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Chances are if you opened whatever form of Social Media you use (and you are health conscious) you have likely seen a beautiful and bright fruit/granola filled bowl that looks a million times better than that protein shake you had this morning for breakfast.That my friends is an Acai Bowl in full force. The Acai Berry is super popular and for good reason - the fatty acid profile of the Acai Berry closely resembles Olive Oil - rich in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. The good fat! Yes, it is still a berry with sugar so let’s not go completely nuts, but these guys offer a powerful nutrient profile.Let’s take a look at the 5 of our favorite Acai Bowls in Miami.

1. JugoFresh: Sana de Rana Bowl is “Good Vibrations” Served Fresh

Packed with protein and blended with almond milk, banana, apple, coconut meat, almond butter, chia seed, spirulina, maca, mesquite, chlorella, raw honey, crunchy super berry coconut cashew topping and bee pollen. If you don’t feel better after gulping this sucker then... grab another!Chlorella is so underrated and I don’t get why, because this blue-green algae is bursting with protein. 3 tbsp. has 16 grams! Also, Chlorella is a wonderful source of iron for my vegan friends out there and is a great source of zinc (immunity). What are you waiting for? Grab Chlorella nowwww people!

2. Raw Republic: PB + A Bowl

Acai, banana, almond milk, peanut butter, topped with granola, cacao nibs, and banana. Other fav is the Tropical Utopia Acai, mixed berries, banana, almond milk, topped with granola, blueberry, and bee pollen. Bee pollen? Yes, Bee pollen. Why you ask? A common holistic remedy used worldwide, bee pollen contains 200+ nutrients in its composition with ~40% of that being protein!Raw Republic's Home base location is in Aventura with a new North Miami Beach spot. Raw Republic offers cold-pressed juices, detox cleanses, smoothies, raw desserts and vegan grab-and-go bites.

3. Ten Fruits: PB Acai Bowl

This Downtown Miami menu is full of fresh pressed juices and blended smoothies. The PB Acai Bowl is packed with organic acai, banana, peanut butter, omega-3 and apple juice topped with hemp granola, banana and raw cacao nibs.

4. DIRT: Does it Again

Put simply, the “Acai bowl” kills the acai bowl game. Simple, yet unique, this bowl is blended with almond milk, banana, mixed berries, mango and ½ a bulletproof ball topped with coconut, banana, blueberries house made granola and chia seeds.So what is a bulletproof ball? Well, it’s made with Bulletproof XCT oil - a natural extract from coconut oil and a nice energy source! Oh, it also has organic protein powder, DIRT house made granola and dark chocolate. YUM!

5. Pura Vida: Another SOBE Gem

Signature Acai - Pura Vida’s famous acai bowl made with raw organic Brazilian acai and banana blended into a smooth puree, topped with granola and fresh seasonal fruit. But if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Dragon Fruit with Raw organic dragon fruit blended with banana, topped with mango, kiwi, bananas, granola, almonds and coconut.

Eating out and staying fit is really not as much of a struggle as it used to be. Now, even going to a baseball game won’t put a damper on your healthy eating pattern! Sporting event’s concessions typically include what I like to call “sometimes foods,” - sometimes we have been doing so well - working out and eating right - that we don’t want to let a little baseball game rain on our parade right?! So, I put together these 5 tips to help you stay healthy while watching our fish!

1. Section 26 - Gluten Sensitive?

No problem. Marlins Park makes life that much easier for you by offering an entire concession stocked with gluten-free goodies for all my friends avoiding gluten like the plague. But are we even shocked? 1 in 133 Americans ~ 1% of the population in the United States has Celiac Disease and it is estimated that 83% are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all! It kinda makes you want to check out the GF stand next time you’re munchin’ on a hot dog and not feeling so hot by the 7th inning.

2. Section 5 - But If You Absolutely Must Dog…

Try the ‘Miami Mex Taco Dog’ because at least there are some veggies involved, and they switched out the bun for a little tortilla. Sometimes foods, remember? It works.

3. Section 27 - Taste of Miami

Except you won’t be stopping by this stand for a Cuban sandwich, you will be stuffing your face with fresh fish ceviche, yum! I love a solid ceviche, and with hot, sticky summer weather coming up, this dish is the perfect snack while watching the fish. Watching the fish while eating fish - is that too much?

4. Section 18 - Shine Bright at Diamond Juice Bar

The Diamond Juice Bar is a nice option for a hot summer day at the park. They offer fresh blended smoothies and juices made with 100% fruits and vegetables and no preservatives or added sugars (the best part). This is a wonderful alternative to the “lemonade” slushes (aka sugar rushes) that you so readily see at sporting events.

5. At Your Seats – Get Your Peanuts!

Yes, these guys want you to get your peanuts, and for good reason! While not technically a nut (actually a legume, and not the point) these babies pack a nutrient punch. Just a one ounce serving of peanuts provides 161 calories, 16.1g of fat - the good kind (6.9g MUFA and 4.4g PUFA), and 62 mg phytosterols plus 2.4 g of fiber! Now that may be like reading hieroglyphics to some of you, but plain and simple; getttttttt your peanuts! They’re much more nutrient dense than your chili cheese dog / chili cheese nachos - don’t do those - just sayin’.

You would have to had been living under a rock to not notice the brunch explosion that has taken place in Miami over recent years. With the top Miami restaurants picking up on the trend, how are we supposed to choose?Better yet, how can we brunch healthfully at the same time? Well, I’ve made it easy for you by listing out the top 10 healthiest brunches in the magic city (in no particular order) – which one will you hit up first?!Noa Café – Got me feeling some sort of way!This little spot is located just off the hustle and bustle of Biscayne Blvd. and around the corner from the Midtown Shops on NE 2nd Ave. With a focus on Mediterranean cuisine, I was delighted by the shashuka and had the best salmon burger ever. Get there early on weekends - it can fill up quickly!2711 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33137Blue Collar: MIMO's Reining ChampBlue Collar prides itself not only on a daily rotation of braised dishes but also on an unprecedented variety of vegetables. The food is so well made, real and with no frills. Brunch here is a hit so don't be surprised if you have to wait, it will be worth it. The menu boasts Artichoke Benedict with Artichoke Hearts, Ciabatta, Lemon Aioli, a solid Smoked Salmon Benedict and a lovely Veggie Scramble with Broccoli, Asparagus, Provolone, San Marzano Tomato. Get there early and enjoy!6730 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33138Beaker & Gray- Wynwood Gem Perfect location for brunch before checking out the Wynwood Walls. Chef Brian N. is knocking it right out of the park with my favorite dish the Granola, Ricotta, Black Mission Fig and Puffed Rice. Check out the Heirloom Tomato and the Kale and Eggs. Can I get a Kale Yeah?!2637 N. Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33127DIRT- but yet so clean Vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten free… shall I go on? I love DIRT. Not only are they “healthifying” South Beach, but I also think its so important to know exactly what the nutritional impact is for the foods we eat. Which is why I love that DIRT provides the macro breakdown for every item on their menu, making it that much easier for those of us who are counting ;)232 5th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139Michaels Genuine- Hall of Fame’rMichaels is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Miami. Although there are definitely some sweet and savory goodies don’t be fooled, Michaels raw bar, kimchi benedict, cured salmon and citrus salad will satisfy the health food junkie without a doubt.130 N.E. 40th ST.Miami, FL 33137[caption id="attachment_2045" align="alignnone" width="2048"]

Three Sisters Farm[/caption]Three Sisters Farm- Do you even organic?! Are you really eating organic if it’s not on the farm? The Three Sisters Farm holds a monthly brunch in which they prepare delicious dishes featuring their produce and fruits grown on the farm. Events are held at their tiki space overlooking the entire greenery.S.W. 248th St., Homestead, FL 33031Jar + Fork – Downtown destinationWell made, great tasting and good for you. GET THE CURRY BOWL and SIT OUTSIDE… ‘nuff said.270 E. Flagler St., Miami, FL 33131Juice and Java: Oldie and still a goodie Juice and Java never disappoints, with three locations in Miami , two in Avenutra and one on South Beach. I love the Liquid Breakfast and Breakfast Wrap combo. They also have one of the most extensive smoothie menu’s I’ve ever seen.www.juiceandjava.comPoint Royal: Buffet on Point!Hallandale Beach is basically Aventura, so Point Royal at the newly renovated Diplomat makes the cut. This brunch buffet boasts a full salad bar, full cheese and salmon board and yogurt fruit bar, which when I visited was topped with lychee compote. Brunch doesn’t have to be a calorie free-for-all and the healthy options on Point Royal show why.3555 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019Eating House- but of course! Would it even be a top restaurant list without mention of Eating House? Didn’t think so. Although famous for their Cap’ N Crunch pancakes, Eating House’s frequently updated menu also boasts some balanced options including most recently their heirloom tomatoes with fish sauce vinaigrette, peanuts and frozen coconut milk, the Little Gem Lettuce Wedge with tomato shallot, gorgonzola, and Applewood smoked bacon and the ‘pumpkin spice’ Granola with oats, seeds, fresh/dried fruit and vanilla –maple yogurt.804 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134

All Registered Dietitian Nutritionists have a unique story fueling their passion for health, food and fitness. What better way to end off National Nutrition Month (March) than with an enlightening interview with Erik Bustillo, a Miami Dietitian working with athletes, “being the change” and making his mark in the sports nutrition industry.What inspired you to become a registered dietitian and why a focus in sports/athletes?There were several things that inspired me to become a Registered Dietitian. My family was one, especially my brother. He was the person who planted the seed. I didn’t even know what an R.D. (Registered Dietitian) was until my brother told me about it.The next factor was being able to help people. I definitely believe in #MTWABP! (Making The World a Better Place) and helping folks out with their nutrition, exercise and lifestyle is huge!And the focus on sports/athletes, well… I grew up an athlete and a fan of sports, so working with these individuals is exciting for me! To help them reach their goals and see the fruits of their labor unravel before them is great and rewarding.Which Miami restaurant can we find you at on your days off? I love simple and healthy places. “Diced” in West Miami and “3 Chefs and a Chicken” in the Southwest Miami-Dade area. I also love Pizza (confessions of a Dietitian/Guyititian [male dietitian]), Sushi Joe for my sushi, Havana Harrys for my Cuban fix, and if I’m feeling a nice indulgence, Prime 112 on South Beach.How do you find balance? I stand on 2 feet and sometimes just open stance a little wider. But if you mean in life, between loved ones, changing people’s lives in my career/multiple jobs/businesses, making time to train myself, hanging with my pup, and just doing nothing sometimes… I prioritize.Where we focus our attention, that’s where our power goes. So doing things in order of importance to me really helps stay on track. And some days are “off days” where things are out of my control, but it’s all a matter of getting back on track.What is one thing athletes need to know about nutrition that they often neglect?Making it as much of a priority as your training! Without proper nutrition, a speedy recovery is impossible.We have to ask... favorite sport and team?I love most sports, but if I had to pick one, Basketball & Football; Miami Heat & Miami Dolphins. Couldn’t pick just one and had to represent Miami!What's your dream job?Traveling the world giving lectures (to students, companies or anyone who wants to be better than they currently are) on nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and making the world around us better, one moment at a time.And seeing what the world has to offer. We’re blessed to have this planet as our playground. That’s my “dream job.” But what I’m doing now is pretty damn awesome. Shout out to Dr. Steven Schnur (and the rest of the gang) at Elite Health/Elite FitForever.Tips for other aspiring sports dietitians?Be compassionate and truly care about what you’re doing and who you’re helping. You have to want to improve someone’s life with quality information. And join the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It’s a great organization with so many amazing people to learn from.Most definitely work hard and do not give up. Sounds cliché, but hard work ALWAYS pays off, and giving up is true failure. So try, do, and succeed. And use my hashtag #MTWABP! Because that’s a simple reminder to do great things and change the world.

We all can use some help when it comes to keeping us in line with our health and fitness goals. How did we live without smart phones and apps to get us through?! Check out these five easy and super helpful health, food and nutrition apps you gotta download today!

1. FOODUCATE

Learn what is in your food, track the quality not just quantity of your calories, monitor your fitness goals and get motivated! Fooducate features popular diet plans including: low carb, paleo and also provides GMO warnings along with weekly health and diet tips. Avoiding gluten? Not a problem, Fooducate’s premium feature helps to uncover gluten and other allergens hiding in your food and allows you to choose allergen free alternatives. This app really tracks what you are eating!

2. QUICK + EASY RECIPES FROM SPARK PEOPLE

The name says it all, quick and easy access to simple recipes at any time. Get access to healthy meals on your table in minutes provided by top- rated recipes for breakfasts, salads, dinners, easy soups and balanced sweet treats. All of the recipes call for simple and nutritious ingredients to help you cook healthfully and clean. Best part is these quick recipes can all be ready in under 30 minutes or less! Other perks include recipe ratings and nutritional breakdown of every recipe including calories, fat, carbs and protein. Love this app!

3. MY FITNESS PAL

The holy grail of free fitness apps. Why? The fastest and easiest-to-use calorie counter for iOS, with the largest food database by far (over 5,000,000 foods) and amazingly fast and easy food and exercise entry. With just 5 minutes per day you can view and track your diet and exercise. My Fitness Pal is so easy to log your foods because it remembers your favorites and you can add multiple foods at once. Huge perk is the My Fitness Pal connects with over 50 other devices including Fitbit and Apple Health.For all the meal prep cooks out there, the recipe importer lets you add your favorite recipes from the web to the app in one tap. Other perks include a built in step tracker and barcode scanner and chart graphs to view how far you have come.

4. (NOT) RECIPES BY FOOD 52

Foodies rejoice because this app is for us! Founded in 2009 by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs, home cooks who formerly worked for The New York Times, (Not)Recipes for iOS is a new way to find—and share—cooking ideas and inspiration using photos. (Not)Recipes brings you into a community of home cooks and their kitchens to see how they can eat well on the daily through real time photos and helpful descriptions. You won’t find any recipes here, but you will find descriptions on how the meal was made. Almost like Instagram just for food posts but with positivity and feedback from a like-minded community.

5. MY WATER BALANCE

Absolutely love this app – great display and functionality with easy options for adding other items of fluid intake, including water, juice, beer and wine.From flushing out toxins to digestion, water is essential to good health. Fluid needs vary from on individual and lifestyle. My Water Balance helps to determine your water requirement, provides reminders and motivational awards and most importantly it is EASY. Open the app, add your water or fluid intake and continue on with your day!

Don't sacrifice nutrition for convenience. Here are 5 tips to snacking in between meals.

1. Combine your Macronutrients

A nice snack consists of healthy a source of carbohydrate, protein and fat. Eating in this manner helps to keep you fuller for longer, especially in between meals so you are not starving at your next meal. Here are a few examples to try: apple + nut butter or trail mix (but try to get sulfite free dried fruit) the less additives the better!

2. Meal Prep

Create a snack list to keep from getting bored week after week. Some people have adapted Sunday’s as their meal prep day but it can be whatever day works best for you. Any time that you have during the week to cook and organize your breakfasts, snacks and lunches for the work week. Lists work people, they are great! Write it down, put it in words and make it happen. The hectic work week it’s much easier once you don’t have to worry about buying breakfast, or lunch every day or worse, skipping the meal all together.

*Video: How to Make Your Sunday Meal Prep More Interesting*

3. Be Mindful

Of hunger cues- meaning you do not always absolutely, positively need to have a snack. You also do not have to wait until your stomach is grumbling loudly for the whole office to hear either. Being mindful means that you stop and think a minute before you stuff that pastelito down your face after lunch. Ask yourself, am I satisfied? Am I overly stuffed? Did I not eat enough? Take a second to listen to how your body is responding after a meal. You do not have to eat 2 -3 hours after a meal if you are still feeling full. If that is the case, then think back to what you ate and make adjustments to that meal to help to not feel so uncomfortably full next time.

4. Use your protein wisely

Choose a protein powder with the least amount of ingredients possible and no artificial sweeteners. Vegan or plant proteins are great options. Combine with unsweetened almond or cashew milk and a half of banana or favorite berry for an antioxidant boost.

*5 Healthy Meal Delivery Services in Miami*

5. Not 5th meal

It is a snack my friends, not a lunch before your lunch. It is a misconception that if you snack you will gain weight. When in doubt think KISS- keep it simple stupid. Snacking excessively and inappropriately (choosing the wrong types or times) is where many go wrong. Everyone’s energy/calorie needs will vary, for most a nice snack can be around 100-140 calories. It is a snack; it should be simple. A quick few bites, not a Chipotle rice bowl before (or after) dinner.

Eating healthy can be a serious undertaking even for those dedicated to living a healthy and fit lifestyle. Expensive grocery store trips and long Sunday meal preps inevitably lead to the same meals far too often. The folks over at Eat Clean Meal Delivery are changing that with one of the best tasting affordable meal plans in Miami delivered right to your door.Eat Clean Meal Delivery offers five types of meal plans – traditional, athlete, paleo, vegetarian and vegan. Each plan is customizable to fit your budget and goals. For example, you can have three paleo meals, 6-days a week, for only $9 a meal, which is very reasonable.

*Read: Healthy Meal Delivery Services in Miami - Part 1*

For vegetarians out there, your morning could start off with delicious almond pancakes and fresh fruit. Lunch might consist of a CranApple Kale Burger, with Asian Sesame Meatless Meatballs served for dinner.

*Read: Healthy Meal Delivery Services in Miami - Part 2*

Meat eaters looking for a Paleo meal plan, your day might start with a bacon n' egg frittata, filet mignon for lunch, and BBQ pulled pork for dinner.Like to snack between meals? Eat Clean Meal Delivery has you covered, with a whole menu of healthy snacks, vegan and paleo desserts and cold pressed juices to wash everything down.For more info on Eat Clean Meal Delivery, visit http://www.eatcleantogo.com/.

Aside from a few fast food joints whose anonymity I'll protect in spite of their 'Crimes Against Nutrition;' most restaurants have healthy options IF you order wisely.Personally I'm a fan of the '80-20 Rule.' 80% of the time I try to make sensible choices when it comes to my diet. I think about portion size, where ingredients are sourced and how my food is prepared. I avoid ingesting anything that sounds like it was cooked in a Pyrex chem-lab beaker and also steer clear of ingredients that require extensive Googling (i.e. "What is Butylated Hydroxytolune and should I be concerned that it's in my cereal AND in jet fuel?!) The remaining 20% of the time, well I loosen the reigns and try to chill the F out, because life's about balance, moderation and enjoyment!Now unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know that the Brickell City Centre has finally opened its doors. And with this dawn of a new Brickell-era comes tons of swanky new restaurants. So as long as you're a conscientious order'er and know when to implement discipline and restraint and when to just go for it, you, 305'ers, are now spoiled for some seriously healthy and tasty choices!American HarvestAmerican Harvest is a farmhouse-inspired restaurant that offers diners modern interpretations of timeless, multi-ethnic, comfort cooking classics. But don't let the word 'comfort' conjure up images of greasy eggs or an emotional eater in hysterics weeping into their fork! Quite the contrary!Dishes are made from scratch with high quality, responsibly sourced ingredients that come from local and regional purveyors, farmers and foragers (and who doesn't want to eat foraged food? AM-I-RIGHT!?!) So with a focus on all things unrefined and unprocessed, not only are you going to chow down on something that tastes good, but you're going to get food that's as close to its natural form as possible!Notable dishes: Harvest Cobb Salad with a side of No Mayo Chicken Salad or Sustainable Tuna

Big Easy Winebar & GrillHailing from South Africa's Western Cape region, golfing legend Ernie Els has lent his nickname "Big Easy," (based on his easygoing personality and effortless golf swing) to one of Brickell's newest restaurants. While the wine selection is expansive, the grill features an outstanding selection of small dishes inspired by Ernie's South African heritage. Ingredients are fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed and the unique dishes fill a culinary gap in the market (unless you know another Brickell-based South African-inspired eatery that I've missed!)Notable Dishes: Cape Malay Seafood Pot with Nigerian Prawns and anything with their fresh-from-the-farm heirloom tomatoes

Dr SmoodDr Smood is ideal for the über-health conscience or those just jumping on the nutritional bandwagon. Their approach is more along the lines of using food as "functional medicine," meanings they focus on the science 'behind' the ingredients that make up their dishes. Each salad, sandwich and drink has been thoughtfully designed to effectively fuel the body and maximise its absorption of key nutrients, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, proteins and/or fats.To help guide you through what may initially feel like an overwhelmingly large menu, everything is categorised into six focal areas, or "moods" - Power, Beauty, Immunity, Detox, Energy and Health. That's why they call it SMOOD "Smart Food For A Good Mood!"Notable Dishes: Non-Dairy Probiotic Yogurt with Coconut Kefir and any of their Superfood SaladsLuke's LobsterFor seafood lovers, Luke's Lobster brings it to you straight from the source - the source being directly from Fishermen and "Lobstermen" (yah that's a new word for me too). What this means is that from claws to tails, you can trace your meal's exact origins back to the very dock from which it came! Pretty cool right?! While Luke's food is what my husband would refer to as "badass," I'd like to add that Luke's commitment to sourcing superior, sustainable ingredients and supporting small businesses is equally "bad ass!"Notable Dishes: Lobster Roll and the Tail and Kale SaladPubbelly SushiPubbelly Sushi is a Japanese tapas-style restaurant. So if you're like me and tend to unsubtly suggest your friends and family order the stuff you 'actually' want to eat but don't want to commit to ordering because you're trying to eat healthy but still want to pick off their plates - well, PROBLEM SOLVED! Everything is designed to be shared!So go with a few friends and order up a storm to maximise variety! A party of four means that on each small plate you'll probably get one generous sized bite of something packed with serious flavour and complexity. Balance it all off with simple sides like steamed baby bok choy or with some fresh, high quality sashimi.Notable Dishes: Tuna Pizza and Octopus Ceviche

Santa Fe News & EspressoRestaurants seem to pass out WiFi passwords with their menus, as phone use during meals has become ubiquitous in the modern age. 'Video Killed The Radio Star' but has the Internet Killed Books and Magazines? NOPE, not at Santa Fe News & Espresso!They have tons of local, national and international newspapers and magazines that 305'ers can flip through while they eat. The restaurant is feels bright, airy and clean (as restaurants should), so you don't feel like your table-predecessor left bits of his meal in your mag! This menu seems to have every ingredient known to man, tons of cold pressed juices and the pièce de résistance......wait for it....... a Fro-Yo machine! FINALLY BRICKELL!Notable Dishes: Apple, Mango and Hearts of Palm SaladTacologyTacology is a Mexican concept a "Mercado" where you can find traditional tacos, ceviches, tostadas, juices, salads and more. The high-end taquería hasn't opened its doors just yet, so the burning question of whether staff will be called 'Tacologists,' (experts in the Science and Theory of Tacos) remains a mystery! But if it's anything like it's neighbouring BCC restaurants, patrons are in for something special!So whether you need a break from shopping, have popped out of the office for a quick lunch or want to spend an evening enjoying a leisurely meal with friends and family, Brickell City Centre's restaurants have tons of options that do NOT require a nutritional sacrifice!

Designed to be a community hangout with coffee, breakfast, drinks, sandwiches and pastries with an upstairs creative space perfect for wellness classes and designer pop-ups, the team behind New York City’s The Smile has joined forces with David Grutman and developer Craig Robins to open OTL in the Miami Design District. The two-story, 7,000-square-foot restaurant and café is located at 160 NE 40th Street, in the pedestrian neighborhood, home to more than 60 flagship stores, design showrooms, restaurants, galleries and cultural experiences.

OTL is both comfortable and cultural, and deeply rooted in the local community. The second floor will be used for a variety of programming, from yoga classes and meditation to interactive panel discussions, designer pop-up shops, and much more. OTL will feature ultra high-speed internet and both indoor and outdoor seating, encouraging patrons to treat the space as their creative headquarters in the District.

“All the partners of OTL are bringing what we do best to the table to ensure this is a winning concept,” said David Grutman, owner of LIV, Story and Komodo. “The Smile team knows how to create a welcoming, casual space with great food. Craig Robins will bring his expertise in art and design, and I’m excited to bring fresh content to the programming and event space of the restaurant. This is the perfect concept to expand my footprint even further and become a part of the Design District.”

OTL will serve breakfast, light fare, snacks and a happy hour. The menu will feature organic food available on-the-go or to-stay, for those looking to sit and make the most of the vibrant destination. Breakfast items include healthy options such as granola, avocado toast, eggs and fruit. Sandwiches are served on freshly-made Zak the Baker bread. Salad ingredients, wraps and pastries will also be locally sourced.

"When opening our restaurants we've always been drawn to artistic communities, and the Miami Design District was exciting to us for this reason," said Matt Kliegman co-owner and operator of The Smile.

"We really admire what Craig [Robins] has done with the District, where art is on view at every turn, and we hope OTL will become a place in the neighborhood where locals and visitors feel free to enjoy a meal, get work done or just unwind and hang out," added Carlos Quirarte, co-owner of The Smile.

OTL’s design is an approachable yet luxurious environment. Designed by Deft Union, a design and custom fabrication studio that creates commercial interiors, custom furniture and architectural installations. The open space has earthy tones, ample comfortable seating and hints of marble. The design accents subtly nod to Miami’s Cuban-influenced culture.

“The idea of being out to lunch not literally, but in a metaphysical way, drove a lot of the design intent,” said Michael Dolatowski, one of the three principals of Deft Union. “We wanted to create a space that would invite people to day dream.” Other Deft Union principals include Taylor Kienholz and Craig Hamlin.

Located in the core of Miami’s Design District, OTL will also feature a number of dynamic pieces of art. Currently on display are two vibrant pieces that resemble magnetized bullet holes by Nate Lowman named “Pink Altima” and “Green Altima.”

"We're thrilled to have David Grutman bring his particular brand of magic to the District, and to welcome The Smile guys to Miami with their first project in Florida. They share a real understanding of what makes a great neighborhood restaurant, a place that people want to visit time and time again," Robins says. "Enjoying good coffee and food in a comfortable setting provides a break from the daily grind. This new concept is going to be the soul of the Design District. OTL is set to be a hub for locals and visitors who want a bit of culture with their coffee."

For more information, visit www.OTLMIA.com.

Whole Foods Market’s has recently announced trends to watch in 2017. Wellness tonics, products from byproducts and purple foods are just a few top predictions according to the trend-spotters, who share more than 100 years of combined experience in sourcing products and tracking consumer preferences.Whole Foods Market’s top 10 trends for 2017 include:

• Wellness Tonics – The new year will usher in a new wave of tonics, tinctures and wellness drinks that go far beyond the fresh-pressed juice craze. The year’s hottest picks will draw on beneficial botanicals and have roots in alternative medicine and global traditions.Buzzed-about ingredients include kava, Tulsi/holy basil, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, medicinal mushrooms (like reishi and chaga), and adaptogenic herbs (maca and ashwagandha). Kor Organic Raw Shots, Suja Drinking Vinegars and Temple Turmeric Elixirs are just a few products leading the trend.

• Products from Byproducts – Whether it’s leftover whey from strained Greek yogurt or spent grains from beer, food producers are finding innovative – and delicious – ways to give byproducts new life.Eco-Olea is using water from its olive oil production as the base for a household cleaner line; condiment brand Sir Kensington’s is repurposing leftover liquid from cooking chickpeas in a vegan mayo; and Atlanta Fresh and White Moustache are using leftover whey from yogurt production to create probiotic drinks.

• Coconut Everything – Move over coconut oil and coconut water – coconut flour tortillas, coconut sugar aminos and more unexpected coconut-based products are on the rise. Virtually every component of this versatile fruit-nut-seed (coconuts qualify for all three!) is being used in new applications. The sap is turned into coconut sugar as an alternative to refined sweeteners; the oil is used in a growing list of natural beauty products; and the white flesh of the coconut is now in flours, tortillas, chips, ice creams, butters and more.New picks like coconut flour Paleo wraps, 365 Everyday Value® Fair Trade coconut chips and Pacifica Blushious Coconut & Rose Infused Cheek Color demonstrate coconut’s growing range.

• Japanese Food, Beyond Sushi – Japanese-inspired eating is on the rise and it doesn’t look anything like a sushi roll. Long-celebrated condiments with roots in Japanese cuisine, like ponzu, miso, mirin, sesame oil and plum vinegar are making their way from restaurant menus to mainstream American pantries. Seaweed is a rising star as shoppers seek more varieties of the savory greens, including fresh and dried kelp, wakame, dulse and nori, while farmhouse staples like Japanese-style pickles will continue to gain popularity.The trend will also impact breakfast and dessert, as shoppers experiment with savory breakfast bowl combinations and a growing number of mochi flavors like green tea and matcha, black sesame, pickled plum, yuzu citrus and Azuki bean. This is playing out in products like 365 Everyday Value® Sweet Sabi mustard, Republic of Tea’s new Super Green Tea Matcha blends and recipes like Coconut Mochi Cakes.

• Creative Condiments – From traditional global recipes to brand new ingredients, interesting condiments are taking center stage. Once rare and unfamiliar sauces and dips are showing up on menus and store shelves.Look for black sesame tahini, habanero jam, ghee, Pomegranate Molasses, black garlic purée, date syrup, plum jam with chia seeds, beet salsa, Mexican hot chocolate spreads, sambal oelek or piri piri sauce, Mina Harissa, and Frontera Adobo Sauces (Ancho, Chipotle and Guajillo varieties).

• Rethinking Pasta – Today’s pastas are influenced less by Italian grandmothers and more by popular plant-based and clean-eating movements. Alternative grain noodles made from quinoa, lentils and chickpeas (which also happen to be gluten-free) are quickly becoming favorites, while grain-free options like spiralized veggies and kelp noodles are also on the rise. That said, more traditional fresh-milled and seasonal pastas are having a moment too, which means pasta is cruising into new territories with something for everyone.

• Purple Power – Richly colored purple foods are popping up everywhere: purple cauliflower, black rice, purple asparagus, elderberries, acai, purple sweet potatoes, purple corn and cereal. The power of purple goes beyond the vibrant color and often indicates nutrient density and antioxidants.Back to the Roots Purple Corn Cereal, Jackson’s Honest Purple Heirloom Potato Chips, Que Pasa Purple Corn Tortilla Chips, Love Beets and Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes are all examples of this fast-growing trend.

• On-the-Go Beauty – “Athleisure” is not just a fashion trend; the style is now being reflected in natural beauty products, too. With multitasking ingredients and simple applications, natural beauty brands are blurring the line between skincare and makeup products, and simplifying routines by eliminating the need for special brushes or tools.Trending products include Mineral Fusion 3-in-1 Color Stick, Well People Universalist Multi-Stick and Spectrum Essentials Organic Coconut Oil Packet.

• Flexitarian – In 2017, consumers will embrace a new, personalized version of healthy eating that’s less rigid than typical vegan, Paleo, gluten-free and other “special diets” that have gone mainstream. For instance, eating vegan before 6 p.m., or eating Paleo five days a week, or gluten-free whenever possible allows consumers more flexibility. Instead of a strict identity aligned with one diet, shoppers embrace the “flexitarian” approach to making conscious choices about what, when and how much to eat.Growing demand for products like 365 Everyday Value® Riced Cauliflower (used for clean-eating favorites like gluten-free pizza crusts), Epic Bison Apple Cider Bone Broth and Forager Cashew Yogurt point to growth in this clean-eating category.
• Mindful Meal Prep – People aren’t just asking themselves what they’d like to eat, but also how meals can stretch their dollar, reduce food waste, save time and be healthier. Trends to watch include the “make some/buy some,” approach, like using pre-cooked ingredients from the hot bar to jumpstart dinner, or preparing a main dish from scratch and using frozen or store-bought ingredients as sides.

The uber popular, healthy fast-food concept, Dr. Smood, is expanding their South Florida presence to close out 2016, with three new locations planned in Sunset Harbour, Brickell City Centre and the Aventura Mall.“The ‘rapid expansion’ of our Dr. Smood concept actually ties in with the ‘rapid demand’ from our fellow citizens of Miami,” says Dr. Smood partner, Kasper Kriby. “The positive reception of our concept by the city of Miami has made us put the foot on the gas pedal, to basically being able to fulfill our main vision, which is to being able to offer Smart Food to as many people possible.”Smart Food is exactly what Dr. Smood delivers. Their cafes are stocked with organic salads, sandwiches and small meals, all delivering on their ‘food with benefits’ promise. Every item at Dr. Smood is color-coded based on six health benefits, including immunity, energy, general health, beauty, detox, and power.

The spaces at the new locations will all be similar in concept, yet designed specifically to meet space needs. “The first 5 cafes will be conceptually identical, including the Live bar operation, a fully stocked fridge with even more exiting recipe’s that is freshly produced overnight in our commissary facilities as well as an even bigger selection of products in our Smood Markets,” says Kriby. “Our mantra is to be serving the healthiest food to everybody – that being for people who feels like hanging out in the cafes or with the need of healthy grab and go food. We want to cater everybody and we plan to keep it like that going forward.”The popularity of Dr. Smood doesn’t start and stop with Miami. Interest for additional locations domestically and internationally have popped up, with the team considering New York, South America, Dubai, Europe and Asia in the near future.Kriby adds, “Miami is and will always be where the whole journey began and we are proud of that!”For more information, visit http://www.drsmood.com/.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." No truer words have ever been spoken by Hyppocrates. Food can be medicine, food can be memories and unfortunately, food can also be detrimental to your health. If I tell you that every morsel I put into my body was organic, whole and nutrient rich, that would be a lie. The chicken pot pie in my belly right now would tell you otherwise; however, what I have created in my household is strong sense of responsibility for what we consume, where we shop and how we prepare it. It takes effort and energy, but knowledge is power, and learning how to create dishes with seasonal ingredients and getting your children in the kitchen will spark an important dialogue missing from most American households.

Last week I had the honor of spending the day with Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) Homestead Hospital’s Grow2Heal Community Garden. Thi Squire, the manager and driving force behind the garden, was our hostess for the day. Her passion for education was palpable. As the healthcare landscape is dramatically changing, so is Baptist Health South Florida. BHSF continually strives to shift their focus, and innovate! Today, their main priority is to keep patients out of their hospital beds, and offer the community a tangible resource for success.

The Grow2Heal Community Garden focuses on community and patients to help them make more nutritious choices through whole, fresh produce that is grown on site. Thi drives her message home with passionate discussion on the preventative, healing and medicinal properties of many of the crops she grows on site, including cancer-fighting powerhouses: turmeric and soursop, both of which are used by the hospital for patients. In fact, all of the produce is used by the hospital to provide nutrient dense meals and enhance the ‘Grow Your Lunch’ fieldtrip program.

Last year, Thi hosted over 500 students to encourage healthy eating habits. During their trip to the garden children will get their hands dirty. They will plant seeds, harvest fruits and vegetables, and cook their own lunch under Thi’s guidance. This is farm-to-table dining at its finest. Patients of Homestead hospital also have the opportunity to enjoy freshly grown Sunflowers in their rooms. Sunflowers have been my absolute favorite flower since I was a teenager. They always bring a smile to my face, and I have no doubt they a patients stay a bit brighter too!

At the end of the day, proper nutrition can help manage or prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart failure. The key is to start the children young. The Grow2Heal Community Garden is only a little over a year old, and are always looking for community partners. If you are interested in the garden feel free to reach out for fieldtrip, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, email HHGrow2Heal@baptisthealth.net.The Grow2Heal Community Garden has left a lasting imprint on my heart! Stay tuned for more of Thi’s tips and a recipe straight from our day at the Grow2Heal Community Garden, and make sure to head over to Baptist Health South Florida’s website to read tons of great articles on everything from nutrition to community outreach and medical research.

The South Florida VegFest is heading to Fort Lauderdale's War Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, December 3 from 12 - 6pm. The festival will be celebrating plant-based living and will feature free samples from over 125 vendors. There will be fun for the whole family with chef demonstrations, yoga and fitness classes, kids' activities and live music.

Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased here.

For more information, visit http://southfloridavegfest.com/.

Miami Beach’s favorite farm-to-counter eatery and wellness bar, DIRT, is pleased to announce the opening of its second location in the heart of Miami’s burgeoning Brickell neighborhood. Slated to open in early 2017, the highly anticipated DIRT Mary Brickell Village location will combine high-quality seasonal ingredients and chef-driven cuisine in a fast casual environment, central to DIRT’s “fine food fast” mission.

Co-founder Jeff LaTulippe and Executive Chef and Director of Operations Nicole Votano will oversee operations and culinary development, ensuring the product, vibe, and overall experience maintain the standards that DIRT aficionados have come to know and love in the South of Fifth neighborhood on Miami Beach. “The response we've received in South Beach since opening in November has been overwhelming, and we’re truly honored to have developed an enthusiastic local customer base,” LaTulippe states. “We also know that many of our regular guests live across Biscayne Bay, so we’re extremely excited to make DIRT a more convenient, everyday option for them.”The menu at the DIRT Mary Brickell Village outpost will stay true to DIRT’s seasonal, handcrafted menu, offering crowd favorites such as the Chimayo Chili Bowl, the Curried Cauliflower Bowl, and the DIRTy Steak + Cheese; a daily rotation of fresh traditional, gluten-free, and vegan pastries; and creative, colorful, and seasonal house-made sodas, lemonades, and teas. In addition to these popular mainstays, guests “will definitely see a few new additions to both the food and beverage categories on the menu,” explains Executive Chef and mastermind behind DIRT’s creative menu, Nicole Votano. “We'll also have a much larger grab-and-go area filled with lots of great options that will completely eliminate your wait. Of course, we will continue to support as many local farmers and purveyors as possible (now more than ever with two restaurants to service!)”

Having lived and worked in the Brickell area for years, Chef Nicole has a particular interest and insight into what the neighborhood really needs from DIRT’s second outpost. “One priority we will really focus on in the Brickell location is offering convenient, affordable daily specials that will run during breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” says Chef Nicole. “Energizing breakfast specials will be convenient and portable, making them easy to pick up on your morning commute. Lunch choices will be fast and filling, designed with the ‘on-the-go’ office crowd in mind. At dinner, specials will include familiar classics with a lighter touch, great for enjoying with a glass of wine or local craft beer.”The DIRT Mary Brickell Village's planned operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Delivery will be available throughout the Brickell / Downtown area shortly after opening.

While summer in South Florida may be in full swing, things are about to get a whole lot cooler. This month, healthy lifestyle company Juicense will bring its own unique brand of raw foods and cold-pressed juices to 2992 Mc Farlane Rd. in Coconut Grove.Juicense is the brainchild of nutrition expert Mariana Diez who moved from Washington, D.C., to Miami with the hope of sharing her passion toward conscious wellness. A registered dietitian, she received her training from Georgetown University and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition before beginning her own health practice online.“I have a background business but have always loved cooking and staying healthy,” says Diez. “And when I started taking classes in nutrition, I found myself constantly sharing things with my brother or my friends who probably didn’t care about what I was saying, but they helped me shift jobs and start doing something new.”After moving down to South Florida with her husband, Adrian Moreno, she decided to open Juicense. Diez reached out to experienced members of the health food industry to help create the menu. Traveling back and forth from D.C. and New York City, she met with chefs and other nutritionists who helped guide her in what to do. Unlike most conventional smoothies and juices that sacrifice health for flavor, Juicense's products have been made to optimize your body's biological and chemical reactions.“I wanted to make sure that every ingredient we used had a purpose,” says Diez. “Every juice had to be geared towards something special. Every juice had to help people achieve a certain goal.”With this in mind, Diez chose to label each cold-pressed juice according to the key benefit it provides your body. The names “Keep Me Young,” “Clean Me Up,” “Defenses Up,” and “BFF (Burning Fat Fast)” are meant to help customers choose the juices that are best for them.Juicense will also offer a detox program which will involve cleansing the body not only with juices but also with food. Instead of leaving customers fatigued and disillusioned, the detox program will ensure that the body receives all the necessary nutrients from whole foods so that it continue to thrive during the detoxification process.

n addition to an accessible menu featuring favorites like açaí bowls, cacao chia pudding, power quinoa, and avocado toast, Diez plans to have a health coach behind the counter of Juicense every day. Committed to helping her customers achieve a wholesome lifestyle, she wants to extend some of her previous nutrition practice into the store.“It became too much to continue working from home,” says Diez. “ But there will always be someone here, be it another trained specialist or myself, to help answer any health or food related questions.”Diez hopes the personalized attention each customer receives will set Juicense apart from the other juice bars that exist in Miami. “Juicense will be different from the other places because it will be a community,” says Diez. “This will be a place where people can order something to eat and drink for grab and go, but it will also be somewhere people come in after yoga to talk and make friends. People who come here will support each other.”Juicense will open its doors on July 22 with an official grand opening celebration on August 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. The shop will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.This article originally appeared in the Miami New Times by Nicola Haubold and can be found here.

DeliverLean, one of Florida’s premier gourmet healthy meal delivery services, has teamed up with influential fitness figure Guido Trinidad to create Perfect Fuel, a meal plan that delivers clean, fresh, and healthy balanced meals to meet the macronutrient needs of athletes and anyone looking to eat clean and live a healthier life.Deliveries will start on Monday, July 4, 2016 in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Orlando and Tampa. The service gives athletes and health conscious consumers the opportunity to eat the best food possible in the most convenient way possible – meals are delivered three times a week to energize and fuel busy lifestyles. All meals contain clean complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats and fresh vegetables to create the ultimate balance in nutrition. Restaurant quality meals, made by world class chefs are curated to meet athletes' specific needs in order to perform at the highest level.“As a highly competitive athlete, I had tried many meal delivery services in the last eight years, but none of them addressed the specific nutritional needs of athletes, so I decided to create my own macro based meal plan,” says Co-Creator of Perfect Fuel, Guido Trinidad. “We have one goal in mind: to assist athletes in reaching their maximum potential by eating healthy food delivered right to their front door. We're giving athletes a convenient way to keep their goals, and health in check.”By partnering with DeliverLean, Trinidad was able to create the ultimate meal program for athletes and anyone needing to fuel their active lifestyle. Trinidad has worked with DeliverLean’s Chef Caroline Flynn to develop the meals. Flynn is an accredited chef with a degree from The Natural Gourmet Institute of New York. She has kitchen experience ranging from raw vegan to classic French, incorporating classic technique into modern cuisine.“There has always been a need for for perfectly balanced meals for athletes. Athletes need their regimen in the gym but also a clear plan at home to keep a balanced, healthy lifestyle and reach their best selves. By partnering with Guido Trinidad, one of the best athletes in the business, we made sure to find out what athletes needed to accomplish their goals set out to created Perfect Fuel,” says CEO and Founder of DeliverLean, Scott Harris.Perfect Fuel will offer three different meal portion sizes created in order for the athlete to consume the correct amount of fuel needed to achieve their goals. These portions include Lean, Performance and Gainz all of which contain the same quality ingredients and macronutrient breakdown; 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein, 30% Fat. However, the meals will differ in quantity (total calories) so patrons can sustain their level of activity, lifestyle and goals. Customers will also have the option to order third party approved snacks including: Fuel for Fire Protein Smoothies, Caveman Coffee, Best Bar Ever, Peace-A-Cake Baked Goods, and a variety of DeliverLean Snacks.Perfect Fuel will be available for purchase at www.PerfectFuelMeals.com. Meals will be delivered three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and delivery areas range from Jupiter to Kendall in South Florida as well as the metropolitan areas of Tampa and Orlando. Meals start at $8.95.

Mornings are hard. Night owl or not, hitting the gym before the sun comes up takes some serious self-discipline.

Whileit can take some getting used to, there are some serious benefits of knockingout your workout in the AM.

Aside from kickstarting your energy and focus for the day, hitting the weights before breakfast has been found to burn more fat while preventing glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.

Ifyou’re looking to make a change in your routine, here are a few tips that willmake things easier.

Sleep in Your WorkoutClothes 

Try to eliminate any potential excuses you will try to come up with, in the morning.

Sure,your PJ’s are probably super cozy, but they will make you want to stay in bedlonger.

Youcan even go a step further and put your headphones, keys, and anything else youneed on the counter for a grab-and-go exit. 

Take CBD for Before Bed 

Qualitysleep is essential if you’re planning to get up early. Taking CBD before bedcan regulate your sleeping patterns, making it easier to fall asleep, stayasleep, and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

Resilience CBD Oils or gummies are both great options. Their products are designed specifically for athletes, so not only will your sleep improve, but you’ll also reduce physical tension and soreness post-workout. 

*Use code STAYFIT15 and get 15% off Resilience CBD Gummies*

Put Pre-Workout Powder and a WaterBottle on Your Nightstand 

Ifyou struggle to get up for the gym and you’re not a pre-workout person, youprobably should be. Drop a scoop of pre-workout in a water bottle withsome water next to it. As soon as you wake up, mix the two, and drink it. Thiswill boost your energy and have you ready to crush your workout. 

Find a Fitness Buddy

Accountabilityis everything. Ask a friend, neighbor, or co-worker to sign up for a fitnessclass with you or meet you at the gym in the morning. Having a partner willkeep you motivated and eager to get to the gym. 

Leave Yourself a Note on YourNightstand 

Trywriting a motivational note to your sleepy, future self before bed that willtrigger enthusiasm and self-discipline.

Younever know, a simple “you got this” slapped on the front of your alarm clockmay go a long way. You could also try using your favorite pump-up song as youralarm sound.

We all know that a killer bum is everything these days. But not knowing exactly what to do or even getting to the gym could be your issue. You may have a gym membership, but sometimes it’s just nice to do a kick-butt workout right at home.

Here are 5 booty builders that will definitely get that bum fired up - no weights needed, just a resistance band or water jug right from the fridge if you want an extra challenge.

Sumo Squats - Using a Jug

Taking your legs out wide for the squat variations will make you feel it more in your inner thighs.

• Stand with your feet wide, toes pointing out.
• Bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply, so your thighs are parallel with the floor. Make sure to keep your weight back in your heels.
• Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely and squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement to get the most from the exercise.

Kickbacks

These really target the upper part of the glutes. No weight is needed. You can add your own type of weight/ankle weights if wanted.

• Kneel on the floor and bend at the wrist with your arms extended in front of you in order to get into a new push-up position but with the arm spaced at the shoulder. Your head should be looking forward, with your knees bent to create a 90-degree angle between the hamstrings and the calves. This will be your starting position.
• Lift up your left leg until the hamstrings are in line with the back while maintaining a 90-degree angle bend. Contract the glutes throughout this movement and hold the contraction at the top for a second. At the end of the movement, the upper leg should be parallel to the floor while the calf should be perpendicular to it. 
• Alternate legs.

AlternatingJumping Lunges

This exercise is great to really get your heartrate going.

• Stand with your feet together and your knees soft.
• Jump and come into a lunge with your left leg forward.
• Push off with both feet, jumping them together, then hopping into a lunge with your right leg in front, alternating. 

Single-Leg Hip Raises (Elevated)

Strengthening the glutes and erector spinae helps you keep your posture upright whether you’re standing or sitting throughout the day. Also tightens the abs. 

• Lie on your back with your right knee bent and right foot elevated on a chair or couch. 
• Raise your left leg so it’s in line with your right thigh.
• Push your hips up, keeping your left leg elevated. 
• Alternate legs. 

Fire Hydrants 

Since the fire hydrant is a bodyweight exercise, you don’t need any special equipment which is the beauty of all of these exercises. You only need a resistance band if you want that extra resistance.

• Start on your hands and knees. Place your shouldersabove your hands and your hips above your knees. Tighten your core and lookdown.
• Lift your leg away from your body at a 45-degree angle. Keepyour knee at 90 degrees.
• Switch legs.