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.

How to navigate summer cookouts with food sensitivities

Ah, summer is here and so are the summer BBQs and cookouts! For most people, this is a reason to rejoice and throw on their favorite gingham sundress. But for people with food sensitivities, it can create a lot of anxiety. To help those of you who resonate with the latter, I put together some tips to get you (happily) through these summer gatherings.

However, if you have a food allergy, you should head to this article about food allergies and BBQs. Food allergies are much more serious as they can cause life-threatening reactions, so there are some extra precautions you should take.

Okay, so are you ready to enjoy summer and tell your food sensitivities they can’t ruin your day? Here are four tips for getting through any food-focused social event:

Eat before you go

I know this one isn’t what you were hoping to read, but if you have food sensitivities, you should always eat before going to social gatherings centered around food. If there’s nothing for you to eat, you’ll end up having a trigger food (or two, or three). Of course, this is your personal choice, and if your reaction isn’t all too bad, it might be something you’re willing or put up with. But if your trigger puts you in pain or creates a reaction that lasts for days, it might not be worth it. Eat before you go so that you’re not hungry the entire afternoon (and hangry, resentful, etc.)

Bring something you can eat

Going to cookouts while having food sensitivities can make you feel excluded from the fun, so bringing something to share is an easy way to work around this lonely feeling. It also keeps the questions about your empty plate at bay, because no one wants to explain what happens when they eat dairy to 3 strangers. I recommend making one of two things to bring for everyone (or both, if you feel so inclined):

The first is a savory dish that will fill you up or tide you over until your next meal. This should be more of a main dish, like a hearty salad or pasta salad.

The second is the thing you crave at cookouts. I love dessert, so I usually bring something sweet that I can enjoy along with everyone else! One of my favorite summer desserts is this gluten free peach cobbler.

And of course, always let the host know that you’re planning to bring something so that he or she can plan accordingly.

Head to the charcuterie board

Not only are charcuterie boards having a moment, but they’re full of single-ingredient foods. In other words, there’s no mystery involved (except for dips!) From nuts to olives to fruit to cheeses, there’s bound to be something on there that you tolerate.

Pack protein bars or other snacks

In other words, be prepared. You’re just more likely to eat something even though your body disagrees with it if you’re really hungry (that’s just life). It should be something you actually enjoy (don’t try to snack on snap peas and cucumbers if that actually doesn’t sound like fun for you). For me, this means GoMacro or Kate’s Real Food bars and a banana.

Understand your tolerance

For a lot of people, food sensitivities(notallergies!!) are on a spectrum. They can tolerate a little, but not a lot. Maybe a small ¼ cup serving of mac and cheese is okay, but 1 cup would put you over the edge. Additionally, some people can tolerate their food sensitivity prepared one way, but not another. An example of this is cooked vs. raw onions. Once you understand your tolerance, you can gauge your comfort level. Always err on the side of caution if you don’t want to be doubled over in stomach pain (or whatever your reaction is).

But here’s mymuch-needed PSA

These tips shouldn’t be used to keep you “on track” with your diet. If you’re avoiding certain foods you love because you think they’ll keep you from your goals - unless your goal is medically necessary, like diabetes management or blood pressure control - you need to switch up your mindset to one of acceptance and embrace some flexibility. If you love BBQ chicken and are bringing a Think Thin protein bar to eat instead, please put. down. the. protein. bar. Grab your favorite food and load up the rest of your plate with nutritious sides. Food is meant to be enjoyed, especially with family and friends!