussions.”

While some individuals need more protein than others, there is such a thing as “too much.” Eating more protein than you need, Dorfman said, can lead athletes to feel “weighed down” or even dehydrated.

A good way to know if you’re getting the right amount of protein, she said, is simply look in the mirror and ask yourself a few questions. How is your muscle tone? Are you catching colds easily, healing extra slowly from injuries? Is your hair falling out, skin clear? If so, you may want to consider adjusting your diet or working with a nutritionist.

“It’s a quality of life evaluation,” she said. If you’re eating well, you’ll probably feel well too.

This summery balsamic watermelon salad is healthy, fresh, and super tasty as a side dish for any barbecue, picnic, or dinner at home. Not to mention it’s insanely easy to make!

Ingredients:

1. Watermelon, cut into larger than usual slices
2. Arugula
3. Balsamic glaze
4. Crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

Like I said, easy to make! Place some arugula on the plate and your watermelon wedge right beside it. Sprinkle feta over the top and drizzle balsamic over it as well. Ta-dah! Enjoy!