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.

F*Type Series: Danielle Vogel, Founder of Glen's Garden Market

F*Type is a series featuring womxn in DC who are up to amazing things so we can redefine the female stereotype and build an inspiring community. We want to hear from bad*ss womxn who are entrepreneurs, thought leaders, change makers, mothers, and more.

This post features Danielle Vogel, the founder of Glen's Garden Market. Glen's Garden Market is a DC staple featuring locally grown produce, prepared foods, and craft beer.

About Danielle

Where are you from?
Greenwich, CT (just outside of New York City)

What is your background (education, training, life experiences)?
I went to Tufts undergrad, and then got my JD from American Law. I spent ten years on Capitol Hill working in the House and the Senate for Democrats and Republicans to pass climate legislation before founding Glen’s Garden Market on Earth Day of 2013.

How long have you been in DC? How did you end up here?
I moved to DC right out of college to work for my hometown Congressman and hero, Christopher Shays.

Work Life

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The role of a manager is to motivate. We build our team up, and prepare them to succeed. The fact is, everyone wants to feel like they’re good at their job, and the best way to build confidence is to listen, coach and lead by example.

If you have one, what did you learn from your biggest failure?
My most public and expensive failure was closing our second location in Shaw. It was embarrassing, and I’ve been called to answer for it (by people I don’t know) nearly every single day since. The lesson?: I’m a resilient mother-fuc…r. The day I handed over those keys, I went straight to the tattoo parlor and put an R right on my inner wrist. Why? To remind myself every single day to just keep swimming.

Most memorable moment of starting your own business.
You’ll have to read my book for that. Stay tuned :-)

What challenges do you face as a female in your role?
I dispute the premise of the question. Small business ownership is hard, categorically. Let’s not make it a gender thing. That extends the notion that it is.

Advice

Tell us one piece of advice you’d give a fellow woman who wants to be in your position.
I’ll give advice to a fellow PERSON, who wants to be in my position: be sure. Business ownership is not a side hustle, and it’s not for the faint of heart. This is the hardest, most complicated job I’ve ever had, and I used to write national energy policy for a living. If you HAVE to do it, do it. If you think it might be fun to try it -- truly -- skip it.

Wellness

How do you balance entrepreneurship + wellness? Any self-care practices you recommend?
Ha! I consider a 12-hour work day the perfect work-life balance. Happy staff, happy life.

You can connect with Glen's Garden Market on Instagram.

If you want to submit an inspiration to the F*Type series - please email emily@vegetableandbutcher.com.

FOOD + BEVERAGE

Not sure where to start

take our quiz to find the program
that's right for your lifestyle + goals

get started

more than food