How many calories are in a typical meal?

We believe strongly that the quality of the inputs is far more important than the number of calories in a meal. All calories are not created equally (that’s old science) and different foods affect our biological systems (hormonal, metabolic, etc.) in different ways. In our experience, fixating on the number of calories tends to do more harm than good for the average person trying to reach their health and fitness goals. We believe that the simplest and most effective way to reach your goals is to focus on eating real (not processed) food that is prepared from clean and wholesome ingredients. Instead of focusing on the numbers, we want you to focus on how our food makes you look, feel and perform.

Are all of your meals gluten free?

Absolutely. Though not everyone has a gluten intolerance, research has shown that more and more people have gluten sensitivities (without even knowing it.). We also focus on using clean and wholesome ingredients rather than processed foods, which makes avoiding gluten far easier. In addition to a completely gluten-free menu, our menu is also dairy- and egg-free.

I live an active life. How do I know I’m getting enough protein?

Don’t worry, we also live active lives. But to be safe, we have partnered with a registered dietitian to ensure that not just each recipe is well-balanced and carefully composed, but also that each daily menu is thoughtfully structured to maximize nutrient density and diversity.

Will I lose weight on one of your meal programs?

Our programs are designed to provide you with all of the nutrients you need to live an active and healthy lifestyle. We carefully craft each recipe and structure each day’s worth of meals to ensure that you’re looking, feeling and performing your best – both mentally and physically. For some, this may mean shedding a few excess pounds. For others, this may mean providing an adequate balance of nutrient density and diversity to fuel your days. In any case, you can rest assured that by living the V+B life, you’ll be eating delicious, nutritious, well-balanced meals. But hey, if that’s not enough, you can always walk/run to our production facility to pick up your meals yourself (no charge).

Are all of your ingredients certified organic?

Depends. Do you work for the USDA? (Joke). We believe more in working with farmers and growers who utilize sustainable and organic farming practices than in working strictly with those who are certified organic. For many small, local farmers and growers, the official organic certification process is simply cost prohibitive and too time consuming a process to undertake. We partner only with those who share our high standards; those willing to work longer hours to protect the land and the plants and animals on which we all depend. Ultimately, our philosophy on this topic is simple – we strive to establish lasting relationships with good people who are doing great things.

MIND + BODY

Carbs Are Not The Enemy

And 4 Tips for Sticking to a Diet

We believe in being intentional about the food you put in your body. V+B was created to help you do just that, and not yo-yo between fad diets. When we use the word "diet" here, it's meant to reference literally the food you eat, not a restrictive set of rules to follow.

This post was written by Amelia, a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer. You can read more about her below.

The best "diet" is one you can stick to
Ever feel like you try one diet, see results, but then get bored or overwhelmed and “fall off the wagon”, only to make the same mistake with another diet later on? When it comes to sticking to a “diet”, it's not so much about what you're eating as much as how and why you eat what you do. Remember, you’re a human, and life is messy. It’s unrealistic to have a strict way of eating that’s not sustainable to your life. The first questions to ask yourself when finding sustainability in eating are: what changes do you want, and why? Then, piece those answers into the type of life you want to live and your lifestyle regiment and practice it consistently.
What works for me might not work for you
Nutrition is not always one size fits all. It's important to know that just because someone posts on Instagram what they eat in a day, or that they intermittently fast, doesn't mean that’s what you need to do. We’re all unique with different genetic makeups, backgrounds, and food sensitivities. We also have different levels of movement in our lives or jobs. It's important to know your daily needs before trying to replicate what someone else is doing. A simple way you can begin to explore this is to keep a food journal for a few weeks and notice patterns of activity/movement in correlation with your hunger and energy. Many of us don’t know what it's like to actually be hungry and sit with hunger, not jumping for the next meal or snack right away. Start to notice patterns and get curious with yourself!
Carbs are not the enemy
Carbohydrates are our primary source of immediate energy for our body's cells. Carbohydrates that can be digested slowly—such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruit—can dramatically effect energy levels and body composition. It’s a common misconception that low carb leads to weight loss, which is incorrect. If that’s your goal—and we always recommend talking to a doctor before attempting weight loss—it comes from consuming less energy (or fewer calories) than the overall energy that you expend. Ultimately, it doesn't so much matter what you are eating (such as following a low carb or low fat plan), as how much. But, when it comes to the calories you’re putting in, we always recommend unprocessed and whole foods, which leads us to our next tip.
Eat the rainbow
Sometimes changing the way you eat can feel exhausting and overwhelming. A simple place to start: add more variety onto your plate! Think about “eating the rainbow”, adding diversity of colors in vegetables and nutrients to your plates. For example, purple or dark-colored foods like blueberries and elderberries are rich in antioxidants and improve cognitive brain function–similarly, dark leafy greens like Swiss chard possess similar antioxidative properties. Also, think about eating these foods first on your plate: they’ll help you feel fuller faster and longer.
Get support!
Whenever you work on new behaviors or changes, be aware there may be resistance, it will feel uncomfortable, and it will pose new challenges. That is why it's important to have people in your corner who are also committed to seeing you succeed. Something that helps me is knowing what situations or environments can trigger unhealthy patterns and keeping them at a minimum. For example, I have a huge sweet tooth, so I limit the amount of sweets I have in my home and/or find good replacements that still satisfy me. If I know I’m going to have a day of eating out or be on a trip, I make sure to start my mornings with a healthy whole breakfast that will put me on top of my day! You can find accountability by using a comprehensive meal delivery service such as V+B, learning who and what around you supports your mission, or hiring a coach. When you feel unmotivated, lost or confused, who is your go-to person or team?

Amelia McNamara is a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified Coach. Amelia also holds certifications with Animal Flow Level 1, Kettlebell Athletics Level 1, Pre & Post Natal Corrective Exercise Specialist (Fit For Birth), and PPSC (Pain Free Performance Specialist Certification; Dr. John Rusin), as well as being a Former Tier 3+ trainer at Equinox - encompassing over 220+ hours of science-backed education through the Equinox Fitness Training Institute (EFTI).