Food

Life is all about balance. And sometimes that balance means to give in to your food cravings and eat something that is so savory, it hits the spot.

Luckily for you, our friends at Lunchology whipped up an easy-to-make Snickers recipe you can do at home that will hit just the spot.

Now, this is just a quick sample of what you can expect with Lunchology. Their South Florida Meal Delivery plans can help you stay focused on your goals, by providing you with fresh and healthy meals delivered daily. Get an exclusive 15% off your package when you use the code"stayfit15" at checkout here.

Growing up in developing countries, being active and eating healthy was just a way of life for Lia Ames. After settling in the states and enrolling at the University of Miami as an athlete, Ames has now gone on to launch one of the most recognizable South Florida meal delivery services - Lunchology. We caught up with Ames for a Quick 10 interview, but you can also follow her on Instagram - @lia.lunchology.

Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you find yourway to the 305?

I was originally born inMonrovia, Liberia to a mother who is Liberian and a father who is from LongIsland, New York. I had the pleasure of growing up a third-culture kid, livingall over the world in mostly “developing” nations.

My family moved to America in 2000so that my brother and I could get accustomed to the American culture andeventually go to college in the states. I made my way to sunny South Florida toattend and run Track & Field/Cross Country for the University of Miami andI never left. It's been my home ever since.

How did you get your start in the health and wellness industry? Did youalways want to be an entrepreneur?

I’ve been into athletics all mylife and was never raised on junk food - on the contrary, what was mostaccessible to us growing up in developing countries were fresh fruits andveggies and slow foods. For that reason, by circumstance, a healthy lifestylehas always been a part of who I am.

Growing up, I wasalways the kid trying to solve problems. Generating ideas, self-starting andbeing motivated to perform have always been strengths of mine. Moving forwardis my thing. I had the opportunity to work for two brilliant entrepreneurs; onein high-school and one right out of college. I never looked back afterthat. 

Tell us a little bit about Lunchology. Why did you start Lunchology? Isthis your first project as an entrepreneur?

Lunchology was birthed from a need. In fact, at the time I was in needof healthy food made freshly for me. I was nine months pregnant and without theenergy to shop, prep, and cook my own meals, while preparing for my son andclosing down a venture that I had started one-year prior.

Prior to Lunchology, I had a company called Groutology that cleanedlarge scale, hard surfaces (tile, grout, carpet, etc.) with technology Isourced out of Arizona. It serviced large establishments like AMC Theaters,Moss Construction, Barry University, and many more commercial spaces. With eachnew venture, I have learned new ways to grow faster and become more efficient.

So what makes Lunchology different from all the other meal deliveryoptions?

Lunchology focuses on qualitymeals with flexible options to allow people to maintain eating our mealswithout getting bored. We specialize in modifying meals to fit people needs.

The client that uses Lunchologydoes not want repetitive meals delivered in bulk. They are people who value ahealthy lifestyle and want to create a better balance in their lives by usingour service to handle their meals, while they focus on managing their activedays.

We make fresh meals daily thatfit client requests, like “gluten-free” or “no seafood” and the food isdelivered daily at a time frame that works for them. Our goal is to makehealthy eating accessible so clients don’t make bad decisions when they findthemselves in a pinch.

Are you the chef? Do you have a say inthe menu? What are some of your favorite meals?

I am not the chef, just anoperator with a mission for a passion. We have a team of awesome chefs that puta lot of love into what they do. We also have the worlds most knowledgeable andenergetic nutritionist, Monica Auslander Moreno, who believes in well-balancedmeals that give to your productivity, rather than counting calories just toconform to the norm.

What is your favorite part about owning your business and being anentrepreneur?

I love to hear the testimonials about how Lunchology is making a difference in people’s everyday lives. We have worked hard to create a product that is not only useful for people to use, but it's intimate. We often get the chance to learn about what our clients are dealing with, it allows us to optimize the product to better fit each individual need. Being “in touch” makes me feel grounded.

What's the hardest part about owning your own business and startup life?

It's a constant balancing act. What we do doesn’t come with a blueprint to follow. So we have to make a lot of educated guesses when it comes to the business. It's fun but extremely challenging at times. I'm also a single mother, so finding the balance between my business, my baby (who are the same age) and personal goals is tough sometimes, but it's also doable.

What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?

Of course, be passionate aboutwhat you do because that passion will be the thing that keeps you from strayingfrom the ultimate goal.

Find a good team, that rangesfrom cheerleaders to business mentors that push your limits, to support you.

Finally, be transparent. You’llneed this for your employees, your clients and yourself. People are morewilling to walk alongside you through the ups and downs when they believe youare trying your hardest to make a product that everyone can benefit from. 

Let's talk mind & body - where do you like train?

Wow! How connected are the two!?I love a good run outside in the elements, especially a good downpour. But on aregular, I like to bounce around to some different gyms and studios.

Legacy Fit gives me a great bootcampfor me and my little one. Anatomy has an extremely challenging Mace class withGrant Weeditz, Train8Nine is in my neighborhood and through a CrossFit-likeworkout, helps me to incorporate weights (which kick my butt) in a quick,painful hour.

Do you practice mental health in youreveryday life?

Everyday!It's totally necessary for me in order to function with the challenges ofowning a business and being a mother. I have found over time that its never thesame practice. Sometimes it's working out, sometimes its travel, sometimes itsa good dinner and wine with friends. Whatever it is, I’ve learned to honor theneed however it shows up.

“It all starts inthe kitchen” - arguably the most popular piece of advice when it comes toanything health and wellness. Sure, staying consistent in your training,getting a good night’s sleep and drinking lots of water are key, but none ofthat matters if you are not putting the right food in your body.

Proper workout andbalanced nutrition can help you look young, stay healthy and keep active. Forthose with busy schedules, meal prep and cooking doesn’t always make it on thedaily schedule.

AthleticsFit MealDelivery is ready to get you on track to achieving your health and wellnessgoals, by serving up their delicious, meal delivery options.

“Our meals are cooked on the day of delivery,” says AthleticsFit Meal Delivery founder, Mikhail S. “They are made with fresh ingredients, have no preservatives, are non-GMO, and have no antibiotics. You can enjoy all of our products knowing they are made with the highest quality of ingredients.”

So where do youstart? First select one of their three meal plans:

• Weight Loss Meal Plan: Three meals daily with a calorie intake of about 900 kcal per day will help you to lose weight in a short period of time and increase metabolism. You will receive lunch and dinner daily, that is 60% protein and 40% low good carbs and vegetables.

• TraditionalMeal Plan: Recommended for people whowant to eat clean, healthy, tasty and balanced food. Never frozen. Nevercanned. Just beautifully prepared to satisfy your hunger and your taste budswith less than 400 calories per meal.

• Custom MealPlan: Is a great choice for those whowant to eat clean and healthy but still be able to choose protein, carbs andvegetables preferred. Here you have a huge variety of combinations of yourchoice. Based on your order calories will be counted for you so you can trackyour daily consumption.

Next, decide howmany meals per day you want, yes or no to fish, how many days per week ofmeals, and how many weeks you are looking to subscribe.

Afterwards, sitback, and enjoy your weekly flow of right-to-your-door meals, with deliveriesevery Sunday and Wednesday evening. The meals come packaged in a chilled bag,with each meal packaged individually and the ingredients labeled on each. Itreally makes your weekly meal planning easy, and helps you stay focused on yourhealth and wellness goals.

Some of the mealsyou can expect throughout a typical week with the Weight Loss / Shredding MealPlan might consist of protein blueberry buckwheat pancakes, Atlantic salmonwith white rice and fresh vegetables, and lean flank steak with mashedpotatoes.

Need somein-between snacks, juices, or even want to add a desert to a meal or two? Addtheir zucchini fritters, red velvet cake, protein oatmeal cookies, or homemadehumus with fresh vegetables options.

“There’s a littlesomething for everyone on the menu,” says Mikhail. “It’s not about takingthings out of your diet, but consistently eating the right things. We even havehealthy detox juices like our home made Wild Berry Ice Tea.”

For moreinformation on the Athletics Fit Meal Delivery program, visit https://athleticsfitmeal.com/.

STAY FIT 305readers get 10% off their order when using code STAYFIT305 at checkout.

FreshKitchen is continuing to show Florida just how convenient and tasty they canmake healthy food. Their newest location opened at the end of February inDavie, continuing their expansion into South Florida.

Stopin and build your own made-to-order bowls with fresh ingredients that are madefrom scratch and change with the seasons. The entire menu at Fresh Kitchen is100% gluten free and there are several vegan-friendly options. All food iscooked in 100% olive oil and the meats are both hormone and antibiotic free, soyou can feel good about what you are putting in your body.

TheFresh Kitchen chain began in Tampa back in 2014 and has since grown. They nowhave 7 locations around Florida, including one in Boca Raton, with plans toopen an 8th location before the end of the year.

StevenLanza, Brand President, says he still eats at Fresh Kitchen five times a week.

"Ithink that clearly shows that we stand behind what we serve," said Lanza.

Afterchoosing from one of two sizes, start building your bowl by first selectingbases from options like cauliflower potato mash and sweet potato noodles, thenchoosing roasted veggies, and lastly, adding proteins that include baked almondchicken and chia seed teriyaki tofu. Top it all off with delicious sauces likecucumber jalapeño or creamy white ginger, leaving you with endless possiblecombinations.

FreshKitchen also sells house-made cold-pressed juices, craft sodas, and healthytreats to round out your meal.

The FreshKitchen Davie location offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is a veryaesthetically pleasing (read: Instagram friendly) with bright pink branding,rose-patterned tables, and wall of live potted cacti. Stop in for lunch ordinner every day from 11 AM - 9:30 PM.

FreshKitchen Davie is located at 2853 S University Road in Davie.

Weekendsat the Sacred Space in Wynwood are idyllic. There's a calming fountain at thecenter of a large garden patio, along with indoor-outdoor tables and soothingmusic. Add in a handful of plant-based brunch dishes from Plant Miami, and you've got an ideal early-afternoon outing.

On a recent Saturday, the outdoor area wasbrimming with nearly a dozen families, many of which included small childrenwho enjoyed playing around the fountain. Plates of pancakes, churros, anddumplings blanketed the tables, alongside juices and glasses of wine.

The restaurant, which featurescutting-edge cuisine inspired by South Florida, blends innovative techniqueswith seasonal, local produce, resulting in creative riffs on classic dishes.During brunch, pancakes, Benedicts, and waffles are meticulously crafted to beentirely organic, gluten-free, and made exclusively with plant-basedingredients.

Takethe papaya-lox, which features an avocadoshaped like a bagel and sprinkled with seasoning ($22). Smoked papaya(meant to resemble lox), almond cream cheese, cucumber, and capers areserved alongside. Then there's the Royal Benedict, which swaps an Englishmuffin for a thick slice of sweet potato, followed by spinach, a large trumpetmushroom, and a heap of cashew yuzu hollandaise ($22).

Other popular items range from dumplingsbundled inside a sweet potato-coconut wrapping with ginger foam ($17), to theBlue Magic bowl, made with coconut cashew yogurt, a supplement calledBlue Majik, seasonal berries, and toasted shredded coconut. There arealso pancakes, garnished with banana, caramel, pecan, and Vermont maplesyrup ($18), and waffles, with coconut whippedcream and sous-vide pineapple ($19).

Fordessert, the key lime brûlée,servedin small bites, is torched and features an almond crust ($17), while thechurros are made with a coconut base and served with a side of Mexicanchocolate ($17).

Plant Miami. 105 NE 24th St., Miami; 305-814-5365;thesacredspacemiami.com. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m.

*This article was originally published on MiamiNewTimes.com by Clarissa Buch and can be found here.

*This article was written and submitted by Miami fitness instructor Anthony Mendez.

Tap water and bottled water are popular choices, but there is a reason you should opt for Kangen alkalized water instead. Bottled water, for instance, may pose serious health issues due to the chemicals in the plastic containers which may leach out into the water. The use of BPA-free containers helps a little but still, there exist other chemicals which find their way to the water and your body.

On the other hand,tap water contains harmful contaminants that pose serious health issuesincluding causing cancer and complicating pregnancies. For the most part, tapwater is controlled in terms of the chemicals to be found in the water.

However, theselaws may sometimes be ignored as in the case of Florida. So far, Florida’s tapwater is ranked the worst. This is due to the contaminants found in the watersupply that exceeded the limits causing violations.  Chromium, TotalTrihalomethanes, radium, arsenic, uranium, thallium, and so many othercontaminants were found to be above the set legal limit

Kangen alkalizedwater, therefore, remains as the best alternative for its various benefitswhich are:

Itshealing powers

Kangen alkalizedwater has some proven health benefits such as deactivating pepsin to counteracid reflex, helping with blood flow, curing psoriasis, diabetes and helpingpeople with high cholesterol levels aiding weight loss. The one that carriesthe day, according to alkalized water proponents, is that it can cure cancer.To support this, cancer cells survive in acidic environments which is whyalkalized water becomes a cure due to its high alkaline pH. The water alsoreduces inflammation and improves the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs.

Balancingthe body’s pH

The body does agood job marinating the acid-alkaline balance but sometimes due to the foods weeat and the lifestyle we choose, the acidity level may rise affecting thisbalance. Alkalized water, whose normal pH. is 8 or 9, works to maintain balanceshould the body fail, by neutralizing the acidity.

Itis an antioxidant

Free radicals fromtoxic substances put the body at risk by weakening the immune system leaving itvulnerable to illnesses. Kangen alkalized water, therefore, helps boost theimmune system as it contains anti-oxidants which combat these radicals, unlikeoxidants which strengthen these radical risking your health.

Helpsthe detox process

Naturally, thebody removes acidic waste to cleanse the body but it also receives a boost fromdetox diets. The diets highly recommend drinking alkalized water for itsability to neutralize acidity and remove the toxins from the cells and tissues.

Itis good for cleaning food

It is a healthypractice to always wash your vegetables and fruits before use. It protects youfrom bacteria passed on from the many people who come into contact with thefood. But when you use Kangen water, you do more than just to kill germs.Kangen alkalized water helps remove pesticide remnants which could causecancer, affect the nervous system and even the reproduction process. Alkalizedwater, with high pH of 11.5 saves you from such adverse effects of pesticides

It is now clearwhy it is important to drink and use alkalized water to maintain good health.Kangen water, in addition to these benefits, is certified and the only medicalgrade water which serves as an anti-inflammatory agent, detoxifier and anantioxidant.

The Doral Yard, a new food hub and community gathering concept in Downtown Doral opening in 2019, is giving Miami-based culinary and retail entrepreneurs a chance to land a space at The Doral Yard’s micro food hall, The Hub.

Dubbed the Pitch for The Doral Yard, talented hopefuls will pitch their ideas to a panel of visionary real estate developers, entrepreneurs, and chefs on Wednesday, February 6th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Doral Yard is on the look-out for enthusiastic food & beverage or creative retail entrepreneurs to make their mark on the judge committee including Armando Codina and Ana-Marie Codina Barlick of Codina Partners and Developers of Downtown Doral; Joe Furst of Place Projects, The Doral Yard and Wynwood Business Improvement District and chefs Ken Lyon and Julie Frans of The Doral Yard and The Wynwood Yard.

 “The purpose of this event is to cultivateentrepreneurship, providing a platform for promising small business owners toconnect with Miami professionals, visionaries and mentors and at the same time,find a fresh, new concept to join The Doral Yard, helping us create the magicalspace we are aiming to bring to the Doral community,” says Della Heiman of YardHospitality, and Founder of The Wynwood Yard.

Start-ups or existing businesses with limited units in the food and beverage or retail industry are invited to submit an application and business deck to become one of five carefully-selected contestants. On February 6th, the finalists will present their innovative ideas with a clear vision of how their concept will enrich Doral’s local culinary and cultural scene, propelling the growing community forward. The deadline to submit a business deck and application is 8 p.m. on January 15, 2019.

Audience members will casttheir vote for the People’s Choice Award based on the pitches, Q&A sessionand samples provided by food concepts, landing the winner their spot in TheDoral Yard’s micro food hall and $2,500 (upon signing of lease) whilethe winner of the Judge’s Pick Award will secure a spot at The Doral Yard and$5,000 (upon signing of lease).

Tickets to Pitch for The Doral Yard are $25 and include a welcome cocktail and sample bites provided by the presenting food and beverage concepts. To purchase tickets, visit: http://bit.ly/pitchforthedoralyardfeb6.

The holidays are here, and to some, that may mean overindulging, traveling, and steering a bit off track. But not to worry, we have a grocery list that will keep you balanced. Here are 5 Items That Should Be in Your Grocery Cart This December.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a great way to keep your body cleansed and feeling light. Drink it in the morning, or at night before bed to settle your stomach after a day of eating. We suggest you add lemon, and turmeric to the tea because that keeps the bloating down. When we start eating random foods, our stomachs naturally bloat. This detox tea will do just the opposite.

Celery

Just because its the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to throw away every green food in your fridge. Start your morning on a healthy note with celery juice. If you don’t have a juicer, just add two cups of water to four to six stalks of celery and blend on the highest power. This will refresh your body getting you off to a healthy start for the day.

Activated Charcoal

No, not coal for the stockings! With holiday party’s happening, its more than likely you will be cheering someone with some champagne, but before you do sip a glass of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a natural liver detox, promotes healthy skin, and will keep your hangover away so you can sweat all that food out the next day.

Almond Flour

The best flour substitute on the market. Almond flour can be used in any recipe, and the amounts are always the same so no need to worry about the consistency. It keeps banana bread thick, and cookies doughy. Almond flour is a great low carb and low sugar substitute for any holiday baking you’ll be doing. No one said you couldn’t indulge in a healthier way; your co-workers won’t even know the difference.

Oatley

If you haven’t seen Oatley at your nearest grocery store yet, then get to one ASAP. This oat milk from Sweden has finally made its way to U.S. grocery stores and it’s all the buzz. Oat meal + oat milk? No words to describe how tasty it is. Oat milk has less fat than coconut milk with no added preservatives, and all the same delicious taste.

Wellness Grub is giving fans yet another tasty reason to visit its eight-organic juice and smoothie cafés. Rise-and-shine with new protein-packed, plant-based breakfast items and raw bites. Plus, help prevent the common cold and flu with immunity-boosting shots, infused with all-natural ingredients.Additions to the raw bites menu include:

• Peanut Butter Apple Pie Overnight Oats - Made fresh daily, these oats are as good as grandma’s apple pie. Ingredients include gluten-free rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, peanut butter, apple, agave and cinnamon.
• Apple Protein Pancake – Nothing better than pancakes for breakfast. Savor these flapjacks made with apple, oat flour, coconut oil, vanilla protein powder, chia egg, water, agave, almond milk and topped with blueberry, apple, cinnamon and agave
• Falafel – A Mediterranean dream that is delicious on its own or added on to Wellness Grub’s savory kale salad. Ingredients include chickpeas, parsley, shallots, garlic, pink salt, sunflower seeds, cumin, olive oil, hemp seeds and rolled oats. Dipping Sauce: sunflower seeds, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dates, ginger, pink salt and cumin.
• Strawberry Cheesecake – Dessert is always a good idea, but even better when it’s healthy. Ingredients include cashew, lemon, coconut oil, agave, dates, almonds, cacao nibs, salt and strawberry.

The new 1 oz. shots contain concentrated healing ingredients including ginger, which is known to relieve muscle soreness, treat upset stomachs and ward off colds. As a bonus, Wellness Grub also features a Sling Shot for customers looking for a quick burst of energy.

• Immunity Shot – Ingredients include ginger, lemon, oregano oil and cayenne
• Vitamin C Shot – Ingredients include ginger, lemon, acerola and camu
• Sling Shot – Ingredients include espresso, cacao powder, agave and cayenne

“Our goal is to provide customers with a healthier take on their favorite breakfast and lunch items and to also change the mindset of our guests who equate healthy with bland foods,” says Chris Kingen, founder of Wellness Grub. “At Wellness Grub, we use 100% organic ingredients, so our customers love and feel good about what they’re putting into their bodies. We also use ingredients known for their powerful health benefits.”Prior to Wellness Grub, Kingen worked exhausting hours as a celebrity bodyguard for high-profile clients including music producer Dr. Dre, songstress Lisa Presley and international diplomats. In order to stay at peak performance, he would travel with his trusty NutriBullet and make high-energy, nutrient-dense smoothies.Open to both Equinox members and non-members, Wellness Grub serves grab-n-go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots and tonics made with 100% organic, locally-sourced produce, as well as raw superfood bites and desserts to fuel and replenish the body and mind. Many menu items are Kingen’s original blends.Smoothies are reverse osmosis water-based, hand-blended and measured to the exact ounce to ensure the taste and quality of each product is always consistent. For optimal quality and an eco-friendly approach, products are packaged in glass bottles.To meet the demand of fitness enthusiasts and body-building professionals who frequent the juice bar, Wellness Grub will also feature new options next month including free-range chicken, tuna salad and sous-vide eggs, which can be ordered with or without avocado toast.Get the blend on all things Wellness Grub at www.wellnessgrub.com and follow @wellnessgrub on Facebook and Instagram.

The 5th Annual SEED Food & Wine Week Presented by Whole Foods Market (SEED) returned this past weekend and included over 10 events featuring local, regional and national chefs, restaurants, exhibitors, and personalities. After walking the festival floor, we rounded-up seven local goodies you might want to take a closer look at.Radiate KombuchaRadiate Kombucha is a tiny one-woman owned business, and every single ingredient in the kombucha has been researched and sourced meticulously. We loved the flavors like Mermaid Majik with ginger and blue-green algae and Pina Caliente with pineapple, turmeric, and cayenne. Find it at many local shops across Miami.Vegan Schmegan BakeryThis is a 100% vegan delivery-only bakery located in South Florida and delivering within Broward and Miami-Dade County. They make cakes, cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes, mini cupcakes, and gelato, in addition to savory items like pizza rolls and cheezy biscuits. We had one of their gold glazed donuts. Several local cafes and restaurants also feature their baked goods, including Splurge Juice Bar and Holi Vegan Kitchen.Not a Milk CompanyThis company has created an easier way to milk nuts. Their patent-pending, first of its kind, raw Nut Base allows everyone to enjoy freshly-made nut milk within seconds. When blended with water, this base creates a true-to-its-roots nut milk. We got to try it as a matcha latte and we found it to be very delicious and creamy.La Croix Local FlavorsAlthough not a locally based company, La Croix launched two special flavors especially for Miami - Cubana, Coffea Exotica and Coconut Cola. They came out with these flavors to highlight the lively, exotic Miami personality and you can find them at Whole Foods in the area.Not Another Organic Brand Natural PopsNot Another Organic Brand creates popsicles made with non-GMO fruits and veggies and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. These pops are named by their colors, such as Yellow Boost with Vitamin C, ginger, and chia seeds, and Green Breath with chlorophyll, kale, and moringa.Vice City BeanVice City Bean wants you to drink good coffee. A staple in downtown Miami, they offer hot espresso drinks, cold brew, and nitro brew, as well as hot & cold teas. They feature a variety of alternative nut milk options at their shop, including oat milk.Expressed JuiceExpressed Juice creates Florida fresh raw, cold-pressed juice. They were established as a means of nourishing our bodies, relieving them from the stress of everyday life, and restoring ourselves to a state of well-being. These juices are found at many locations throughout Miami.

Miami casual eatery DIRT has announced that it will open its first location outside Miami in Ballston, VA within the highly anticipated Ballston Exchange from Jamestown LP. DIRT Ballston will be located at 4121 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 102B, Arlington, VA 22203, and plans to open in spring 2019.Following visits to various parts of Washington, D.C. and the greater DMV area, DIRT Co-Founder Jeff LaTulippe noticed quickly that Ballston encompassed a unique and rapidly expanding community, one that DIRT could call home and grow with. LaTulippe and Director of Operations JJ McDaniel were immediately attracted to the energy of the neighborhood. Ballston is an active area that fits DIRT perfectly with neighboring gyms and boutique fitness studios like Sport & Health, Gold’s Gym, Orange Theory, VIDA Fitness (also opening in 2019), Ballston CrossFit, and Bash Boxing.

“DIRT was borne out of necessity,” says Jeff LaTulippe. “Having overcome my own personal weight loss struggles (I lost about 60 pounds in my early to mid-20s), it was important to me to create a menu that was more than just kale and quinoa and grilled chicken. We wanted to strike the right balance of ‘health-conscious’ and ‘delicious’ at any time of day, an all-day restaurant that wasn't solely focused on salads and bowls but could offer a variety and keep the dining experience fun and enjoyable. We couldn't find a place like this, so we created it.”DIRT also takes a different approach to service with a “counter casual” operating model.“We have a different service model than the omnipresent Chipotle-style assembly line that people have become inundated with,” says JJ McDaniel, DIRT Director of Operations. “You order at the counter, and although we don't have formal servers, from there it's very much a full-service experience. We bring your order to you, with real plates and silverware and linen napkins, check on you during your meal, and clean your table after you leave. Trays and bus tubs are purposely absent from the DIRT dining experience.”Featuring 1,800 square feet, DIRT Ballston has enlisted local architecture and interiors firm //3877 to spin a design evocative of DIRT’s roots in Miami and Ballston’s rich character.

“DIRT has a unique approach to clean, beautiful, fresh food in that they offer a wide variety of dietary options, invigorating the D.C. fine casual scene,” says Meghan Scott, Interior Designer at //3877. “They have a strong brand aesthetic which provided a solid basis for the design. At the same time, they were open to new ideas throughout the collaborative process allowing creative freedom to push the concept. Jeff and JJ’s excitement about coming to D.C. was infectious and we are more than excited to be a part of the team.”The opening of DIRT Ballston is a homecoming of sorts for LaTulippe. His wife is from Silver Spring, MD and the pair originally met in Washington, D.C. – with their first date in Georgetown in 2010. They are excited to return home and share DIRT with the D.C. area.“We're very community-focused, so we’ll take the same approach in D.C. that we've had in Miami – we’ll make friends in Ballston and the greater D.C. area and support local farms and food artisans as much as we can.”

Dr. Smood has announced the debut of a select line of products at Whole Foods Markets across Miami that hit stores earlier this week.

*Read: Dr. Smood Continues Miami Expansion*

With an emphasis on nutrient quality over calorie density and food backed by science that has the power to change lives, partnering with Whole Foods Market has allowed Dr. Smood the ability to change lives through food on a wider scale.

Consumers can find a curated selection of certified organic Dr. Smood products at the following locations: Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Dadeland, South Beach, and Biscane.

The 5th Annual SEED Food & Wine Week Presented by Whole Foods Market (SEED) returns Wednesday, November 7 to Sunday, November 11, 2018 and will include over 10 events featuring local, regional and national chefs, restaurants, exhibitors, and personalities over the course of five action-packed days. Ranked 3rd in the “Top 10 Best Wine Festivals” by USA Today the premiere plant-based festival offers something for everyone while raising awareness for sustainable living.Unique to this year’s festival, SEED will have a ZERO carbon footprint. The environmental impact for these types of events typically can be significant, but the SEED festival will counteract this with the use of solar energy, composting, food recovery, bike share programs, Smart Cars and carpools to transport talent. Additionally, there will be no plastic straws, and they have established a TerraPass account (which provides carbon offsetting products to individuals, business, and events).The festivities begin the evening of November 7th with a VIP Kick-Off Party at Planta South Beach. Guests will enjoy cocktails, beats and bites with fellow conscious lifestyle enthusiasts, celebrities, content creators, influencers, and foodies from across the country.The two-day SEED SUMMIT presented by VegNews returns for the third year on, November 8th and 9th, featuring workshops, speaker panels and networking designed for media-types, content creators, influencers and entrepreneurs in conscious, sustainable and plant-based living. For those early-stage and emerging startups that are looking to elevate their presence, the BRAND BOOTCAMP on November 9th is an intensive day-long event presented by Start Up FIU FOOD and the South Florida Food and Beverage Association. It will feature programs with a variety of resources and strategies from securing investors to getting on the shelves.Special foodie events throughout the week include intimate dinners, tastings, and brunch and will highlight spectacular chefs and brands from around the country. The FOURTH ANNUAL PLANT BASED BURGER BATTLE™ on November 8th will feature an array of delectable vegan burger creations. Celebrity judges and attendees will vote on who will be crowned the “Best Veggie Burger in America” from a dozen participating chefs and national brands.Signature celebrity chef events, BEST OF THE BEST DINNER and MADE IN MIAMI THE LEGENDS EDITION on November 9th and 10th, respectively, will include James Beard Finalist and restaurateur Rich Landau along with Chefs Kate Jacoby, Allen Susser, Brian Nasajon, and Josh Gripper to name a few.The SEED FESTIVAL DAY TASTING VILLAGE is the best bet for the entire family to enjoy a day-long celebration of over 180 exhibitors with incredible food, drink, speakers, demos, shopping, music, and much more. Attendees aged 21 and over can partake of libations from wines and spirits from around the country as well as in the Brown Distributing Craft Beer Garden.Guests can learn from national experts at the Baptist Health Culinary Stage on plant-based nutrition, athletics and wellness at the 22-Day Nutrition Speaker Stage, check out crafts, cruelty-free fashion, and delicious plant-based treats.At ELEVEN/ELEVEN CRITICAL MASS YOGA + MEDITATION + BRUNCH on November 11th, yogis and brunch lovers unite for a morning celebration of mindful living featuring a yoga practice followed by a guided meditation session with Jennifer Grace. Then, dig into a delicious, organic, plant-powered brunch made by an impressive lineup of culinary all-stars including Giorgio Rapicavoli, Soraya Kilgore, and Max Santiago among others.Fashionistas will love CATWALK: A NIGHT OF CONSCIOUS FASHION on November 9th, an evening of style, food and fun at SEED’s 2nd annual fashion show benefitting Debris Free Oceans. Celebrities and models will strut the runway poolside wearing the hottest cruelty-free fashions. The show will feature casual garb, from hipster tees to bohemian pants and plant-strong statement wear to big names in cruelty-free high fashion.The best price is always free, and those looking for a bargain can attend NAMASEED YOGA & MEDITATION on November 10th with a morning of invigorating and centering yoga with Miami’s favorite yogis, followed by a guided meditation. That evening, party-goers can attend THE AFTER PARTY at Wynwood Yard for a fun night of live music, plant-based bites by a variety of resident food trucks, cocktails, craft beers, vegan wines and much more.Ticket selections, with prices ranging from $25-$559 (plus service fee), feature a variety of a la carte options and VIP all-inclusive packages. Tickets and additional information are available at www.seedfoodandwine.com. Follow SEED on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

It's officially the holiday season - which means food is on the top of everyone's mind. Here's a few items we recommend you add to your grocery list to make your holiday fun a little less overindulgent.

1. Gluten Free Bread Crumbs, why bread crumbs? Because, stuffing is the way to everyone’s heart (especially when it’s gluten free). Why spend the holidays feeling lethargic from over eating crap food, when you can get the same holiday feels and taste with healthier options. Put your infamous stuffing recipe to the test with gluten free bread crumbs.
2. Cranberries + Dried cranberries, I say both because they are equally essential. Top any salad or side dish with dried cranberries for a holiday flare. When shopping for dried cranberries make sure there’s no added sugars because there’s no need. Dried cranberries are sweet on their own and with out the added sugars. Fresh cranberries double as an excellent tasty snack, or to give your thanksgiving table some color
3. Turkey, this one may be a given, but I want to remind you that when shopping for a turkey there’s no need to get the largest turkey on the shelve (because chances are it’s going to be filled with GMO’s and additives.) It’s better to get two regular sized turkeys than one massive one that was fattened with awful ingredients. Shop organic if possible, Non-GMO, and make sure there are no hormones that were injected in the turkey.
4. Kombucha, Yes. Kombucha. The holidays are here, and people often over eat way too much. Keep your gut in check with a tasty cup of kombucha. It serves as a great bubbly drink to pair with your thanksgiving meals, and the probiotics will keep you feeling right.
5. Sliced almonds, I literally top all my thanksgiving dishes with sliced almonds because they make every dish so crunchy. Green bean casserole? Top it with sliced almonds. Butternut squash soup? Throw some almonds on top. If you are a Costco member, make sure to get these thanksgiving ingredients at Costco so you can save some money and buy in bulk if you have a large party coming over.

After launching in Tampa, Florida with nine flagship stores, Fit Life Food’s has expanded to Orlando, Tampa, Boca Raton, and now have added delivery services to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. They pride them selves in real food, good flavor, and authenticity.Fit Life Food’s is made fresh from scratch, never frozen, and is prepared one day prior to arriving at your door step. The meals range in small, medium, and large sizes and start at $89.95. You can taste the freshness of the food as you bite into it, and the food can be stored in your fridge as it lasts 4-6 days after delivery has been made, because there are no additives or preservatives in the food.Counting macros? Every meal has a detailed list of ingredients, protein, carbs, and fats to ensure you are meeting your personal needs. You choose how many meals you want per day, how many days a week you want the delivery service, and you curate your own menu to your preferred liking.Now let’s talk food. Food is sourced from local, organic suppliers when possible, all non-GMO companies, and always real ingredients. They pride themselves in creating typically un-healthy meals, healthy with real foods. Some of their most popular dishes are the chicken enchilada bake, chicken protein skins, BBQ beef with mac and cheese, and Erica’s sesame orange chicken.From experience the food was certainly fresh, and full of flavor. The meals kept me fueled for a long day of work and working out. I never felt lethargic or too full after eating any of the meals supplied by Fit Life Food’s.Use code: STAYFIT-30 for $30.00 off your first order.

October is here which means everyone’s bringing out their pumpkin spice lattes, winter coats, and boots. We are giving you five foods to fill your cart with this October. Maple is the flavor of the month, but we're ditching maple syrup for healthier alternatives that will please your taste buds. Acorn squash, Purely Elizabeth maple granola, Oatmeal, Pumpkin Spice almond milk, Rxbar Maple Almond Butter.

1. Acorn Squash

This vegetable is a winter squash which makes it easily accessible and less expensive at your local grocery store. I always aim to shop for seasonal vegetables because it cut’s down the grocery bill. Acorn squash is a great fall food to meal prep or turn into soup on a cold night.

2. Purely Elizabeth Granola: Maple Walnut

The only granola I eat is Purely Elizabeth, because she uses whole, and real ingredients with no added sugars. Often granola is full of gluten, sugars, and processed foods. Purely Elizabeth is gluten free, grain-free, sweetened with coconut sugar, and contains probiotics. There’s not many (if any) other brands of granola who use coconut oil instead of canola oil. The taste of this granola is nothing short of incredible. Top oatmeal, bananas, or smoothies with it.

3. Bob's Red Mill: Rolled Oats

Sure, we all have heard of Quaker Oats, but I am here to introduce Bob’s Red Mill Rolled Oats. The difference? The ingredients. Bob’s Red Mill Rolled Oats are gluten free, non-gmo, and certified organic. A package of these oats will run you about $6, depending on your local grocery store. Oats are a great breakfast, or snack when on the go. Top them with your Purely Elizabeth Granola and let the maple walnut flavor seep into the oats.

4. Califia Farms: Pumpkin Spice Latte: Cold Brew Coffee

Tis’ the season for pumpkin spice, especially when its vegan, gluten free, and dairy free. I love the Califia Farms brand because they have wholesome ingredients and lack no taste. It’s nice to treat yourself to a Starbucks PSL occasionally, but for the same price, this cold brew will last you over a week for the same cost, less calories, and cleaner ingredients.

5. Rxbar: Maple Almond Butter

Drizzle and enjoy. I drizzle this nut butter on just about everything. Bananas, apples, oats, and smoothies. You can also eat it solo on the go as a pre-workout snack. My ultimate favorite is to drizzle it on really hot oats, so it melts into the oatmeal giving it that maple flavor without having to use maple syrup.

Jackson Hall, the food court that was to add a cheery space and good food to the institutional world of Jackson Health System, has closed after just six months in business. The 10,000-square-foot food hall shuttered its doors abruptly yesterday. Partners Della Heiman and Ken Lyon posted a statement on Facebook:We have made the difficult decision to close Jackson Hall, as of today, October 2, 2018.

While this is a deeply disappointing day, we remain fully committed to serving the greater Miami community through transformative programming, culinary, cultural and wellness experiences.We are profoundly grateful to the many supporters who believed in our vision for the community of the Health District.We would also like to express tremendous appreciation for the talented team who helped us create and launch this ambitious project, and who made its many wheels turn each day, creating and serving delicious food and welcoming guests with our special brand of gracious hospitality and genuine warmth.Jackson Hall was created with the goal of creating a community of nourishment and connectedness in the health district. The decision to close our doors has not been an easy one. As a grassroots small business competing with heavily subsidized food offerings in the area, we learned through experience that our business model is not viable given the context and timing.Our next steps as a company will refocus our energy on ramping up our Magic Season at The Wynwood Yard, and we hope that our community will continue to gather with and support us there. We are incredibly excited to launch our best season ever at The Wynwood Yard and to continue expanding the catering and programming arms of our business. We also look forward to sharing new projects on the horizon, including North Beach Yard, with the Miami community.There is always much to learn from failure, but it weighs heavily on us that the closing of our business affects the futures and livelihoods of our team. We came to this difficult decision as we did to the initial concept for Jackson Hall — with great care and concern, and thoughtful consideration of the best trajectory for our company and community. We extend our humble thanks to our entire Jackson Hall family.

Though some Miami business pundits might see the closure as a sign that the local food-hall scene is oversaturated, Heiman disagrees. "Our situation should not be compared to other food halls," she says.Heiman explains that the goal of Jackson Hall was to offer meal alternatives to hospital workers, but many of them chose to continue patronizing the subsidized food-service providers within the medical center buildings. "People have tight budgets for lunch, and they can get a meal for three or four dollars."Dinner service also proved to be a challenge. "We thought people would still come for dinner, but after 5 p.m., the area is very quiet. We couldn't drive traffic to the space."Heiman says she and her team mulled over options such as closing some of the concepts or lowering prices. "Closing some of the windows would take away the food-hall vibe, and we were working with some pretty slim margins. We weren't getting enough business to decrease the prices. We couldn't keep investing in something that was losing money."She says that the catering arm of Jackson Hall is still "alive and well" and that the Wynwood Yard, her popular outdoor culinary hub, is ramping up for its busy season.Less than a month ago, it was announced that the Wynwood Yard, along with O Cinema Wynwood, would close in the spring of 2019 to make way for an 11-story building dubbed Wynwood Green. Heiman says the Yard is very much in business for the remainder of the season, providing a variety of programming, from live music to a Shabbat dinner for 100 people this Friday, October 5.Heiman stresses that she's looking forward to her new business ventures. Plans for the North Beach Yard, with a proposed 2019 opening date, are moving forward. Also, she's working on a vision that includes sharing the Yard concept with other cities.*This article was originally published on Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

I recently attended Natural Products Expo East, an annual industry trade show that showcases all of the movers and shakers in the natural products industry. I was on the hunt for South Florida companies that are making waves in the naturals space and man, did I find some great ones. Here’s what I found:

1. Shanti Bar Founded by Lauren Feingold and Ashanty Williams, who met while working at M Cycle in South Miami (now closed), Shanti Bar makes high-in-protein raw food and superfood bars. Each bar contains 10-17g of plant protein, healthy ingredients like spirulina, coconut, maca, turmeric and more and contains no refined sugars or preservatives. The best news? They truly taste great. You can find Shanti Bar on their website or at local Whole Foods.
2. The Spice Lab Based in Pompano beach, The Spice Lab is a woman-owned and family-run business that sells an array of gourmet gifts such as peppers, spices, seasonings, rubs, loose teas and more. Particularly of interest to the active-minded consumer are their new Spices Plus blends of herbs, such as Turmeric that include Probiotics (as of posting date, not yet available on their) and their 100% pure salt bath soaks. Their products can be purchased on their website.
3. Powerful Foods Created with athletes in mind, this Miami Beach based company makes yogurts, oatmeals, smoothies, drinks and more packed with 21-25 grams of whey protein per serving. Their yogurt is so delicious that it won “Best Yogurt” at the 2013 World Dairy Congress in Switzerland. You can purchase their products on their website or locally at Walmart.
4. 24 Hour Health This company’s CEO, Nathan Rich, told me at the show that he lost a significant amount of weight thanks in part to liquid vitamins. According to their site, “Multivitamin pills, capsules, gummy bears, tablets, and anything of the like, are near-useless placebos because the absorbability is only between 3%-20%...liquid vitamins are formulated with soluble ingredients that are absorbed up to 98%.” 24 Hour Health’s liquid vitamin blend is non-gmo, vegan, made in the USA, sugar and artificial sweetener free. You can purchase the liquid vitamin blends on their website.
5. La Croix Did you know that La Croix’s parent company, National Beverage is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale? Arguably the best (at the very least, most popular) sparkling water on the market right now, La Croix takes South Florida based brands to the next level.
6. PARA’KITO this Fort Lauderdale based company makes a wearable DEET-free blend of essential oils that is slow released and can withstand sweat and dips in the ocean.They have several sleek designs, including a sports band designed with the athlete in mind.