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.

Feel your physical and emotional best on Thanksgiving

You can enjoy the holiday without feeling crummy afterward (unless the food coma is all part of the experience for you - then you do you!) These tips will help you feel your best physically but also emotionally, because both are important for having an enjoyable holiday.

Eat regular meals before you go.

The idea of “saving your appetite” for a huge meal later that day isn’t a great one. By not eating for the majority of the day, you’re setting yourself up for a blood sugar disaster (read: hanger). Instead of saving your appetite, make sure to prioritize a good breakfast with protein, fiber, and some sort of healthy fat.

If you have allergies, come prepared.

The best way to go about this on a holiday is to offer to bring something to share. Either make a filling side so that you know you won’t be hungry or make your favorite part of the meal (or just an allergy-free alternative to serve alongside the other), with permission from the host. That way, you don't have to miss out, and you certainly don’t have to risk a reaction. If dessert is your favorite part of thanksgiving but you don’t tolerate gluten, offer to bring one to share. Filling sides might include a sweet potato dish or hearty salad. This goes for sensitivities, too!

Fill half your plate with colorful vegetables.

Prioritizing colorful, non-starchy vegetables keeps the caloric intake lower. Not that we’re concerned with calories here, but too much too fast will leave you feeling bloated, heavy, and tired. Non-starchy vegetables include foods such as broccoli, green beans, leafy greens, and brussels sprouts. Are you saying there aren’t any colorful vegetables at your family’s thanksgiving? Sounds like a great opportunity to offer to bring something to share!

If you’re cooking…

Include something steamed and seasoned lightly with lemon juice and spices to complement an otherwise heavy meal! You can see more tips for making thanksgiving a little healthier in this blog.

Sip on ginger tea when you get home.

Ginger accelerates gastric emptying, which means it helps your gut keep things moving along (and we all need a little help with that after a big meal). It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful after a day of alcohol and sugary desserts. To make it, you can peel a piece of ginger root and thinly slice about 1/2-1” of it into hot water. Lemon juice and turmeric (either ground or fresh) would also be a great addition to soothe your digestive system and reduce inflammation.

Consider your mindset.

If your emotions are the aspect keeping you from feeling your best on Thanksgiving (and around the holidays), you’re not alone. Food is our locus of control, so it makes sense that we might feel a little off kilter and even experience food guilt when we start attending meals made by others. Much of this stems from our tendency to label foods “good” and “bad,” and breaking away from this mindset can be difficult. In this situation, it’s important to realize that all foods in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. And of course, learning to forgive and show compassion for yourself is a valuable skill.

more than food

more than food