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.

Dear Pumpkin

Swap that PSL for some real pumpkin. Word on the street is that the beloved PSL (that’s pumpkin spice latte for those of you who aren’t devotees of the fall drink) is more sugar than it is pumpkin.

The stats: A grande (16 oz) Starbucks PSL with whole milk and whip clocks in at 420 calories with 50g of sugar. If you opt for the two-percent milk with whip, you’re at 380 calories and 50g of sugar. And if you’re going the nonfat, no whip route, the drink still weighs in at 260 calories and 49g of sugar.

To put things in perspective, a grande Caffè Latte with nonfat milk and no whip is 130 calories and 18g of sugar, so the math churns out to show an added 130 calories and 31 grams of sugar just from the pumpkin spice flavoring.

More perspective: A Snickers bar has 27 grams of sugar.

But wait – we’re not about calorie counting, right? Correct. So what’s the big deal? The Starbucks PSL isn’t made with real pumpkin, which is actually super nutritious. While 420 calories of nutritious ingredients is one thing, 420 calories of syrup is another. Not all calories are created equally! That being said, let’s not bash pumpkin – when not in syrup form, this vegetable is full of nutrients while remaining low in calories.

The 411 on Pumpkin:

Vitamin A + Beta-carotene

The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals – these are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress when their numbers overwhelm the body's ability to regulate them, thus altering lipids, proteins, and DNA and ultimately triggering a number of human diseases. Vitamin A also boosts your immune system, is involved in vision, and supports cell growth and differentiation, playing a critical role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Additionally, Vitamin A is critical during pregnancy to support healthy development of the fetus.

Potassium

One cup of pumpkin has about 16% of your daily value of potassium. Potassium – which works in an opposing manner with sodium to maintain homeostasis – helps muscles contract, aids in fluid regulation and mineral balance, and helps maintain normal blood pressure. The findings from a 2011 study suggest that a higher sodium-potassium ratio is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The modern diet is typically high in sodium, which makes consuming adequate potassium important for overall health.

Vitamin C

This antioxidant gets a lot of attention. Vitamin C is important for your skin, bones, and connective tissue. In fact, it’s required for the biosynthesis of collagen, an essential component of connective tissue that plays a vital role in wound healing. It also improves the absorption of nonheme iron, the form of iron found in plant-based foods. While it may not treat or prevent the common cold, it may still be helpful for people exposed to extreme physical exercise or cold environments.

Fiber

You’ll find about 7g of fiber per cup of canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin gets its density and higher fiber content compared to fresh pumpkin because it's cooked down during the manufacturing process, making it less watery and more ideal for pies. Fiber is known to lower cholesterol levels, help control blood sugar levels, and aid in maintaining bowel health, which may help prevent diseases of the colon. High fiber foods also help you feel satiated for longer, which may aid in weight loss.

And don’t forget the seeds!

Pumpkin seeds – also called pepitas – are an excellent source of zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, andtryptophan, which we need for serotonin production. They’re also a great source of plant protein with about 7 grams in a single ounce.

Okay, do you still want a PSL? No worries – you can make your own without the sugary syrup. For an extra boost, try adding some collagen peptides. It’s great to have with the vitamin C in real pumpkin to help with collagen production!

more than food

more than food

Dear Pumpkin