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.

The Best Covid-Safe, Outdoor Workouts Around DC This Winter

Winter is coming, and even though Coronavirus cases are spiking, that doesn’t mean we have to hibernate all season. (But please follow all CDC guidelines: wash your hands, wear a mask and stay home if you're experiencing any symptoms!) Exercise is one of the best tools we have to reduce risk of illness, so with the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing and flu season in full swing, staying active—and according to the NIH, especially outdoors—is absolutely key. If your at-home workout routine feels stale, check out these outdoor classes from DC-area fitness studios. As required per city mandates, social distancing is always in effect, and masks are required while working out.

Need some motivation to restart your workout routine? We've got some tips on that here.

Team Training with Cut Seven

Locations: Dock5: 1309 5th St. NE | Open-air facility: 1820 14th St. NW

Cut Seven is a high-intensity interval group training studio that focuses on different muscle groups each day, providing “the precision of personal training with the motivation of a team setting”. It now hosts morning classes at Union Market’s Dock5, where there are more than 12,000 square feet of space and open-air from a wall of garage doors, as well as on 14th Street where there's a fully open-air workout space.

Vinyasa Yoga with Flow Yoga

Location: House of the Temple: 1733 16th St. NW | National Cathedral: 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Flow Yoga is a locally owned wellness studio that offers yoga and pilates classes ranging from calming to energetic. In addition to virtual classes, it’s now offering outdoor classes at House of the Temple and in the Amphitheater of the National Cathedral on Saturdays.

Outdoor Boxing with Urban Boxing

Locations: Arlington: 3701 N. Fairfax Drive | Bethesda: 4834 Cordell Ave. | DC: 1116 24th St. NW

Urban Boxing brings together high-energy fitness and self defense in a fun, encouraging workout. The trainers deliver fast-paced cardio and strength training, while educating you on boxing technique development. Currently, all locations (Arlington, Bethesda and DC) offer outdoor classes that utilize surrounding space just outside of the studios. Bonus: your first class is free.

Strength Training with Next Phase

Locations: Bethesda: 7610 Old Georgetown Rd, Plaza Level | Arlington: 2009 14th St. N

Next Phase takes a comprehensive approach to strength training, combining four modalities—strength, hypertrophy, power and endurance—that rotate on a weekly basis. This diverse approach makes sure you don’t plateau and keeps you progressing. The studios are offering classes outside just steps from their normal studios in Bethesda and Arlington.

Bootcamp Workouts with Body By Ginny

Location: Classes held in parks across Arlington and McLean (details here)

Body by Ginny has been offering group workout classes outdoors since 2003. Ginny and her team of instructors offer classes that focus on either upper body (free weights and bodyweight), lower body (cardio and plyometric drills), abs/core (Pilates and yoga) or flexibility (regular stretching). Your first class is free, and once you become a member you can join any class at any location.

202Strong

Location: 12077 Nebel St., North Bethesda (parking lot)

The Signature Class at 202Strong is a 45-minute full body workout that includes a strength cycle (think lifting barbells) and a 15-minute high-intensity circuit to help improve speed, power and coordination. If you feel comfortable, there are also socially distanced indoor classes available at the DC location.

Yoga with Mimi Reiger Yoga

Location: Yours Truly DC, 1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW

Mimi Reiger Yoga sets out to “strengthen your body, nourish your soul and celebrate community”. Reiger, rated D.C. City Paper’s best yoga teacher in the city, along with her cadre of other instructors, offers a solid line-up of virtual offerings, as well as regular outdoor yoga at Yours Truly DC on the expansive lobby-level patio deck, allowing for safe social distancing between mats.

Dance Classes with 305

Locations: Union Market Rooftop: 1309 5th Ave. NE | Manhattan Laundry Alley: 1328 Florida Ave. NW

The 45-minute DJ-fueled dance-cardio classes from 305 Fitness have a cult following, and have been held outdoors for months, and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. The studio doubles up on social-distancing measures with students anchored 15 feet apart.

Spin Classes with SoulCycle

Locations: DC: Union Market 1309 5th St. NE | Rockville: 5701 Marinelli Rd.

SoulCycle’s signature high-intensity spin instruction is now available at the SoulOutside “studio” under a tent with mask-optional classes that require a pre-workout temperature check. The playlist is pumped through a silent-disco audio system. The schedule opens on Mondays at noon for the following week.