Food

Change is in the air. Wynwood's popular Box Coffee has announced a rebranding to better align with the new direction of the company. Shifting gears to Box Cold Brew,the brand will not only specialize in cold brewed coffee, but fresh cold brewed teas.The timing couldn't have been better with the dog days of summer approaching, Miami locals are sure to gravitate to the refreshing drinks. The Instagram worthy shipping container is no longer, but Box Cold Brew guarantees that it will be back, and has moved to their new home at VOAH Campus, right behind Beaker & Gray.

Box Coffee days - photo by Marilyn OrozcoAccording to numerous scientific studies, cold brewed coffee is also lower in acidity when compared to hot brewed coffee. This is great news for consumers that suffer from acid re-flux and other stomach issues. If giving up coffee isn't an option for you, then you can switch to cold brew and still have your daily dose and feel the difference. Coffee overall contains beneficial nutrients like phytochemicals, antioxidants and is a natural metabolism booster. So for those looking for a natural pre-workout drink, here it is. We recommend the Rico Suave - a drink served over ice with cold brew coffee, organic chocolate, vanilla and milk.Box Cold Brew's new line of cold brewed teas are sure to be a summer staple for health-minded consumers.their own teas too. Studies have shown that cold brew teas versus teas that are steeped in hot water, contain higher levels of polyphenols, which is the main antioxidant you hear green tea lovers rave about."We want to be everywhere in Miami" says owner Lucas Cravero. "That'd definitely be a treat. In the meantime, you can also come hangout with the Box Cold Brew family and grab a drink at VOAH for anything between $5 and $6, or pick some up at Milam's Markets."All of their drinks are served in biodegradable cups and there are also growlers available for your caffeine fix.

Box Cold Brew's tea lineup at VOAH - Photo courtesy of Box Cold Brew

Box Cold Brew's new home - Photo courtesy of Box CoffeeBox Cold Brew - 10 NE 27th St, Miami, FL 33137; (305) 433-1443; www.boxcoffeemia.com/; Monday through Wednesday 9 A.M. to 7 P.M., Thursday through Saturday 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Jugofresh, the cold-pressed juice company, is closing all locations.Founder and CEO Matthew Sherman made the announcement, effective today, March 13, in a candid email blast sent to the juice company's followers."The last six years have been amazing, and I feel blessed to be so embraced by the community of Miami," Sherman said, thanking his employees, vendors, and customers. "I love people and I love creating, but running a business is different than creating."Jugofresh started as a small shop in Sunset Harbour in spring 2012. It became an overnight success among Miami Beach residents who wanted to embrace a healthier lifestyle or simply needed an after-party detox on the fly.The shop then launched into expansion mode, opening locations throughout Miami-Dade. Music diva and sometime-vegan Beyoncé famously hopped onto the counter at the Wynwood location and posted a photo. The internet exploded, and so did Jugofresh's reputation as the place to go for juice in Miami.Jugofresh's lifespan saw many changes. Sherman made a deal to open Jugofresh at the Whole Foods Market in downtown Miami and then closed most of the company's freestanding shops to concentrate on operating inside several Whole Foods locations, including North Miami.In the email, Sherman took sole responsibility for the demise of the brand. "The OG store in Sunset Harbour was magic. I have learned that you cannot bottle magic and that magic can only cover a lack of business acumen for so long. At the end of the day, all failures of Jugofresh are mine. My lack of experience and the rapid expansion are what ultimately led us to close."Sherman also listed the pros and cons of running Jugofresh, stating, "Everything else is just an excuse, so here are the excuses":https://www.instagram.com/p/BgP3UsrDT1v/?taken-by=jugofreshIn a phone conversation with New Times, Sherman said he shared so much information because he figured people would ask anyway. He said that, although he lost a significant amount of money in the endeavor, it was a "great experience." The entrepreneur, who also conducts lectures and retreats, said he's looking for a job —possibly in one of Miami's kitchens.Sherman also shared a bit of advice for his Jugofresh customers and fans of Miami's culinary scene: Patronize local businesses, or risk a world of national chains. "I make sure I go to Panther Coffee every day because I love the coffee and the company employs a lot of people."He added that every choice a consumer makes affects the community. "When we choose to spend a dollar on a local person, not only are we supporting that person, but that person is spending money in the community. I hope people will support places like My Ceviche and Panther and Pubbelly."Sherman said practicing "conscious consumerism" is the best way to keep your favorite mom-and-pop in business. "It's really important we spend our money in places we feel good about — or risk having Amazon trucks as our only option."*This article was originally published on The Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

With spring just around the corner, we’re all about the green...matcha green! These creamy, guilt-free zen pops are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a powerful dose of antioxidants.Matcha is great for improving mental clarity and mood as well as boosting energy and metabolism. You won’t find any caffeine crashes or jitters here. Yourlixir’s ceremonial grade Japanese matcha powder is luxuriously smooth and delicious, giving these popsicles a rich and velvety texture with a mildly sweet and earthy flavor, perfect for a hot day when a matcha latte just won’t do!

*Read: Boost Your Bowl with Yourlixir Superfood Powders*

What you’ll need: (makes about 5-6 popsicles depending on size of mold)For the raspberry compote:

• ½ cup raspberries
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp raw organic honey
• ⅓ cup mint leaves
• Dash of cinnamon

For the coconut matcha mixture:

• One can organic coconut milk (thicker consistency than regular coconut milk)
• 1.5 tbsp Yourlixir Matcha Powder
• 3 tbsp raw organic honey
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut shreds
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, water, honey and cinnamon and simmer over low to medium heat.
2. Use a fork to lightly smash the raspberries into the mixture while it simmers.
3. Stir occasionally until it is no longer liquidy and has a more jelly-like consistency.
4. While the raspberries are simmering, finely chop the mint leaves.
5. Once the raspberry mixture is the right consistency, remove it from the heat and mix in the chopped mint leaves. Set aside to let it cool while you make the matcha coconut cream.
6. In a bowl or blender (we prefer to use a blender for even texture), combine the coconut milk, matcha, vanilla, honey, salt and coconut shreds and make sure it is mixed evenly.
7. Use a small spoon to add a dollop of the raspberry compote to the bottom of each popsicle mold.
8. Next, fill the rest of the mold with the matcha mix.

*Optional: Use a fork or knife to smear the compote at the bottom and create a tie dye appearance.Freezing times will vary depending on your temperature settings.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when life takes over, it always seems like lunch has to suffer. Lunch turns into whatever snacks are on-hand or some form of grab-and-go food. Delivery apps make ordering food from restaurants easy and with a few taps, a burger is delivered right to your office. This makes grabbing lunch efficient, but does not always make lunch affordable or healthy.Maybe you've tried meal prepping, but felt bored by eating the same mundane lunch daily. Lunchology makes lunch not only exciting, but also your favorite meal of the day by creating a solution for anyone to maximize their lunch break. These high-quality, clean, and healthy meals are so delicious that you will find yourself loving lunch.The Miami-based company was started over conversations at dinner between longtime friends Eleana Urquiza and Lia Ames.“Cooking is Eleana’s happy place,” said Ames, a single mom running a business, that values healthy eating and freshly-prepared meals. They both saw a need for a convenient meal delivery service that could promise clients meals that were fresh, healthy, and of the highest quality."Lunchology started with five clients, and we were cooking the meals out of Eleana’s kitchen,” said Ames and as the company grew so did their need for space. Lunchology now runs out of a commercial kitchen in Wynwood, maintaining their commitment to quality, healthy meals.

The company offers three meal options for both lunch and dinner. Carnivore clients can opt for the Meat Lovers, while pescatarians will find fish-friendly meals in the Ocean Lovers plan. Don’t eat meat or fish? Lunchology provides a Plant Lovers option for vegetarian and vegan clients.Urquiza is the brains behind the recipes, which are creative and carefully constructed. While she designs the meals, Monica Auslander Moreno MS, RD, LD/N assists and tailors the meals to each client's personal needs, to ensure all meals are nutritionally, well-balanced and formed to fit individual dietary restrictions. A team of chefs prepares the meals that are delivered to each client. There is added flexibility with the option of having meals delivered the night before or to an office.

Lunchology delivers meals Monday to Friday. While this might seem odd for clients that want meals on weekends, it is actually done on purpose. Ames explained that balance is a core belief of the company. Just as the meals are well-balanced, so should life. Weekends should be about indulging in the amazing, Miami food scene.“I want to know ingredients are fresh and haven’t been sitting around," says Ames. That’s why Lunchology is cooked and delivered daily. The produce and meat in each Lunchology meal is sourced from local farms, so you know that local businesses are being supported and each and every ingredient is fresh. As a bonus, snacks can be added to any meals plans, ideal for those that require a little extra nosh to get them through the busy day.What’s next for the future of Lunchology? Growth. The company has expanded into the catering business and wholesale and also serves local private schools through a convenient kids lunch program. The program instills healthy eating early in life and takes the stress away from parents to prepare meals daily.Stay tuned for new products and even Lunchology in your local super market or coffee shop. Check out the Lunchology website for more information about their meal plan options, and be sure to follow on Instagram.STAY FIT 305 has the hook-up - use code "STAYFIT_LU10" to get 10% off Lunchology meal plans.

It's that time of year again, and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) is back in town from February 21 to February 25. Most food festivals include gluttonous eating and drinking but, don't worry, we got you. Here's a breakdown on events you can enjoy without breaking your macros or wallet.Below are weekend events ticketed at less than $100 (major steals) that align to STAYing FIT, but still allow us foodies to indulge a bit.

• Barry's Bootcamp will host a morning workout lead by partner and head trainer Derek DeGrazio, followed with bites by Robert Irvine, who "embodies the perfect marriage of food and fitness." This event is $50 per person and is from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday. (Details and Tickets)
• Badia Spices is hosting Fun and Fit as a Family. This family-fun event provides parents and children the chance to learn the basics of a healthy lifestyle through interactive and hands-on activities, healthy food sampling, fitness fun, and appearances from Food Network's Alton Brown and Robert Irvine. This event is $24 and you can pick to attend Saturday or Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Details and Tickets)
• Lifeway Kefir brings you Buddhas and Bellinis where you can begin your morning with a short panel to inspire you to live a healthier life. Following the panel is a yoga session and, of course, bellinis and healthy bites. This event is $35 and you can pick to attend Saturday or Sunday from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Details and Tickets)
• No festival is really complete these days without an event for you and your paw-some friend. Katie Lee, cookbook author and co-host of Food Network's The Kitchen, will have fresh and delicious snacks for both two-legged and four-legged fans. Katie will also be accompanied by her new pup, Gus. Tickets for this event are $95 for Saturday from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. (Details and Tickets)

For a few pricier ticket options ($200-$250 per person), we gathered a few calorie-friendly dinner events that allows attendees to stick to their health goals. Below are the links.

• Toronto-based restaurant, Planta, will bring an early taste of its first U.S. location to SOBEWFF. The plant-based restaurant, led by Chef David Lee, will host a seated dinner in collaboration with vegan chef and author Chloe Coscarelli, serving-up innovated cuisine from responsibly-sourced ingredients. (Details and Tickets)
• Join Amanda Cohen, chef and owner of New York City's first vegetable-focused restaurant, Dirt Candy, and Chef Anita Lo of NYC spot, Annisa, for a culinary experience pairing the freshest locally-sourced veggies with Grey Goose craft cocktails. Craft Cocktails. (Details and Tickets)

SOBEWFF also has a general admission event outfitted with tasting tents and demonstrations by KitchenAid Culinary. The Grand Tasting Village is Saturday from noon to 5:00 p.m. ($225 per person). To save a few bucks and be a bit more economical, tickets are discounted to $100 per person if you attend from 3 to 5 p.m. Rumor also has it that on Sunday there will be live music with sounds of ALESSO (fingers crossed!). (Details and Tickets)

Wynwood Yard founder Della Heiman and restaurateur Ken Lyon are opening a new health-conscious food hall this spring.Jackson Hall, located in the Civica Center at Jackson Health District, will offer five different food concepts and a small marketplace in its 10,000-square-foot space. In addition, a hydroponic garden by Cincinnati-based 80 Acres Farms is planned for the third floor of the venue.Heiman explains that the project began when business partner Ken Lyon found out about a vacant food court space in the hospital campus from a chef at the Wynwood Yard. "A couple of hours later, Ken called me. We are already committed to open a second Yard in North Beach and Ken thought he would have to sell me on the idea, but I got it in 30 seconds."Heiman, who is passionate about finding ways to make healthy food more affordable and accessible, thought opening a food hall at Jackson was an opportunity to do something interesting with a unique demographic. "It's more than creating a wellness-focused food hall. It's about creating community and warmth in an environment that's very sterile."Unlike Wynwood Yard, which offers space to individual owner/operators, Jackson Hall's concepts will all be owned and operated by Heiman and Lyon. Miami chefs Julie Frans and Nicole Votano will head the culinary program, with Votano developing recipes that include plant-based and gluten-free choices. Items will feature foods free of hormones, antibiotics, partially hydrogenated oils, synthetic colorings and preservatives, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and other highly refined sweeteners.Frans is establishing an educational component that will work closely with the various hospitals and medical centers at the Jackson campus to help provide nutritional offerings based on the dietary needs of outpatients. First up is Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where Frans is developing color-coded menu options for patients undergoing different treatments. Heiman says she wants patients to feel comfortable eating foods based on their specific recovery process.The five concepts at Jackson Hall include Della Bowls, Charcoal (featuring meats cooked on a Josper rotisserie), Leo & Bloom Delicatessen (offering soups, salads, and sandwiches), Island Poke, and Levant (a Middle Eastern concept serving kabobs, shawarma, and mezze).In addition, the Radiate Apothecary + Bar at Jackson Hall will offer freshly made juices, smoothies, kombucha, elixirs, tonics, beer, wine, and spirits. The beverage program will be directed by Susan Duprey, a certified nutritionist, former bartender, and founder of Radiate Miami.The space will also offer a petite market with grab and go items, and a mobile app where busy healthcare professionals can order meals to go for their entire families. Says Heiman: "I know so many doctors that eat pizza and bagels because they're too exhausted to even think about shopping for themselves after a 12-hour shift."In the works is a retail component where people can buy gifts and flower crowns for patients, and a positivity library where people can borrow or buy books that make you laugh or provide comfort.Jackson Hall will also offer an event series that will include yoga, nutrition classes, wellness lectures, and happy hours with live music in the afternoon. Heiman says the event schedule won't be as robust as at the Wynwood Yard but feels an educational and entertainment component is important. "We hope that this will be a refuge where people can recalibrate."*This story was originally published in the Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here*

The "New Year, New Me" mentality is still here as we slowly make it out of January. While we have the best intentions to get to that smoking-hot summer body, it's hard to stay committed while sacrificing the things we enjoy most. In order to gain the best results, consistency and making the best choices for ourselves should become a lifestyle rather than a phase. You shouldn't have to sacrifice the things that make you - well, you!

Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts enjoy happy hours. Who doesn't? For most, the word moderation isn't in their vocabulary. If we are cognizant about the choices we make, there are usually alternatives that won't jeopardizing your macros and of all of the alcoholic beverages available, beer always gets the bad rap. Many complain that beer is filled with high and empty calories, which is usually followed by that bloated feeling with over-consumption. Lets face it, the only six pack everyone wants to see when lifting up their shirts are abs!

M.I.A Beer Company has heard Miami and they have brewed, tapped and even canned their own version of spiked seltzer water, called HRD WTR. HRD WTR is brewed with champagne yeast and is gluten-free meaning the gluten malt, usually used in beers, is removed. Beer is also heavy on carbohydrate calories, but each serving of HRD WTR is just 147 calories, only 5 g of carbs and has 5% alcohol content. M.I.A Beer Company has starting distributing the fitness-friendly beverage to bars, restaurants as well as local markets with their four pack, 16 ounce cans.

Create carb-conscious cocktails with HRD WTR as mixers or simply consume as is. It's like drinking a refreshing glass of flavored sparkling water, but you will be feeling a little "hoppy" at happy hour. HRD WTR comes in cucumber lemon lime, blueberry, grapefruit, orange, and key lime. As always, drink responsibly and cheers!

For fresh on tap HRD WTR you can visit M.I.A Beer Company 10400 NW 33rd St #150, Doral, FL 33172; (786)801-1721. Open everyday at noon.

Yourlixir is the passion project led by two female entrepreneurs ready to make their mark in the wellness space. Antonella Nardi and Desirée Chance, the ladies behind Yourlixir, came together to build a brand that they believe ultimately benefits everyone.At its core, Yourlixir is the belief that superfoods are functional medicine. Their array of travel-friendly powders includes all of the major superfoods such as spirulina, maca, matcha, turmeric, and activated charcoal.Behind the BrandNardi, originally from Westchester County, NY and Chance, from Zurich, Switzerland, actually met while attending Spanish River High School in Boca Raton. Both ladies spent many years in Florida traveling back and forth from Boca to Miami. Although they now live on opposite coasts, Nardi in Miami and Chance in Los Angeles, they decided to collaborate out of passion for their own personal journeys trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Chance grew up in the entertainment industry modeling, acting and hosting. Due to her stressful workload and demanding travel schedule, she began to experience breakouts and even had cystic acne. On top of that, hormonal imbalances only made it worse. In an image-focused industry, it was crippling to her confidence and began to affect her career.https://www.instagram.com/p/BdtAaFLHWjV/?hl=en&taken-by=anto448After years of trying so many different treatments, she finally found that incorporating superfoods into her diet was the cure. She said that maca really helped her and the fact that natural sources like this could help so much was eye opening to her. A realization that she wants to share with everyone through Yourlixir.Nardi had a similar hectic travel schedule that really tested her ability to stay on track; mind, body and soul. She began traveling in the fashion industry at 21 but was always familiar with superfoods having grown up in a holistic household. Nardi traveled for eight years throughout Asia and London, getting looks from airport security as they noticed her superfood powders.Nardi always took precautions before traveling and would visit with holistic doctors before taking some 18-hour flights. Traveling and eating different kinds of food would take a toll on her body, hence her luggage full of natural products and powders. She found that these powders were the answer to keeping her in balance.Superfood Powders

Each Yourlixir powder is all natural, GMO-free, paleo, gluten-free, and 100% organic. Nardi and Chance make it a priority to keep in touch with the farmers that provide each of their powders. Yourlixir makes it super easy to incorporate these powders into your everyday life. Their packaging lists the benefits of each powder as well as suggested uses. For example, spirulina is rich in vitamins and minerals, boosts energy, reduces blood sugar, detoxifies the body and is loaded with antioxidants. Yourlixir recommends adding it to smoothies, dressings, acai bowls and even in foods like soup, salad or guacamole.How They Stay FitIt’s definitely important what we put into our bodies, but I also wanted to know how these ladies stay fit. Nardi, who calls Miami her home, does a combination of hot pilates and Bikram yoga."I go to Hot Pilates about 5 times a week, and I try to squeeze at least one Bikram session per week," says Nardi. "If you haven’t tried Hot Pilates, you have to go to Agni Miami for Brian’s class. He’s the best!”“Anything outdoors is what I love most when exercising.” says Chance, who lives in sunny and not-so-humid LA.She used to do kickboxing, rollerblading sessions by the beach and hiking, but with a little one on the way, her workouts have lightened up.Check out Yourlixir's full lineup of travel-friendly powders at www.yourlixir.com.

Going out for happy hour always adds up; when it comes to our wallets and our caloric intake. It’s always hard finding a balance between spending the right amount of money on what is good for you. SuViche, who has currently four open locations in Miami Dade with another one coming soon in Doral, has the perfect happy hour menu that will both make your wallet and fitness goals (along with your tummy) smile.SuViche is the fusion of sushi and ceviche bringing the Japanese and Peruvian world as one. Sushi, when consumed in moderation and not fried, is the perfect comfort food that is packed with protein and just the right amount of carbs. Ceviche on the other hand, is protein packed in a bowl, which is simply a fish or seafood dish marinated in lime juice and other natural explosive flavors.SuViche has their very own 500 calories or less menu in which you can indulge. Their guiltfree menu includes starters which are salad dishes, ceviches, tiraditos, tasteful specialties and sushi. While below, two of their popular dishes are mentioned just note that there is more to choose from. Their entire menu can be found online.Their Tuna Tataki is a dish of tuna slices served over sashimi avocado, toasted peanuts, and their homemade Orange Honey Tataki sauce. You can have this dish for $6.

Another popular guilt-free dish is their Natural Ceviche which is simple yet packed with many flavors. This dish includes morsels of white fish marinated in lime juice and their special Peruvian sauce. The dish is then garnished in canchita, choclo and camote topped with crispy onions that adds the right final crunch to it. The happy hour dish portion is smaller than the regular menus, but the happy hour version is great for one person while the one in the regular menu can be shared. Happy hour price is $5 and regular price is $7.95 but there is a larger portion priced at $12.95 as well.

Happy hour is every day from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. Yes, you read that right every day. If your macros allow it and you’re thirsty for something other than water then you can also kick back $4 beers, wine and sake or $5 of what they like to call “harder stuff”. Stop by any of their location and get saucy!SuViche locations: Brickell 49 SW 11th St., Miami, FI 33130; South Beach 1119 16th St., Miami Beach, FI 33139; Wynwood 2751 N, Miami Ave. Miami, FI 33127; Marlins Park (behind home plate during games) 501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125

So you want to fit into your same jeans from college? Or you want can slim down so you can rock your tux from prom?These are both sweet ideas, and depending on the circumstances, may or may not be realistic.One of the biggest myths in fitness and nutrition is how to lose weight in a healthy manner. In as simple of terms as possible, I’m going to help you attack your weight loss goals with sustainable and attainable methods!Myth #1: “I Need Cardio All Day, Every Day.”Many people are obsessed with aerobic exercise these days. While a certain level of cardio is healthy, you don’t need to go overboard with daily running regimens or spinning class five times a week.If you are excessive with your cardio training, you’ll create more muscle imbalances and increase your chances at injury. As holistic health expert Paul Chek says, “Our goal is to train, not drain the body!”In addition, aerobic training causes the release of stress hormones, which are catabolic. This means that they are tissue destructive and will prevent you from forming additional muscle. This is a huge problem for your progress, because muscle is the most metabolically active tissue in your body.Regardless of your fitness level, the most effective exercises to burn fat are compound movements. Some examples of these are a squat, push-up or sprint, where we need to engage multiple muscles and joints to complete the move. This is the best way to elevate your metabolism and burn off those unwanted love handles.Now, I’m not at all suggesting to stop cardio cold turkey. In fact, I encourage you to find a form of cardio that you enjoy! After all, if you’re miserable during your training, there is a 0.1% chance you’re going to stick with it. Tennis, Swimming and even walking offer tremendous benefits and get your whole body working.You will be much more likely to reach your weight loss goals if you find a balance between aerobic and weight training. I’ve noticed that a lot of women fear resistance training because they don’t want to “bulk up.” The simple solution for this is to finish your strength training session with 10-15 minutes of steady-state cardio to halt the formation of more muscle tissue.Myth #2: “I’m Just Not Going to Eat as Much”Throw away your scales! I’m dead serious. The scale does not tell you how much fat you’ve lost or how much muscle you’ve gained.So many of us become obsessive about our weight, and don’t understand that muscle weighs more than fat. You may notice and begin to panic at the fact that you gained a couple pounds after weeks of consistent training. A common response to this might be to start eating less to cut calories. However, this is the most disastrous thing you can do.The World Health Organization (WHO) has described obesity as a “worldwide epidemic.” Over 1/3 of American adults are obese and 60% are overweight. These numbers are especially staggering when considering all of the fad diets we’ve been introduced to.The body responds to caloric restriction by increasing the number of enzymes that store fat and decreases the number of enzymes that burn fat. The body reacts by altering your hormones and slowing your metabolism so you can survive with the unsubstantial fuel.

It is that time of year where everyone preaches that “New Year, New Me” stuff, so why not indulge in something new too? What if someone told you that you can live like Kate Spade and “have cake for breakfast” every morning? Well, CraveClean has figured out a way to make that possible, not just for locals in Miami but nationwide.Miami born and raised, Francesca Morello, owner of CraveClean once struggled between wanting to be fit but still have a dose of sweetness every day. She grew tired of compromising and having boring dried up protein bars to fulfil her cravings, so she got curious in the kitchen. While exploring recipes online she came to find out that nothing ever tasted good, so this is when she decided to make her own stuff from scratch.Her intentions were never to sell to the public but once she figured out the right recipe to making delicious tasting and healthy snacks that fit her daily macros she couldn’t hold this back from others. “I wanted to pass down knowledge” says Morello.What she means by this, is that just because you want to be healthy, it doesn’t mean you have to starve or sacrifice good taste in foods. CraveClean’s baked goods are gluten-free, diabetic friendly and helps curb hunger.Pictured is the Salted Caramel and We Can Pecan Cupcake. Just by looking at these I am sure you’re now running for the hills, as far away as possible before you gain weight by just looking at the photo, right?Well, this is what Francesca meant by passing down knowledge. The average calorie count for these bad boys are 124 per cupcake with 10g of protein, only 10g of carbs, 5g total fat, 2g of sugar and they even have 1.6g of fiber. Best of all, all macronutrient information per item is listen on their menu online so you don’t have to worry if you’re using one of those apps that tracks your eating habits.“I want CraveClean to be looked at as a way of life. There is this misconception that you can only indulge with us on cheat days,” says Morello.And a misconception indeed, because let’s take Nature Valley’s Salted Caramel Nut Protein Bar for example, and compare the macros with one of CraveClean’s cupcakes. Nature Valley’s Protein Bar has 190 calories, 10g of protein, 14g of carbs, 12g total fat, 6g of sugar, and 5g of fiber. Nature Valley, a packaged and dried-up protein bar has more calories, same amount of protein, more carbs, more fats, more sugar, and only beats it in fiber. Anyone would have to be crazy to trade in a fluffy and moist cupcake that fits their dietary needs for a boring protein bar.So the next time you’re making your way to your local grocery store for your daily snacks, reroute and come place your weekly order at CraveClean. They also have donuts, cakes, cake pops, cookies, and brownies. CraveClean’s brownies are meal replacements, that’s where the cake for breakfast thing comes into play - or cake at any time of the day!Come out to their grand opening for their new location on Jan. 18th from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. you can try these guiltless bites for yourself with a glass complimentary of champagne at hand to celebrate that we no longer have to give up sweats to have abs.CraveClean Protein Bakery 7370 Red Road, Miami, FL 33143

Forget resolutions, make a change that you can actually stick to in 2018. Fad diets are out, flexible dieting is in! We've partnered with our friends at Fifty-Two Thursdays and invite you to join us in the #52DayShred Nutrition Challenge and you will learn from your own private coach about flexible dieting and how to achieve your own specific fitness goals (not someone else's).With a customized nutrition plan, your own personal coach, weekly check-ins to keep you honest and on track, weekly workouts, and weekly emails with mini-challenges and prizes, 2018 is set to be your fittest year yet.The #52DayShred Nutrition Challenge follows a Flexible Dieting (counting your macronutrients) nutrition-based approach. You can follow a flexible dieting approach even while sticking to Paleo, vegan, Whole30, etc. food choices. The foods you choose to hit your macro's are up to you, but we do give some guidelines to follow along with support from our coaches and entire #52DayShred community!Challenge begins on January 8th. Last day to sign up is Jan 6th. But we will also have additional challenges coming up, so email today to claim your spot!Spaces are limited and filling up quickly. Mention StayFit305 for 10% off!Contact: fiftytwothursdays@gmail.com and learn more about the challenge here: #52DayShred

Planta, a Toronto restaurant that offers plant-based meals and burgers, is set to open its first U.S. location in South Beach.The restaurant is expected to debut in early 2018 in partnership with David Grutman, the Miami hospitality entrepreneur best known for LIV at the Fontainebleau, OTL in the Design District, and Komodo in Brickell."One of my partners has Planta in Toronto, and eating there just blows me away," says Grutman, who considers himself a part-time vegan. He says eating a plant-based diet is more than just a trend. "It's the way the world is moving. People really care about where ingredients are coming from. I know I do."Grutman, who avoids dairy and egg products, says Planta will attract vegans and omnivores alike and will incorporate a mix of food, music, and atmosphere for a welcoming vibe. "I'm creating a space that has great mixology, great music, and great food. We want people to have an experience when they're going to lunch or dinner. I think you're going to get that here.”Though the menu isn't set yet, expect items similar to those at the flagship. Dishes will include cauliflower tots, plant-based crab cakes, a burger, coconut ceviche, and an "18-carrot" dog. The restaurant will also offer a vegetable sushi bar and cold-pressed cocktails.Grutman says the main focus will be on flavor. "I want people to enjoy and not think that because they're eating plant-based, they're sacrificing. Planta is for everybody."To introduce Planta to Miami Beach, the restaurant's chef, David Lee, will host a dinner with vegan chef and author Chloe Coscarelli as part of the lineup of events during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.*This story was originally published on Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

The nation’s premier plant-based food and wine festival is back for its fourth year, bringing hundreds of the hottest plant-based celebrities, chefs, and influencers to Miami for five jam-packed days of events starting Wednesday, November 1st and running through Sunday, November 5th.Seed Food + Wine Week presented by Whole Foods is a whirlwind of experiences and activities featuring 200+ exhibitors, 10,000+ attendees, 40+ celebrity plant-based chefs, and 30+ vegan athletes, authors, and experts. From celebrity dinners to a 5K to a fashion show — there’s something for every interest, budget, and taste.

*Get 25% off your Seed Food + Wine tickets by using the code “STAYFIT305” at checkout*

“We are ridiculously excited about how Seed has evolved into such a massive, one-of-a-kind community-wide experience,” says Alison Burgos, co-founder. “With competitions, celebrity dinners, fitness events, panels, demos, and meditations, we have a lineup designed to appeal to all people. Anyone and everyone can find something amazing to do, see, and eat.”Key events include Thursday night’s Plant-Based Burger Battle™, where chefs from across the country engage in a battle royale to impress judges and audience alike; Thursday and Friday’s Seed Summit presented by VegNews, a two-day conference for content creators, bloggers, entrepreneurs and influencers in conscious, sustainable and vegan living; Wednesday’s Food Forward, a one-of-a-kind gathering of food entrepreneurs and influencers dedicated to creating a more sustainable food system; and the unforgettable smorgasbord that is Saturday’s Seed Festival + Tasting Village presented by Whole Foods, where hundreds of vendors showcase their best plant-based food, drinks, attire, cosmetics, and much, much more.New this year is Friday Night’s Catwalk, a Night of Conscious Fashion, where models will strut the runway showcasing the hottest cruelty-free attire — both casual wear and haute couture, all to tunes curated by DJ Sasha.“The fashion show is going to showcase an incredible array of cruelty-free fashion, from dresses and designer bags to t-shirts and hoodies,” says co-founder Michelle Gaber.Events are being hosted at some of Miami’s most incredible venues, including the chic and stylish Sacred Space in Wynwood, and the unforgettable, art-adorned Jungle Plaza in the Design District.Also included in Seed’s weeklong lineup is a Kick-Off Cocktail Mixer; a Best of the Best Dinner; a Live Ultimate #Miamistrong 5K Run to benefit Hurricane Relief, Yoga, and Meditation event; a festival day After-Partyat Wynwood Yard; a Made in Miami: the Legends Edition Dinner; and a Yoga, Meditation, and Brunch gathering to bring the festival to a close.Some of this year’s participating influencers include:

• Rich Roll: plant-based ultra-distance athlete, wellness advocate, cookbook co-author and host of the wildly popular The Rich Roll Podcast.
• Marco Borges: founder of 22 Days Nutrition and sought-after celebrity exercise physiologist.
• Mary Mattern: celebrity vegan chef, founder of Nom Yourself, and cookbook author.
• Vegan Fat Kid: social media all-star and curator of the Vegan Street Fair.
• Julie Piatt: cookbook author, plant-based chef, meditation guide, and motivational speaker.
• Dr. Tom Campbell: son of the legendary T. Colin Campbell, PhD, and Medical Director of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, whose work was featured in Forks Over Knives
• John Salley: four-time NBA champion, wellness advocate and owner of Vegan Vine Wines.

This singular annual experience is dedicated to elevating the conversation around plant-based foods, sustainability, conscious living and the welfare of animals. It’s the only weeklong event of its kind where there’s something for every budget, taste, and interest.Tickets and more information available at www.SeedFoodandWine.com. Get 25% off your Seed Food + Wine tickets by using the code “STAYFIT305” at checkout.

Tucked away, from the hustle and bustle of the main streets of Wynwood is a community center working to change the way Miamians see the world. Love Life Wellness Center opened two years ago with a specific mission: inspire people to wake-up each morning and love life.Co-founded by Veronica Menin, the concept for the center was brought on by her own journey for self-love. Following a break-up, Menin committed to putting an end to the outside influences affecting her self-outlook. This started her down the path to inner love, beginning with healthy eating through a vegan diet.“I learned to be more mindful about other living beings and the environment. Choosing what I put on my plate affected the way I treated others and the way I wanted to live my life,” says Menin. “It was a domino effect and from there everything began to fall into place.”During this time, yoga teacher Megan Elizabeth, approached Menin with the idea of partnering-up to open a studio together. Around the same time, the third partner of Love Life Wellness Center, Diego Tosoni, presented an idea of a café to fuel the body and soul. And with this, Life Life Wellness Center took form.From the start, Menin envisioned the center as a place where she could be every day, interacting one-on-one with patrons, and creating a true community where people could get a full circle experience, knowledge and education.“My dream was to bring together people that were creating other conscious, amazing things in the community, to share their knowledge,” Menin explains. “I wanted to touch upon all different sides of life - food, exercise, spirituality - all of it working together is the most efficient way to make a change in someone’s life.”

The day I was at Love Life Wellness Center I saw first-hand the inspiring energy a community can bring. In one part of the center a group of students were participating in the Yoga Training program. All huddled around one of the communal tables located in the center of the space, studying, conversing, questioning and debating. While other folks were sprinkled throughout the large area, feeding off the environment as they worked on laptops, using the center’s free Wi-Fi, and others still were enjoying the delicious bites from the café.I questioned why creating a community was so important to her. She explained that through years of studying as a health coach, she has seen the positive effect that being part of a community can have on people. In fact, Dr. Emma Seppala from Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) says that “when connection with others is present, it can boost mental and physical health, and even increase immunity and longevity.” As this belief is a pillar of the Love Life Wellness Center, Menin and team strive to connect individuals that want to love themselves, to eat well, to take care of their body, their spirit; creating a space that gives off a feeling of comfort and belonging.When asked what her future vision is for the center, Menin explains that “the goal is to provide different things throughout the day from acupuncture, to meditation, to a start-up 101 class, education on how to get energized in the middle of the day, and so on. So, when people sit here to work they are getting other tools to help their life.”

*Read: Miami's Best Yoga Studios - Where to Practice in 2017*

Additionally, Menin is beginning to branch out, developing an outpatient program for people in recovery from addiction. The outpatient program will center around yoga, meditation and nutrition and will be led by a clinical therapist, helping patients get back on their feet.The café is also blossoming; an entity that started out with as a simple idea of serving smoothies, wraps and acai bowls. Having evolved into a full kitchen, available across the many local delivery platforms, Tosoni, who leads this part of the center, creates the menu around the things he loves to eat and wants to share with others.Starting out as wanting to have a positive impact on the world, Menin and company have developed the center into a place where people can connect with other individuals that want to love themselves, to eat well, to take care of their body, and their spirit. A space that gives off a feeling of comfort and belonging.Menin believes that whatever you do, if you do it with an open heart and gratitude, and appreciate every moment, you can love your life the way it is presented to you right now. That, she says, is what happiness really means.Join the community located at 584 NW 27th Street in Wynwood and check out their schedule of events and activities, and the café.

The biggest challenge when it comes meal prep, is the actual meal prep. And, the monotony of the meals. It is hard enough to find time in our busy schedules to eat healthy and stay on track - it is just as hard to find time and energy to meal prep.

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

We know how much our readers are loving our stories on healthy eating habits, we wanted to update and refresh our favorite meal delivery services in South Florida. The meal delivery trend is popular, because it takes the worry out of prepping for the week. Now, there are even more of these options that cater to all eating habits and styles, down to the pickiest of eaters.

Fit Food FreshThe best part of this meal plan is not having to commit to a full week of meals. When there are those times to attend a work lunch or client dinner, the weekly meal plans may go to waste. Fit Food Fresh meals are ridiculously tasty and extremely good quality. The company does not push themselves as a diet plan – just healthy food delivered.Choose from a variety of menu options each week from either healthy gourmet, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, breakfast, healthy snacks, healthy desserts, and more.There are also different options for choosing your meals – you can pick your menu every week and if you don’t select any, you will not get a delivery. Or, in case you are busy, choose the semi-automated food fairy that will select for you based on your previous orders in case you do forget.Last, is the full-automated food fairy which will do all the work for you. Prices range $10-$12/meal, with some more premium meals a few bucks more.

Eat CleanEat Clean is making a name for themselves across South Florida, being very popular among fitness studios and trainers. The plan is a weekly subscription and comes with two, three, four or five meals per day for a choice of five or six days.

*Read - Eat Clean: The Fresh and Favorable Meal Service You Need to Try*

Choose from paleo, vegan, vegetarian, traditional and athlete menus and select each week from breakfast, lunch and dinner. The athlete is a great option for the true fitness enthusiast with higher calorie and protein content and larger portions. Traditional meal plans offer healthy options that remain under 500 calories. Weekly plans for 2 meals a day start at $8.75 each and with price reductions based on how many meals per day.

Paleo CraveIt is how the cavemen ate. A paleo lifestyle focuses on eating the way nature intended us to eat. Paleo Crave takes this lifestyle a step further with paleo-only meals for their daily delivery service.The plans come in three different sizes small, medium and large and allows the customer to choose whether they want three meals a day (breakfast/lunch/dinner) or two meals a day (breakfast/lunch or lunch/dinner). Bonus: each comes with a snack.The only catch is that the menus are set each week, but you can peruse them beforehand. Be sure to let them know any allergies or dislikes beforehand in case you are a bit picky. Pricing ranges from $99.99/week to $159.99/week.

Perfect Fuel MealsFor the athletes and those that are intense fitness training, Perfect Fuel is your match. The team of professional athletes, nutritionists and dieticians designed and crafted this meal plan packed with fresh, clean, locally-sourced, well-balanced food that fuels the body and its passions.

*Read: Perfect Fuel Meals are Delicious, Filling and a Must-Try*

It is a plan for athletes designed by athletes. Choose from plans like lean, power and gainz that will each cater to the individual type of athlete and has all of the macros broken down here.Prices range from $9.95 - $12.95 per meal depending on how many meals per week. Once you sign up, you will be directed to the members portal where you can review the menu and choose your meals.

Chances are that when you hear the word “vegan” or “plant-based,” the immediate thought that comes to mind is “tasteless.” But what if I told you that I’ve tried one of the tastiest roasted veggie nori wraps? And a passion fruit cheesecake that has cheese only in its name, yet it’s completely vegan and completely amazing?Welcome to Manna Life Food, a Superfood Juice Bar and Plant Based Cafe that has mastered the art of creating tasteful dishes with real food ingredients. Their menu is all plant-based, non-processed and gluten-free.Located in the Alfred I. Dupont Building, Manna Life Food is all about life-giving through the foods they serve. Their organic and superfood ingredients are unaltered and always fresh, making them the perfect combo to create the tastiest plant-based dishes you could possibly imagine.They have concentrated all their efforts in offering options that are not only good for you and your health, but are friendly for the environment. For them, it’s all about investing in our health to create a general sense of wellbeing.From soups, salads, noritos (which are AMAZING!), and superfood arepas to sweet treats and desserts, they have it all. Wash it down with one of their cold pressed juices, smoothies or even their iced (or hot) coffees and teas.Manna Life Food wants to show people that eating plant-based doesn´t have to be tasteless or boring. Instead, it can be a joyful and nourishing experience that your body will appreciate.Manna Life Food also hosts wellness workshops, plant based cooking demos and nutrition education huddles from time to time, to further their goal of making our local community healthier.For more information, visit http://mannalifefood.com/.

Miami Spice is a great opportunity to try all the amazing restaurants that South Florida has to offer at reasonable costs – for both lunch and dinner. It lasts through September 30, which means you can easily hit-up more than one of these dining hot spots and savor a variety of cuisines. But, Miami Spice is not always clean-eating or diet-conscious friendly.We’ve filtered through the Miami Spice restaurant list and found some healthier menu options for dining out. Of course, you can always have your Miami Spice dinner as your cheat meal, but in case you want to stay on track, here are some healthy finds. Check out the full list of participating restaurants, menus and days the spice menus are offered.Bakehouse Brasserie has a few lunch and brunch items on the healthier side for Miami Spice. Choose from a variety of menu items, including a kale and roasted beet salad, a mixed berry parfait and a chicken paillard salad. If lunch isn't enough, healthy items can also be found on their Spice brunch menu including a smoked salmon toast and the popular roasted beet hummus tartine.

*Read: The 10 Healthiest Places to Brunch in Miami*

Probably one of the best deals of all Miami Spice is Bazaar Mar at the new SLS Hotel in Brickell. Prices are steep on the non-Spice menu, so this is where you get the most bang for your buck, while also staying relatively healthy. Try the oyster ceviche; gambas al ajillo (sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, spicy tomato sauce, parsley); grilled branzino topped with almond escordalia, mojo verde; espinacas a la catalana and wakame (spinach, wakame, pine nuts, raisins, apples, and nori paste); or the jidori chicken roasted with coffee rub, blackberry catsup.Wynwood’s Beaker & Gray has some lighter fare that won’t sit too heavy. For an appetizer, check out the roasted roots with tzatziki, Myer lemon and marcona almond and for an entrée, the paiche (which is Peruvian fish) with wild mushroom, tomato water and pearl onion. For dessert, there is a key lime panna cotta – might not be super healthy, but sounds lite and delicious.Byblos, one of Miami Beach’s hotspots has a variety of light, fresh dishes that are not heavy in calories. Healthy dish highlights include shakshuka which is spicy tomato, toum (garlic) topped with a crisp egg; roasted red beets topped with pistachio, caraway, labneh and barbari bread; local snapper topped with chraime sauce and Persian lime; or chargrilled flank steak made with Turkish coffee rub, pomegranate and jus.[caption id="attachment_2442" align="alignnone" width="1905"]

Lolo's Surf Cantina[/caption]Lolo's Surf Cantina, Miami’s newest Baja-inspired eatery, features authentic Mexican cuisine within the casual and inviting space. For lighter, healthier options during spice, try out the vegan ceviche and the grains and greens salad.Pisco y Nazca is offering fresh, Peruvian fare with a healthy selection of ceviche’s to choose from on this year’s Miami Spice menus. Opt for the ceviche cremoso, made with fish, shrimp, creamy leche de tigre, celery, habanero and camote.Plant Food & Wine, located next to The Sacred Space (which we love!), features cutting-edge, plant-based dishes inspired by South Florida. The restaurant blends culinary art and nutrition in an atmosphere that is as fresh as the food. Definitely a great option if dining out with vegetarians, but so good meat-lovers won’t know the difference.

*Read: 6 Healthy Miami Food Trucks You Need to Try This Summer*

plnthouse at the 1 Hotel South Beach is catering to those that like to eat clean already, so their menu for Miami Spice is no different! Matthew Kenney is known for his delectable plant-based food with some of the main dishes include zucchini noodles served with pistachio pesto, the famous 1 Bowl served with brown rice, sprouted lentils, roasted broccoli and kale, and the Bahn mi wrap served with ginger roasted eggplant.A vegetarian gastropub, Soul Tavern’s menu appeals to both the health conscious and the self-proclaimed “foodie” offering a little something for everyone during Miami Spice. The menu is centered around the five Chinese elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The restaurant’s play on these elements is brought to their dishes to help balance the body, mind and soul. Dishes include mango avocado tartar, hemp crusted edamame cakes, vegetarian Ramen, and seed and nut panna cotta.Head to Brickell City Centre to Tacology for some Mexican fare. Appetizers include octopus ceviche or heirloom tomato, farro and shrimp with yuzu, avocado, roasted hazelnuts and cilantro. Entrees may be a bit on the heavier side, but try the taco pastor, the roasted pork tacos.We love Upland for their locally sourced ingredients and it is very much shown in some of their Miami Spice options. Try their coal roasted Scottish salmon featuring farro salad, pickled beets and fresh Florida grapefruit for a healthier alternative.