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.

Why pollinators matter

Let’s get back to basics for a minute. Much like humans, plants can’t reproduce without fertilization (ahem). Plants are fertilized via pollen, which is moved from one part of the flower of a plant to another. This pollen is moved by pollinators, which are organisms like bees, birds, beetles, wasps, bats, butterflies, and moths.

Foods such as tomatoes, avocados, blueberries, almonds, apples, and cashews, and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg, are all dependent on the quiet work of pollinators. In fact, one out of every three bites of food we consume relies on pollination.

berries

According to Beyond Pesticides, “since 2006, honey bees and pollinators in the U.S. and throughout the world have experienced ongoing and rapid population declines. In the U.S., over 40% of honey bees are being lost each year.” This crisis, largely unbeknownst to most people, threatens the stability of ecosystems, the economy, and our food supply.

Pollinator populations, and especially honey bees, are threatened by harmful pesticides like neonicotinoids – also known as neonics. This pesticide works by affecting the central nervous system of insects, resulting in paralysis and death.

Neonics are widely used in agriculture and gardens, and can be found in many home and garden products. Once it’s applied, it contaminates pollen and nectar and can be persistent, meaning it does not decompose and remains in the environment for a long time. Neonics are especially threatening to honey bees and can kill entire colonies. Because bees have low fecundity – meaning they lack the ability to reproduce rapidly or in large numbers – they’re susceptible to local extinction. Aside from pesticide use, pollinators are also threatened by habitat loss, climate change, parasites, and diseases.

Thankfully, there’s opportunities for us to help protect pollinators. As individuals, we can:

Commit to buying and eating organic
Plant pollinator-friendly habitat in our yards
Ask elected officials to end the use of neonic pesticides
And even raise bees ourselves

And if you don’t have your own garden but want to check out some pollinator-friendly habitat, you can head over to the Smithsonian’s Pollinator Garden on the east side of the National Museum of Natural History. Or, you know, check it out regardless because plants are great and we hope you love them like we do at V+B.