MY WEEK WITH TUESDAY FOODS

A diary of spring clean eating in Aspen: Daily smoothies, a jackfruit surprise, pumpkin cornbread worth copycatting, and the dreamiest whipped chia pudding

By Amanda Rae

MONDAY

Creole Style Jack Cakes.

Goji Chipotle Dressing.

Carrot Coriander Sunflower Paté.

Coco Berry Crunch

OMG. I’m reading the menu for tomorrow’s Tuesday Foods delivery (May 2-7) and I’ve got visions of a rainbow spread dancing in my head.  

Already I know that the plant-based meals will be bomb. A few years ago I interviewed Kelly, a certified health coach and vegan chef, and Lisa, a certified nutritionist and exercise physiologist, for my Aspen Times Weekly “Food Matters” column (before they rebranded to Tuesday Foods from Good Clean Food) and got a taste. Kelly explained then that the goal with their organic, vegan meals is “to make it diverse and special and not something you could whip up on your own in five minutes.” Amen.

I’ve always loved to cook (thanks, Mom!), both for daily sustenance and as a creative outlet—I wrote “The Aspen Cookbook” in 2020. Still, as a busy single gal living in a tiny condo, sometimes I crave a BREAK. Am I offseason burned out? Check!

While the opportunity to restore healthy habits with Tuesday Foods meal delivery is enticing, perhaps most exciting about this food adventure is that I WON’T HAVE TO DO DISHES ALL WEEK! Hooray! I go to bed in a great mood.

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TUESDAY

Signature Plan weekly menus are posted online, so I know what to expect in my delivery, left in an insulated bag at my door before noon. I get a text message confirmation, and transfer everything to my fridge. Pretty little rainbows are layered inside the big glass jars like fruit-and-vegetable mixed media. I dig it!

I’ve been experimenting with intermittent fasting for a while, and usually I don’t get hungry before noon. Running out the door for morning meetings on the road, I shake up The Hulk, a vibrant green juice, cold-pressed celery, fennel, lemon, lime, kale, collard, parsley, and cucumber. The process preserves vitamins, minerals, living enzymes, and antioxidants versus heat-pasteurized juices sold at the grocery store, which may contain added sugars and preservatives.

The Hulk tastes like a leafy garden in a glass! I think it would make a refreshing companion for nonalcoholic imbibers at brunch or as the backbone to a nouveau Bloody Mary. I feel quenched and flooded with nutrients.

I’m back home by 4 p.m. and I’m starving. Whoops. Should have brought a snack for the road. It’s too early for dinner, so I tide myself over with a Coco Berry Crunch Smoothie. I pour almond milk right over the berries, banana, cacao powder, cashews, hemp seeds and almond butter in the compostable cup, let it sit five minutes, then dump it all into a blender and blitz. It’s rich and chocolatey, with tiny flecks of date and raspberry/strawberry seeds that lend a satisfying chew-crunch. When I return to the kitchen to compost the empty cup, I slurp the melted liquid straight from the blender jar. I. Want. Every. Last. Drop.

It’s an overcast afternoon, and a chill is settling over Aspen. Craving a hot dinner, I warm one third of the Goop Inspired Detox Chili (each jar is 32 ounces) in a pan on the stovetop and toast a sliver of Vegan Pumpkin Cornbread. A few sprigs of cilantro and one green onion, sliced, goes on top of the chili, which is brothy, like an extra-chunky soup. Packed throughout are toothsome chunks of veggies: melt-apart potatoes, carrots, crunchy celery, tender cubes of pumpkin, black and pinto beans…whoa, is that an earthy, licorice-like burst of parsnip in there? I don’t even like licorice, so I never buy parsnips to cook at home. Chalk one up for diet diversification.

“It is free of tomato, so easy to digest for those sensitive or with reflux,” Kelly explains of the Goop recipe, modified with Tuesday Foods’s signature vegan spin. Together with the super-moist, toothsome cornbread (studded with corn kernels, green chile, and jalapeno), each bite has a synergy of flavor, texture, and mild, lingering spice. One slice of cornbread isn’t enough! I save the last sliver to accompany tomorrow’s serving.

My main course is the Mexican Style Chopped Salad. I can’t help but dump the entire jar into a big glass bowl to see the full effect. It’s got that classic “fiesta” vibe—you know, crinkles of green Romaine lettuce, thinly shredded purple cabbage, chopped red pepper, black beans, sliced radish, and small-diced jicama that burst between teeth with cool, watery crunchiness. The short-grain brown rice tossed with taco seasoning will be my sole critique all week: I’m not a fan of the hard texture of cold brown rice. Though the instructions don’t mention it, re-steaming the rice in a pan with a splash of water does wonders before adding it back to the salad.

What I do love, though, is the Goji Chipotle Dressing. Made with orange juice, pumpkin purée, and goji berries, it’s sweet, with subtle smoky flavor and a distinct undercurrent of cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil. Looking back, I forget to squeeze a lime wedge over top! I print out the printable menu, which now lives on my countertop for quick reference.

Sometimes I can’t sleep if I have dessert on the brain. So, in the name shuteye, I break off a corner of the Awesome Almond Butter Brownie. Fudgy it is! I love the crushed walnut topping, the creamy almond butter notes, and that Kelly and Lisa use dates and maple syrup instead of refined sugar, plus incredibly silky-smooth vegan dark chocolate (Hu Kitchen-brand chunks). A few bites are all I need to slide into sleep mode.

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 WEDNESDAY

Not even 24 hours into this diary, I’m realizing how FUN it is to pick meals from my fridge as easily as I would pick a dress from my closet! What a time-saver.

To break my fast, I try the Emerald City green juice, this one a little bit sweeter than The Hulk with lemon, ginger, and green apple in addition to cucumber, celery, kale, and collards. Refreshed, I sit down to write.

Later I blend up a Blueberry Protein + Oats Smoothie. It’s ultra-creamy and filling from the oats and sunflower seed butter. I never think to add oats to my homemade smoothies, so I make a mental note to start doing that.

At my desk all afternoon, I snack on Crudités with Carrot Coriander Sunflower Paté and Black Bean Dip while working. I’m impressed by the little wedges of radicchio—my favorite bitter leaf—and sticks of fennel and jicama, two more veggies I never buy at the grocery store. There are also snap peas, two kinds of radishes, baby purple cauliflower almost too cute to eat, and a few bonus dried apricots. It’s a 24-ounce glass container of raw veg, so I save half.

For lunch, I warm up a third more of the Goop Inspired Detox Chili, mainly to polish off the last small square of cornbread, which I slather in Black Bean Dip. Great combo! I add pumpkinseeds, cilantro, and green onion­­—and this time I don’t forge the lime squeeze. Citrus and fresh herbs fast-track brightness to almost any dish.

I’m hungry a few hours later so I prepare half of Buddha Bowl 1: Quinoa Tabbouleh. I carefully scoop out half of the cucumber and tomato, arugula, roasted cauliflower, quinoa, and chickpeas to a bowl, drizzle it with Lemon Tahini Dressing, a squeeze of lemon juice, and half of the slivered almonds and currants. The combination is creamy and fresh: crunchy almonds and sweet currants in contrast to the nutty tahini dressing. I add a few sprigs of basil from my window garden and a couple of roasted tomatoes from my fridge.

Though I technically ate two lunches—two courses spread out over a few hours—Tuesday Foods invites portion control. I grew up in a “clean your plate” home, and for better or worse, that’s stuck with me. Having a week’s worth of meals ready means I must practice potion control.

I had planned to eat another dish for dinner, but I’m still full. Around 7 p.m., I panic. I’m out of pumpkin cornbread which I want to eat with the rest of the veggie chili tomorrow. I sleuth around the Internet to create a vegan, gluten-free copycat recipe using all the same ingredients listed on the Tuesday Foods website.

Tomorrow’s cornbread is ready an hour later. Though I didn’t have sweet corn kernels, jalapeño, or vegan cheese shreds on hand, the flavor is respectably spot-on. It’s super moist and tender, thanks to pumpkin purée. True to my Virgo nature, I write up recipe—email me to try it for yourself! (Or just order extra at Tuesday Foods checkout, see my tips at the end.)

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THURSDAY

May the 4th be with you! Every spring, at this time of year, it seems, I’m on a cleanse. Winter in Aspen is hard on the body and spirit. Thank you, Tuesday Foods!

At my desk, I drink the Straight Celery Juice. Grassy, earthy…it feels like a system cleaner. I suck it down and feel virtuous.

“We really feel like our program is a (continuous) cleansing opportunity,” Kelly says. Adds Lisa: “We’ve been doing juice cleanses since January 1—everyone is jonesin’ for juice!”

Makes sense: Last fall, Tuesday Foods acquired Carbondale’s Tonic Juicery and relocated to a new production facility in Carbondale.

LOCAL is the biggest draw: Unlike other meal delivery services I’ve sampled (Sakara Life, Hello Fresh), Tuesday Foods is headquartered close to home, so the food delivered is ultra-fresh. (A second production kitchen opened in Boulder in 2020.)

The Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad second serving holds up for lunch! I’m inspired to prep the ingredients (quinoa pilaf, marinated chickpeas, chopped tomatoes and cucumber, slivered almonds, and currants) to top arugula for my own salads this summer. Tuesday Foods is giving me all sorts of meal-prep ideas. Win!

Late afternoon, I’m craving an energy boost, so I blitz up the Creamy Mango Matcha Smoothie for a mellow caffeine boost. Almonds, coconut flakes, and dates provide lots of “chew.” I pour it back into the compostable cup to take it to the park, where I meet a friend. She oohs and aahs at the creamy green color.  

I’m intrigued by the Creole Style Jack Cakes with Mixed Cabbage Slaw and Remoulade Dip Sauce—I don’t prepare jackfruit at home, either! (I know from my chef bud that whole jackfruit prep, with its thick inedible rind and sticky latex sap, is a b*tch.) I warm the cakes up in a hot sauté pan until browned, then place them on top of butter lettuce leaves. The shredded cabbage had been layered on top of the creamy dressing, so it stayed crunchy.

I love the texture—jackfruit strings apart like crabmeat! Hearts of palm remind me of artichokes, marrying well with the smashed garbanzo beans and GF breadcrumbs. I eat both, feel too full, and wish I’d saved one for another meal. Portion control, Amanda!

Craving something sweet, I dip into the six-ounce Britt's Lemon Blueberry Chia Parfait, named for the Boulder kitchen head chef, on the TF team since day one. Turns out she uses fewer chia seeds than standard chia-seed pudding and whips the lemony cashew-coconut cream into a fluffy cloud. It’s zesty, sealed with a top layer of intensely flavored blueberry jam. I take a few bites, shove it back in the fridge, and escape the kitchen. Progress!

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FRIDAY

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I’m out of juice (see tips at end), so I guzzle green tea until lunch.

I already ate the Mexican Chopped Salad, but I’ve got Chef T's Bento Bowl with Holy Hemp Dressing: “A one-bowl wonder of sticky rice, sautéed vegetables, marinated mushrooms, tamari-roasted seasonal squash, and crisp fresh veggies.” Turns out Tara, the Tuesday Foods bookkeeper, webmaster, and an original TF chef, lives half of the year in Mexico. Does that count as on-theme?

I’m glad I read the instructions this time: “We like to keep the carrot and jicama fresh + raw to add after warming everything else together in hot pan on the stove.” It’s a cool topping on a hot bowl bursting with varied flavor; nori sheets crumbled on top add texture and salt.

Hungry again around 4 p.m., and not wanting to fill up before a dinner party, I blitz another Blueberry Oats Smoothie. The convenience of dumping premeasured ingredients is everything—maybe I start batch-prepping my own at home? If I could afford Tuesday Foods on the reg, I would gladly let them take care of it for me!

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SATURDAY

Do you ever wake up to a serious food craving? That happens to me today. My mind heads straight for the fridge and that last cup of veggie chili. (Amazingly, the cornbread seems moister today than Wednesday, when I baked it—thanks to the pumpkin puree, perhaps?)

But first, CycleBar. One of my favorite instructors is back to the studio, and she murders us for 45 minutes. I feel strong, and ready to refuel.

Back home, preparing lunch could not be easier: I dump the remaining Goop Inspired Detox Chili into a pot, add a splash of chicken stock (I keep ice cubes of homemade stock in my freezer) and toast the cornbread. Topped with fresh cilantro and more toasted pumpkinseeds…it’s exactly what I woke up daydreaming about.

Good news: the company’s new Carbondale kitchen means expansion: On June 1, Tuesday Foods will launch a takeaway window with à la carte items, juices, and smoothies. Also find Tuesday Foods at the True Nature Healing Arts café, Basalt Sunday Market, Wednesday Carbondale Farmers’ Market, and 51st annual Mountain Fair (July 28-30).

“The process is replicable because we have been doing it for so long­­­—about 48 deliveries a year for four years—so we can easily take a concept and turn it into a ready-to-eat Tuesday Foods dish,” says Kelly, citing cookbooks, blogs, and staff backgrounds as inspiration. “Our team just gets it. We are all in a flow, knowing what it takes to have each dish come together in a balanced and delicious way.”

I can’t help but admire my still-clean kitchen. It will stay that way tonight: I have dinner plans.

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SUNDAY

I wake up feeling bright, energized…and wistful. My week with Tuesday Foods is almost over. I’m lighter on my feet, and some cravings have reset. Next week, I’m undergoing a most unpleasant dental surgery. At least my system is flooded with nutrients from this weeklong plant-based program because I feel ready for recovery.

“Eating a Tuesday Foods plant-rich diet is deeply nourishing to the body and soul—something we know from personal experience and confirmed by the latest research. Food is medicine,” Lisa shares. “Plant foods are rich in phytochemicals that protect, heal, and energize the body. Plus, plants feed the and support the microbiome, which science shows [is] the control center of our health and well-being, contributing to better digestion, better sleep, serotonin production (the feel-good hormone!), hormone balance, supporting the immune system, and helping with weight loss.”

I’m on board, ladies! I place the rinsed glassware back into the insulated bags and leave them on my doorstep for Tuesday pickup.

I feel grateful for this week with Tuesday Foods. Now…if only I could figure out how to make that pumpkin chili and those almond butter brownies!

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TIPS FOR NEW TUESDAY FOODS CLIENTS:

·      In the future, especially during super-active weeks, I might prep tofu or chicken to add extra protein to meals.

·      If you love loaded garnish like I do, make sure to have extra herbs, seeds, nuts, and dried fruit on hand to add to dishes. Check the weekly menu to determine what works best.

·      Do yourself a favor and add a few extra treats (and juices) to your basket before checkout. I wish I had. I’m hooked on Lisa and Kelly’s Awesome Almond Butter Brownies and Britt’s Chia Seed Parfait, chef’s kiss!

Amanda Rae Busch

Follow me for more good eats: @aspenscoop

Amanda Rae is an award-winning writer, editor, and Aspen Times Weekly food columnist from 2013-2021. Currently she contributes to Aspen Sojourner, Après, The Purist, and Edible Communities, among others, and reps Everybody Water in the RFV. During the pandemic she tested and edited 100+ favorite restaurant recipes for  "The Aspen Cookbook" (2020), a Colorado Book Award Finalist. While she much prefers winter's drama and snowboarding 108-day seasons, Amanda is excited about farmers' markets and her weekly CSA share, picnics, lawn games, camping, cycling, and motorcycling. Tell her what you're eating: @aspenscoop

We caught up with our friend Cameron Elmendorf, practitioner of Chinese medicine in Boulder, Colorado and The Roaring Fork Valley - to chat about hormones and how important they are to our health, well-being and vitality.  Her practice includes acupuncture, herbal medicine and Chinese medical massage, among other types of treatment.

Here’s what she has to say about the Hormone Balancing Act!

“Hormones can be beastly. They’re not only experienced in dramatically different ways in people, but they’re also a source of stress, anxiety, and confusion—for women in particular. Yet they’re 100% necessary for a healthy body and key to feeling your best.

As a doctor of Chinese medicine with a focus on women’s health, hormones are an integral part of my practice. Patients want to know how to balance some, calm or boost others, and merely learn how to live with them in a rapidly changing body. From the onset of menarche to the waning days of a woman’s cycle, hormones can be a force to be reckoned with.

Here’s a snapshot of what they are, what they are responsible for in your body, and what you can do to take control of your hormones to live a well-balanced and healthy life.”

The Hormone Balancing Act

Hormones are responsible for many important functions in the body including sleep, energy, mood, metabolism, homeostasis and libido. They are the chemical messengers that coordinate these and many other functions in your body.While hormonal fluctuations in the human body are inevitable, and often times normal (think a woman’s menstrual cycle) the way in which we experience those changes can be varied.

There are several simple steps we can take in our daily lives to improve our hormonal health to make a big difference in the way hormonal fluctuations interact within our bodies.

1. Protein in food

We know we need protein to fuel all the necessary functions within our bodies, but what type of protein, and how much do you need? For hormone wellness, ensure that you are getting enough protein with each meal (either plant or animal sourced, always preferably organic). Protein contains the building blocks of our bodies, known as amino acids and is found throughout, in the muscles, bones, skin, hair and all of our tissues. Protein helps to keep hormones balanced. A few great sources of plant-based protein are beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, whole grains such as amaranth and quinoa, soy, broccoli, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

2. Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important elements of keeping hormones stable. Inadequate sleep has been shown to spike and then precipitously drop hormone levels, thus altering our hormone production, predominantly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, the chief sex hormones within our bodies. Good sleep starts with healthy sleep hygiene like keeping lights low at night, removing all screens from your eyes 1.5 hours before bed, and not eating too late into the evening before bed. Ensuring we get enough sleep (at least 7 hours/night) can help keep hormone production and maintenance on track, lessening hormone fluctuations.

3. Exercise

Exercise is essential in regulating the way in which hormones are matriculated throughout the body, and in what concentrations. The effects that exercise can have upon our mood (notably releasing serotonin and dopamine, the “happy hormones”) are significant, and are essential in mental wellbeing. It also decreases cortisol levels—our “stress hormone”when we engage in regular movement. This can look different for different people, but know any exercise like walking is better than none—you don’t need to be a pro.

4. Gut health

Your “gut biome” is a buzzy topic these days, and for good reason. The gut contains over 100 trillion friendly bacteria, and regulates hormones, modulating insulin resistance. The maintenance of the gut biome is not only essential for digestion and bowel health, it also translates into hormonal wellbeing. Our gut health is directly connected to our endocrine system, and therefore plays a large role in hormone production and maintenance. So much so that 90%+ of serotonin, our “happy hormone” is produced in the lining of the intestines and is then released into our bloodstream and absorbed by platelets. The gut is ground zero for whole body health, and in turn, hormone regulation and proper function. 

5. Lower sugar intake. Lowering your sugar intake starts with awareness as sugar can be found in most packaged foods. Pay attention to the simple sugar fructose, as lower levels can help regulate insulin resistance, thus lowering our risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other metabolic maladies. When these metabolic functions are out of balance, they can wreak havoc on our hormones.

5. Stress reduction techniques

The impact stress has on our bodies is more apparent than ever, and hormones have a tendency to be the first responders to what your body perceives as crisis. Cortisol, known as our body’s “stress hormone” helps regulate and bring our systems back into homeostasis in times of acute stress, and while that’s helpful in small bursts (such as in times of fight, flight & freeze, known as the sympathetic nervous system state), being chronically stressed means our cortisol levels are elevated for longer periods of time, creating an internal environment where hormone regulation is compromised, and over time, leading to exhaustion.

There are several techniques shown to be effective in helping calm the sympathetic nervous system, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, spending time outside, spending time with loved ones, acupuncture and herbal medicine, and journaling, to name a few.

6. Supplementation

While there is no replacement for nourishing whole foods, leading a healthy lifestyle, and sleep, perfection is often impossible.That’s where supplementation support comes in. There are several hormone-friendly supplements that can help nourish, balance and sustain us, even in busy and threadbare times.

Please Note: It is vital to consult a medical professional when considering adding any supplementation to your daily routine to ensure safety and health for you and your family members. What is recommended for one, might not be beneficial for another. And simply put, sometimes supplements become expensive excretion if we are not assimilating them properly. Please reach out to me with any questions you might have!

Magnesium: Regulates cortisol and estrogen, while producing testosterone and increasing DHEA and serotonin levels.

Vitamin D: Aids in estrogen imbalances, helps with mood swings, hair loss, low libido, and low energy


DIM: Short for Diindolymethyl, DIM is derived from cruciferous vegetables (namely cauliflower and broccoli) and aids in balancing estrogen levels in the body. DIM increases beneficial 2-hydroxy estrogens, and reduces the unwanted 16-hydroxy variety.5HTP - A naturally occurring amino acid derived from tryptophan, and a chemical precursor to serotonin. Its benefits include sleep support, hormonal balance, and mental health support (depression + anxiety)

Chaste Tree Berry: Also known as Vitex, Chaste Tree Berry has been shown to target the pituitary gland (known as the “master gland” because it monitors and regulates many bodily functions through the hormones it produces) and helps to lower estrogen, raise progesterone, support women with PMS symptoms, mood swings, breast tenderness and dis-regulated menstrual cycles. It is recommended to not take Vitex when pregnant, lactating or while you are menstruating.

DHEA: short for Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone in the body, that is produced in the adrenal gland. It helps to produce other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Natural levels of DHEA peak in early adulthood, and slowly fall as we age. Many people supplement DHEA for its anti-aging properties, depression, osteoporosis, low libido, and fertility challenges. Those with a history of sex hormone-derived cancers should avoid supplementing DHEA.

Chinese Herbs: TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) has been used for thousands of years to aid in hormonal balancing and whole body wellbeing. There are so many wonderful individual herbs and herbal formulas that have been shown to be helpful in maintaining hormonal balance. The beauty of Chinese herbs is that your practitioner can assess your needs though many varied diagnostics to customize the most perfect formula for your body!

“Hormones are essential for everyday living—and learning to support them can have important health benefits. If you need help with how to handle yours, email me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation so we can get you on a path toward optimal health.”

Cameron Elmendorf Dipl. OM. L.Ac., MSOM is a board-certified Chinese Medicine practitioner (NCCAOM) and maintains a thriving practice in both Boulder and Basalt, Colorado. Her emphasis is on women’s health, fertility, prenatal/postpartum wellness, and hormone balance where she employs both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture techniques, as well as Chinese Herbal medicine, and Asian bodywork techniques such as Tui Na and Shiatsu. She is also a certified Acutonics(TM) practitioner and is formally trained in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.

Cameron received her Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado in 2006. She has been practicing in Boulder/Denver for almost 20 years. Cameron compliments her acupuncture practice with a deep knowledge of the western paradigm of women's health, including fertility, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), menstrual issues, and menopausal challenges, and she lends a compassionate, holistic bend to those she works with.

Solstice Health - Cameron Elmendorf L.Ac., MSOM

cameron@solsticehealth.com

www.solsticehealth.com

303.818.3214

3 Things We Are Loving Right Now!

Feel like you’re in need of a yummy recipe to make for dinner tonight, fitness inspiration, expert wellness tips, or healthy product recommendations? Look no further. Our TF team has revealed what they’re loving right now. Get ready to find your new favorite thing.

Three finds: personal Growth April opportunities…

Suffice it to say that we, at Team Tuesday, are personal growth junkies. From Gabby Bernstein to Jenna Zoe, Joe Dispenza to Brené Brown, Eckhart Tolle to Michael Singer, Elizabeth Gilbert to Oprah… and the list goes on.

We have been getting sparks of motivation from the people we are working with, and surrounded by, and we are so excited to share with you today. Our Top Three picks for personal growth this spring season and beyond …

Wether you have a weekend, a week, or a year to commit - check these out and we just might see you there!

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EMOTIONAL GROWTH

A YEAR LONG COURSE FOR LASTING CHANGE, DESIGNED FOR WOMEN.

If you are feeling like your life is ripe for a breakthrough this year long course is an opportunity to peel back the layers, let go of control and step into the unknown. With facilitators Ashley Wick and Kate Kripke, and connected with a community of like minded moms - you will journey together to learn about the anatomy of change, learn to embody a growth mindset, grow from the wisdom of your emotions, move through your resistance to change and increase your capacity to new results. Are you ready!? Yes, yes and YES!

Learn more about the program

Watch Ashley’s Imaginal Series live on IG

Registration closes March 31 for an April 5 start date. Buckle up!

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH

WELLSOUL WORKSHOP: A WEEKEND RETREAT THAT WILL GROUND YOUR BODY AND UNVEIL YOUR SOUL.

A weekend retreat that will change your life. Facilitated by @kaseycrown + @jakki_leonardini and hosted at the stunning Ojai Valley in - in just 3 days you will dive deep and explore a path to true interpersonal wellness. The goal at Well Soul is that you come away with a deep understanding of your whole-self, which includes synthesizing and integrating an understanding of the mental, emotional, physical, relational and energetic layers of your being.

Marrying latest findings from the fields of interpersonal neurobiology and clinical psychology with the ancient wisdom of the spiritual traditions - these workshops will not disappoint. Just jump!

Learn more about Well Soul

Discover their calendar of events

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PHYSICAL GROWTH

BODY ALIVE BOOTCAMP: A MIND BODY AND SPIRIT REBOOT

Aspen Shakti’s Alive in Tulum: A Six-Day Embodied Experience That Will Include Physical Transformation, Self-Expression + Conscious Support. Explore the intersection of yoga, energy, dance, music, endurance and liberation.

With amazing accommodations, nutritious meals, and a flexible itinerary, this retreat is sure to ignite your spirit, uplift your soul and to shed the winter layers that may be dimming your light. If you are ready to drop into your body, and soak up the sun and sand…

Check out Alive in Tulum!

Registration is closing soon, reserve your spot ASAP or talk to Jayne directly to see if this is a fit for you!

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10 healthy spring foods we're excited to welcome back to our Tuesday Foods menu this season!

Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the air is fresh and warm, and everyone seems to be in a vibrant mood. This changing of the season marks a time for all things to come alive, bloom, refresh and renew.

In nature this means abundant growth in the of delicious colorful produce. For our bodies, it means leaving behind the heaviness of the winter’s grounding foods and embracing all things light and fresh.

We are naturally in tune with our environment, and are meant to eat the foods that grow around us. In spring those foods include a wide array of veggies and fruit that will make you feel nourished while also gently cleansing and resetting your digestive and immune systems.

To help you embrace the season, we've put together a list of our favorite spring foods and the simplest ways to use them.

1. Arugula

Rich in vitamins like A, K, and folate, plus chlorophyll, fiber and even water, these leafy greens will help reduce inflammation while also hydrating and detoxifying your body.

Our favorite way to eat arugula is in a simple salad - toss the raw greens in bowl with shaved parmesan, toasted pine-nuts and drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Recipe love: Fennel, Apple & Arugula Salad

2. Artichokes

Available in both spring and fall, artichokes are rich in folic acid, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and many minerals. These nutrients help lower cholesterol, ensure healthy pregnancies in women, reduce free radicals, and ensure optimal metabolic cell function.

We like to steam a whole artichoke for 50-60 minutes then peel off and eat the edible part of the leaves dipped in one of our house made sauces or a fresh lemon vinaigrette.

Recipe Love: Steamed Artichoke With Herby Tahini Sauce

3. Asparagus

One of our favorite spring veggies! Asparagus is bundant in vitamin K as well as copper, selenium, B vitamins and many other important nutrients. Asparagus is great for women because it’s a source of folate, an essential fertility nutrient. It’s also a natural diuretic that helps relieve bloat.

Asparagus is delicious roasted (or steamed ) with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan. During cooking, you want the asparagus to remain vibrant green - remove from heat before it gets wilted. 8-10 minutes should do it!

Recipe Love: Spring Time Asparagus Soup

4. Beets

Some foods give you a clear indication of what part of you they’ll benefit and that’s the case with beets. Their deep and juicy color let you know they’re great for your blood and circulation. They can lower blood pressure, boost your stamina, and support detoxification all due to being a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains.

How to eat them: So many options! You can juice them or add them to a smoothie, roast them as a side dish, use a veggie peeler to shave them raw into salads, spiralize them or make them into borscht!

Recipe Love: Pink Tahini Dressing

5. Carrots

We’re all familiar with this classic vegetable but when they’re in season locally carrots are absolutely delectable. Rich in vitamin A and other antioxidants, they’re great for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails, and are therefore considered an “anti-aging” food, plus they’re a powerful cancer-fighter.

We love to eat them raw and you can play around with many different ways of chopping, slicing, or shredding them onto anything from salads to sandwiches or tacos. They’re also the perfect travel snack and are great dipped into nut butter or hummus.

Recipe Love: Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

6. Mint

This delicious herb grows like a weed and has very strong healing properties. Mint contains an antioxidant called rosmarinic acid, which can relieve seasonal allergy symptoms the menthol it contains is a natural decongestant. It can also soothe an upset stomach and treats bad breath!

We love adding it to water or iced tea for a delicious natural flavoring. It's so delicious chopped, and added to a bowl of fresh berries or a green salads.

Recipe Love: Lisa’s Quinoa Tabbouleh

7. Peas

Don’t underestimate these little guys! They are high in protein and rich in body-balancing minerals like magnesium and iron. They also provide the antioxidant lutein, which helps you maintain your vision as you age. Peas typically have a very short growing season of just a few weeks and that makes them all the more special.

You can eat raw snap peas as a snack dipped in hummus, add them to salads, stir-fries and pasta dishes.

Recipe Love: Easy Pesto Pasta

8. Strawberries

Is there anything better than biting into a fresh, ripe, fragrant, and delicious strawberry in late spring/early summer? This decadent and sexy food is a healthy indulgence because it is among the top five sources of antioxidant-rich fruit in the U.S. Strawberries can help balance blood sugar, and the polyphenols they contain will support immunity, healthy cell renewal, and many other functions.

Add them fresh to salads, oatmeal or granola, freeze them and add to smoothies, or dip them in chocolate!

Recipe Love: Strawberry Hemp Milk

9. Spring Onions

Onions contain a high amount of polyphenols, and especially flavonoids, which are compounds that play a major role in disease prevention and reducing the oxidative stress that wears our bodies down. They are also natural antihistamines, and have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Add diced scallions to salads, tabbouleh, or tacos, or simply sauté them with some sea salt as a tasty caramelized onion.

Recipe Love: Veggie Spring Rolls

10. Radishes

A great detoxifier, radishes are great at removing waste and toxins from both the gut and liver. They are also a natural diuretic and help to hydrate the skin.

We love them thinly sliced in salads or served as a snack with one of our favorite veggie dips. If you have never tried them roasted you are in for a treat!

Where To FInd seasonal Produce Where You Live?

To help determine what spring vegetables and fruits are peaking where you live, check out this handy Seasonal Food Guide.

Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado:

Two Roots Farm is a 3-acre organic farm in Basalt, CO - growing a diverse array of vegetables, herbs, and flowers for restaurants in the Roaring Fork Valley, the local Farmer's Markets, and their CSA program. Visit the Two Roots farm stand every Friday, from June - October  9:00-1:00PM - 100 Sopris Creek Rd. in Basalt, Colorado

Mesa Microgreens: Grown locally in Silt, Colorado and delivered from Rifle to Aspen. Microgreens are harvested at the plant growth stage between a sprout and a baby green. They have all the flavor and dense nutrition of baby greens, but are more delicate in texture like a sprout. They are the ideal finishing touch to any dish, and perfect on salads and sandwiches. Kaylin from Mesa Microgreens delivers all of our favorites to our door - sunflower, pea, kale, kholrabi, radish, broccoli and her special microgreen mix to add to smoothies!

Farmer’s Market From Aspen to Glenwood Springs:

Aspen Saturday Market. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – This market has been going strong since 1998. Every Saturday from mid-June to mid-October customers stroll the U-shaped market from Hopkins to Hunter to Hyman street shopping and catching up with friends, while enjoying live music. In addition to Colorado-grown produce, meats and cheeses, there’s Colorado-made bread, skin-care products, art and more.

Basalt Sunday Market, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – The Basalt Sunday Market is part market, part casual community gathering held downtown on Midland Spur. You can purchase produce and meats from local farms like Rock Bottom Ranch, enjoy live music, grab a snack, and pick up one-of-a-kind offerings from local vendors. They even have arts and crafts for kids.

Carbondale Downtown Farmers’ Market, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. – Get a burst of mid-week dinner inspiration at this eclectic market set up in the middle of downtown. With a focus on local farmers, producers and artisans, not only can you buy wonderful products, you’ll be supporting the community goal of sustainable business practices.

Glenwood’s Downtown Market, Tuesdays, 4–8 p.m. – Enjoy a different kind of happy hour at this lively evening market, located just off of Grand Avenue. In addition to being able to buy goods from local farmers and makers, you can pick up dinner and enjoy live music.

Glenwood Springs Saturday Famers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. -Established in 1986, this market focuses primarily on fresh produce, although there are some crafts and prepared foods, and live Bluegrass music. Located at 14th and Grand Avenue.

Boulder and Denver, Colorado:

Aspen Moon Farm: Started in 2009, Aspen Moon Farm consisted of 2.5 acres in Longmont, Colorado with one acre of cultivated vegetables and one Farmer’s Market in Longmont and have grown to 99 acres - with approximately 25 acres in production! They serve seasonal Farmer’s Markets in Longmont and Boulder on Saturdays, and offer an abundant Roadside Farmstand, open daily as the season allows. They offer a bountiful CSA program - with over 350 members.

Cure Organic Farm is a woman-owned, commercial, diversified family farm, growing over 100 varieties of vegetables, herbs, berries, and specialty cut flowers on public and private land.  They provide produce, meat and eggs available for sale 50 weeks of the year.  Main markets include Boulder and Denver restaurants, A CSA Program, and farm stands. 

Black Cat Organic Farms: Jill and Chef Eric Skokan have created a 425 acre, Certified Organic vegetable farm located just outside of the city that supplies the bounty for their Farm Store, Dinners at the Farm, CSA’s, and Boulder Farmers’ Market Booth. They grow, seed clean and mill our own organic grains, and raise and breed sheep, pigs, chickens and geese. All animals are raised on pasture and vegetable fields with holistic pasture management, No hormones, No GMOs, No routine antibiotics and lots of love and care.

Farmer’s Markets From Boulder To Denver:

Boulder Farmers Market, Boulder, CO: The Boulders Farmers Market, located in Boulder, is one of the most notable markets in Colorado. This market, which occurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to November, has a variety of organic produce, free-range animal products and even handmade goods.

Cherry Creek Fresh Market, Denver, CO: Cherry Creek Fresh Market is Denver’s largest farmers market. The market occurs on both Saturdays and Wednesdays from May to September. Find artisan cheeses, chef demonstrations, live music and of course organic produce at this massive market.

City Park Farmers Market, Denver, CO: Every Sunday from June to October is the City Park Fresh Market located in Denver. This farmers market takes place at Denver’s historic Sullivan Fountain. Enjoy organic produce from local growers and food vendors. This downtown event is a great spot to find some Colorado wines, cheeses

CHEF PREPARED, NUTRITIONIST APPROVED, HEALTHY MEALS MADE EASY.…

FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS!

At Tuesday Foods, we’re always on the lookout for delicious plant-based dining options in Colorado. Whether you are a long-time vegan or vegetarian, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, we’ve found the top places in Boulder, Denver, and Aspen for veggie forward eats. 

Now, we are highlighting the best places to enjoy delicious, guilt-free meals in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley. From cozy cafes to upscale bistros, join us as we explore the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. 

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Breakfast Restaurants from Basalt to Glenwood Springs

Carbondale - Village Smithy

This beloved local spot has been serving up tasty, homemade dishes since 1975, making Village Smithy the mid-valley go-to restaurant for breakfast and brunch. Enjoy a cup of coffee and catch up with friends and family while you wait for a coveted table during the busy weekend morning rush. 

Vegetarian Tip: Check out the legendary McHuevos, a spin on huevos rancheros featuring hash browns covered with mushroom, onion, two eggs, cheddar cheese, salsa and sour cream.

Vegan Tip: Don’t miss the Tofu Scramble w/ Smithy 7! This scrumptious breakfast option includes tofu, garlic, tomato, onion, mushrooms, zucchini, and smithy 7, a nutritious blend of whole grains.

Price: $$

Carbondale - True Nature Cafe

The True Nature Cafe is a perfect place to kickstart your day in a truly nourishing way. The menu is filled with delicious, locally sourced organic options like soups, salads, smoothies, and baked goods. We recommend sipping on a warm Cacao Chai while exploring the beautiful Peace Garden.

Vegetarian Tip: Don’t miss the daily section of homemade vegetarian quiche!

Vegan Tip: From their Heavenly Oats to their tasty smoothies, there are plenty of vegan choices. 

Price: $

Basalt/El Jebel - Jaffa Middle Eastern Kitchen

Tucked away in the City Market shopping center in El Jebel, you’ll find this small fast-casual restaurant serving an array of Middle Eastern classics. Jaffa Middle Eastern Kitchen is an excellent mid-valley lunch option for those looking for a tasty quick bite to eat!

Vegetarian Tip: The menu has several vegetarian options from salads, sandwiches and soups. When you’re having a hard time trying to decide, try the Jaffa appetizer plate which includes moroccan carrot salad, babaganoush, tabbouleh, hummus, matbucha, and a fresh housemade pita

Vegan Tip: Check out the house-made hummus plate served with veggies and fresh pita. All of their salads are also great vegan options, just be sure to have them remove the feta from the greek salad. 

Price: $$

Carbondale - Plosky’s Deli

This Jewish style deli came to the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley in 2022 and has impressed locals and tourists alike with their tasty bagels, savory sandwiches and creative vegetarian and plant-based options. Dedicated to using mindfully sourced ingredients and scratch cooking, this is a lunch spot you won’t want to miss!

Vegetarian Tip: Plosky’s Deli has several vegetarian options and you honestly can’t go wrong. If you’re looking for something hearty, go for the Veggie Celery Root Reuben. If you want something on the lighter side, try Bring Your Vegan! cold sammie.

Vegan Tip: Try the Carrot is a Fish bagel with the vegan cream cheese, you won’t believe the cream cheese is actually vegan!

Price: $$

Basalt - Thai House Co. & Sushi

Thai House Co. & Sushi offers Asian Fusion Cuisine featuring mouthwatering Thai dishes and elegant sushi selections. As soon as you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant makes you feel right at home. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they’re more than happy to make recommendations and answer any question you have about the menu. Our go-to favorites are the beautifully presented plant-based sushi rolls. Thai House Co. & Sushi is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious vegan and vegetarian options.

Vegan & Vegetarian Tips: Don’t miss out on the avocado sushi roll, this might be the best one you’ve ever tried!

Price: $$$

Carbondale - Phat Thai

Phat Thai is another must-try for Thai-inspired cuisine! They embrace the fact that they're not your traditional Thai restaurant and use it to create delicious and imaginative dishes. The staff is super friendly and welcoming, and they're happy to help with any dietary restrictions, like vegan or vegetarian options. If you're looking for something a little different than your traditional Thai restaurant, Phat Thai is definitely worth checking out.

Vegetarian & Vegan Tip: Try their delicious vegan dumpling curry over the sweet and sticky coconut rice. 

Price: $$

Glenwood Springs - Zheng Asian Bistro

Zheng's serves a wide variety of asian cuisine using traditional wok cooking and fresh, high-quality ingredients to make flavorful dishes. However, what sets Zheng Asian Bistro apart from other Asian inspired restaurants is their dedication to accommodating all dietary preferences. Not only are they willing to customize any dish, they also have menus dedicated to vegan and gluten-free eating. If you're looking for vegetarian/vegan options that aren't just an afterthought, this bistro is the right place for you!

Vegetarian & Vegan Tips: The Kung Pao Tofu and Zheng Style Pad Thai are both must-tries!

Price: $$

Of course, if you are too busy enjoying the beautiful outdoors and picturesque towns of the Roaring Fork Valley, order Tuesday Foods to your home and feel super nourished all week long. Our doorstep delivery is perfect for dining in or for packing a picnic when you are out adventuring. 

Check out our menu for next week and let us know if you have any specific dietary requests.

Welcome to Tuesday Foods!

Here’s a detailed glimpse of what to expect from your first delivery. Get our helpful tips for online ordering, receiving and unpacking your delivery, and preparing and enjoying your delicious Tuesday Foods meals.

Here’s how it works in a few simple steps!

Explore The Menu and Place Your Order Online

Simply choose your meal program, pick your delivery date(s), place your order online and await your delivery. After check out, you will receive an email confirmation of your order. On the Monday prior to your delivery you will receive another email from us with simple instructions and a reminder that your vegan meal delivery is on its way. Fresh, organic ready to eat meals will arrive at your front door Tuesday.

It’s Delivery Day!

We often hear from our clients that spotting a Tuesday Foods delivery on their porch gives them that Christmas morning kind of feeling! Your delivery will arrive on Tuesday between 8 am - noon. A member of our delivery team will knock on the door and send you a text notifying you that your meals have been delivered, and a link to this week’s online menu - which includes prep and pairing suggestions, and links to ingredients lists.

If you have clean glassware to return to us, your driver will pick them up as they're dropping off your new delivery, so we can sanitize and re-use them.

Unpack Your Tuesday Foods Goodies

All Tuesday Foods meals are delivered fresh and should be kept refrigerated until consumed. We do not use any preservatives or chemicals in our food. To ensure optimal freshness, we recommend that the food be consumed within 5 days. All of the prepared meals should be kept refrigerated until consumed. Smoothies go straight into the freezer and will last for 2 months.

Refer back to your online menu as needed for prep tips! With a fridge full of nicely organized meals featuring a rainbow of delicious food, it’s easy to see what’s what.

How To Make Your Smoothies

Remove smoothie from freezer. Fill cup with your favorite nut milk or water and allow contents to soften for 3 to 5 minutes. Empty into a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid to your desired thickness.

Heat Up Your Meal {If desired}

While some of our food is ready-to-eat, like our salads, snacks, and treats, many of our meals can also be heated up. Sauté meals in a pan with a splash of olive oil, or transfer to a oven -safe dish to re-heat. Your healthy and delicious meal can be ready to eat in under 5 minutes.

Customize Your Order

Our meal options include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soup, and are easy to mix up as needed. For example - Sometimes we will have soup for breakfast or a smoothie for lunch! Add protein of your choice to stretch any of our plant-based meals or share with the family. We provide pairing recommendations on the online menu.

Order add-on items to customize your order even more.

Return The Glassware

Once you’re done with your meals, wash the reusable packaging (all of our glassware is dishwasher safe), pack everything in the cooler bag, request a pickup, and we’ll send someone by the following Tuesday to pick them up!

Questions about your order? Do not hesitate to reach out to us at yum@goodcleanfoodco.com.

We love hearing from you!

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. - Fred Divito

If you’ve ever tried to implement a new habit – such as going to the gym 3 days a week, meditating every day, eliminating sugar, or even flossing your teeth every night – and struggled to stick with it, you know that changing your habits can be easier said than done.

A few years ago Matt Cutts, a Google software engineer, shared his fun and interesting experiments with 30-day challenges on his Ted talk. From writing a novel to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Matt not only found his list of accomplishments growing, but also became more aware and intentional of how he spent his time. If you’re interested in learning more about his 30-day practice, watch his quick, three minute TED talk:

This month, the team at Tuesday Foods have been engaged in variety of motivating challenges including Dry January and Gabby Bernstein’s Manifesting Challenge.

The idea is to break down a goal, into small, positive and actionable steps - and implement those small steps every day, for 30 days. Trust us… 30 days is short enough to get a real taste of the change you’d like to make or the goal you’ve set, but not so long it feels like an impossible feat to accomplish. And it’s a great way to start the new year off right!

Oh, and the challenge doesn’t HAVE to be serious or complicated or even time-consuming. You can use it to build a better routine (make your bed every morning) or lighten things up (smile and laugh every day) or even inject some creativity into your life (read a poem every day).

To give you some inspiration, we've created a list of health minded 30-day challenge ideas that you can try below. You might want to try just one, or multiple challenges - Just remember to have fun and get inspired!

1. Fitness Challenge

Fitness challenges are great ways to improve your physical and mental health, lose weight, get stronger and start looking and feeling your best. There are so, so, so many variations of this that you could try out. A 30-day plank challenge, a 30-day abs challenge, a 30-day squats challenge. The options are endless - Find ideas for all kinds of fitness challenges here.

We are obsessed with Holy Rilinger’s 4 week fitness plan LIFTED : A powerful 28 Day plan to transform your life with fitness and meditation…….Get “LIFTED” in mind, body, and spirit!

One of our favorite fitness studios in Boulder, Kondition Fitness has a challenge under way - We will see you there!

3. Reading Challenge

Want to start reading more? This challenge is so simple, and totally life changing at the same time: Read 25 pages a day. That’s it. Just commit to that, and then do it. Experts recommend reading non-fiction in the morning, and fiction before bed. We love the simplicity!

If you like more structure and an online community, GoodReads has a year long reading challenge that works great for anyone who wants to track how many books they are reading in a year, and exactly which books they read. At the end of the year, they provide you with an overview of different statistics like how many pages you read, your shortest book, your longest book, your most popular book, your average rating, and more.

2. Meditation Challenge

Ooooh we know this is a tough one, but so worth it. Meditation brings clarity and focus to our lives, especially when we’re feeling busy, overwhelmed, and stressed. Start by committing to meditation for just five to ten minutes a day. If you’re not sure where to start, try a guided meditation challenge. There are plenty of apps that can help you create a daily meditation practice - we love Headspace. We are also big fans of Gabby Bernstein’s meditation challenges

3. Track Your Spending

If you’re looking to get control of your finances, a 30-day track-your-spending challenge is a great way to ease into a financial reset. With this challenge, the idea is not to try to make any changes to your spending or to control how you spend. You simply commit to tracking your spending for 30 days - which allows you to gain insights into where your money goes each month.

4. Random Acts Of Kindness

Do one small thing every day for someone else. This is one of our favorite challenges and makes our hearts sing! Help carry groceries. Leave a big tip. Hold the door for someone. Give a stranger a compliment. Write a note to a teacher, thanking them for all they do. The possibilities are fun and endless! Check out this printable list of fun ways to spread joy and kindness! This is a great one to do with the kids!

5. 30 Day Tidy-Up Challenge

We like to think of this one as a “declutter” or “minimalism” challenge. Here’s how it works: Day one - Pick one item from your home you don’t want or need and throw it away or place it in a box to donate. Day two -pick two items, Day three- three items, and so on. Continue this process for 30 days, until you reach the last day, where you’ll get rid of 30 items. By the time you’ve reached the last day of the month, you’ll have gotten rid of 465 things from your home! Click here for 30 Day Minimalist Challenge Checklist With Tips And Rules

6. Plants Over Processed

Here’s a clean eating challenge that we can get behind! Plant Over Processed, written by Andrea Hannemann (@earthyandy) is one of our favorite new cookbooks – filled with delicious plant-based recipes for nourishing the body and eating from the earth. The Golden Rule of this challenge: Eat More Plants Than Processed Foods - And Andy gives you a doable plan, and lots of recipes to help you get there.

Plus, we can help you with this one! ORDER NOW, and we will be happy to deliver our delicious plant-based meals (nothing processed!) to your door.

Sometimes, one simple change is all it takes to make life better.

So start experimenting and challenge yourself to try something new this month!

We're thrilled to introduce you to our latest creations: three extraordinary latte mixes designed to enhance your daily wellness routine. These blends are crafted with the finest ingredients to nourish your body, elevate your senses, and provide a delicious alternative to your everyday beverages.

Tuesday Foods Morning Matcha

$36.00

Seven servings of hemp seeds for omegas, plant protein punch and a creamy satisfying finish. Dates for digestion, energy, brain function and a multitude of minerals (iron, calcium, manganese, copper, and potassium to name a few). Spirulina and super greens for detox, immunity, anti inflammation, energy and too many benefits to list!

How To Prepare: To the blender add 1 Tablespoon Matcha Mix + 1 Date + 6-8 ounces hot water. Blend on high for 1 minute.

This product is only for adding on to a full sized order.
7-serving Morning Matcha can not be delivered as an individual purchase!

Why We Love it:

Matcha is made by grinding the entire green tea leaf into a powder. Prepared this way, you end up consuming the whole green tea leaf, that has about 10 times more nutrients and antioxidants than regular green tea. It has an incredibly vibrant green color, due to extra high chlorophyll levels.

Our signature Morning Matcha is a delicious and healthy alternative to coffee and has so many benefits for your body: it works as a boost for memory and concentration, enhances calm, contains lots of antioxidants, and detoxifies the body, among others. In fact, matcha green tea is one of the most healthful superfoods found in nature!

More benefits:

• super high in antioxidants

• detoxifies the body

• boosts metabolism and burns calories

• is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and other important minerals

• strengthens the immune system

Sources:

Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review

Harvard Review: Drinking matcha may provide some health benefits

Tuesday Foods Mindful Mocha

$36

Our superfood Mindful Mocha mix is made with hemp seeds, raw cacao, coconut crystals, a dash of sea salt and Dandy Blend to give you a natural, non-caffeinated boost in energy.  Additionally, we add lion’s mane mushroom powder known for its ability to support memory, concentration and nervous system. Many of us feel fatigue and brain fog in the winter months, and so consuming lion’s mane regularly could help you feel more focused.

How To Prepare: To the blender add 1 Tablespoon Mindful Mocha mix + 1 Date + 6-8 ounces hot water. Blend on high for 1 minute.

This product is only for adding on to a full sized order.
7-serving Morning Matcha can not be delivered as an individual purchase!

Why We Love it:

This stuff is a serious game-changer! Especially if you are a coffee lover and want to decrease the amount you drink or eliminate it completely.

Dandy Blend is an herbal coffee substitute with the rich, full-bodied flavor, smoothness, and texture of coffee. It is made from extracts of roasted roots of dandelion, chicory, and beets, and the extracts of barley and rye grains. It is caffeine-free and has no acidity or bitterness. 

We add Lion’s Mane mushroom for memory support, focus, clarity, nerve health, creativity and mood.

More benefits:

• Improved bone health.

• Support in regulating blood pressure.

• Enhanced digestive functioning.

• Blood sugar management support.

• Improved kidney and liver health.

Sources:
New Perspectives On The Effects Of Dandelion, Its Food Products and Other Preparations on the Cardiovascular System and Its Diseases

Emerging Health Benefits Of Dandelion

Tuesday Foods Calming Coco

$36.00

The most pure form of chocolate - Cacao is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and magnesium. Cinnamon and cardamon add a warm depth of flavor and have a calming affect on muscles and the senses - helping to promote a restful sleep. Reishi mushroom is an adaptogen known to support sleep and help your body adapt to the occasional stress life throws your way.

This product is only for adding on to a full sized order.
7-serving Calming Coco can not be delivered as an individual purchase!

How To Prepare: To the blender add 1 Tablespoon Calming Coco Mix + 1 Date + 6-8 ounces hot water. Blend on high for 1 minute.

Why We Love It:

Finally!  Science backs up what we already knew….chocolate does make you happy!  Dark chocolate, in its purest form, (cacao) contains antioxidants, and several compounds that work with your brain’s chemistry to promote feeling good. One of these magical compounds, phenylethylamine, is the chemical that produces the euphoric feeling of “falling in love”, triggers the release of endorphins and increases both dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain!  Of course, when it comes to chocolate - quality matters! The higher the cacao content, the more nutritious the chocolate, and the more beneficial the effects..

More benefits:

• powerful anti-inflammatory effects

• improves blood sugar and insulin sensitivity

• contains heart health polyphenols and flavanols

• enhanced brain function and improved mood

• promotes satiety and curbs cravings

Sources:

Food of the Gods: Cure for Humanity? A Cultural History of the Medicinal and Ritual Use of Chocolate

Effects of flavonoids on immune and inflammatory cell functions

Effects of chocolate on cognitive function and mood

All of our Tuesday Tonics are available as add-on’s to our weekly deliveries and coming soon for pick-up @ TUESDAY’S-TO-GO…

3 Things We Are Loving Right Now!

Feel like you’re in need of a yummy recipe to make for dinner tonight, fitness inspiration, expert wellness tips, or healthy product recommendations? Look no further. Our TF team has revealed what they’re loving right now. Get ready to find your new favorite thing.

Local Love: The Woods Fine Jewelry, Aspen Colorado + Denver Colorado

Co-Founders and Designers, Samantha Terkun and Shawn Hecox @thewoodsfinejewelry

Based in Aspen and Denver, The Woods Fine Jewelry was founded by the super-star sister team - Samantha Terkun and Shawn Hecox, who love fashion, art, music, family and life in the beauty of the mountains . Their Colorado-inspired jewelry line includes statement pieces and delicate essentials that sparkle enthusiastically with vibrant stones, precious gems, metals and colorful beads. Each piece is a wearable, mini work of art!

Our favorite pieces are the Mushroom and Bee Pendants, the Classic Woods Beaded Bracelets (so fun to stack!) and the Pave Diamond Hoop Earrings.

Product Love: Antedotum Essential Daily Sunscreen

Founder and CEO, Karina Perez Marconi @antedotum

Another Aspen, Colorado brand and our new favorite daily sunscreen! This lovely sunscreen is so easy to blend into your skin and provides amazing moisture throughout the day. It not only protects your skin from harmful UV & blue light, but it also delivers hydration in a flawless application that works perfectly under makeup, or on its own for a natural and glowy look! So whether you are out skiing, at the beach, or working at the computer your skin will feel the love and be protected.

We love that this product is 10% zinc - a mineral + physical sunblock that is healthy and healing for the skin and provides total sun protection. This is clean beauty at it’s best.

Yoga Love: Peloton Yoga

Instructor Kristen Mcgee @kristenmcgee

When you think of Peloton, you probably think of intense indoor cycling classes and strength workouts, but it is fast becoming a household name for yoga, too, especially with last year's relaunch of Peloton Yoga. And for that, we're eternally grateful, because we could all use more yoga in our lives!

Kristin Mcgee is our absolute favorite instructor! We love the flow of her class, the intensity, and the way our bodies feel afterwards.  She makes yoga fun and enlightening - and a great workout to boot!

CHEF PREPARED, NUTRITIONIST APPROVED, HEALTHY MEALS MADE EASY.…
FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS!

notes and tips for living lighter, brighter and feeling beautiful every single day!

Here are our 12 favorite Every Day Detox Tips….

1. Drink Lemon Water

Start your mornings with a glass of room temperature lemon water. Squeeze half a lemon in and wait 15 to 30 minutes after drinking it to eat breakfast. Why it's so good for you: Lemons are packed with nutrients and immunity boosters like vitamin C, potassium and pectin fiber, which curbs hunger cravings. They also help speed up enzyme function and stimulate the liver so your body can flush out toxins.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water, and herbal teas and eating lots of hydrating fruits and vegetables will ensure your body is detoxing on a daily basis. When you drink water, it flushes and cleanses your body of toxins and has a huge impact on preventing constipation. We recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces every day. It’ll cleanse your body, boost your energy, and give your skin that healthy glow!

3. Have A Green Smoothie For Breakfast

Do it on an empty stomach, which allows your body to absorb the nutrients more quickly. Our go-to detox smoothie: 1 cup liquid + lemon, ginger, celery, cucumber, frozen blueberries, and kale or spinach – the more greens, the better!

4. Take a Probiotic

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a good bacteria that lines the gut membranes and aids in eliminating toxins. You can take a high quality probiotic capsule, or eat it in the form of sauerkraut, kimichi, fermented veggies or yogurt.

5. Eat Plenty of Spices

Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, and turmeric are super cleansing and help your body reach its natural satiation point earlier,.

6. Tongue Scrape

Yes, it sounds nutty, but tongue scraping will quickly clean the tongue of accumulated bacteria from the night before. Think of it as giving your body an extra assist in the detox process, while also achieving better breath! We promise, you’ll be hooked. Tongue Scraper

7. Dry Body Brush

Before showering, dry brush your body head-to-toe, using long strides toward the heart. This activates the lymphatic system, stimulates blood circulation, and enhances toxin elimination through our body’s largest organ — the skin! Dry Body Brush

8. Get Massage

Massages increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system and remove toxic build-up. Plus it feels so good!

9. Detox Bath

Adding Epsom or your favorite bath salts can help relax tired, sore muscles and promote better sleep. We love our magical detox bath formula……And, yes, we’re sharing it with you!

• Epsom Salts (2 cups): draw toxins out through the skin

• Baking Soda (2 Tablespoons): naturally alkalizing, softens skin

• Warm Water: heats-up body temperature, encouraging perspiration

• Essential Oils (2 drops each): geranium, eucalyptus, juniper berry – powerful detox agents, and smell wonderful!

10. Eliminate

Pooping is paramount for detoxification! If your digestion is sluggish, increase water consumption to 2 liters per day and try taking daily magnesium supplements and digestive enzymes if necessary.

11. Sweat

Sweating is crucial for expelling toxins. Get your body moving daily. Try an infrared sauna, which assists in removing toxins stored in fat tissues. Take a hot yoga class — or any yoga class!

12. End The Night With Chamomile Tea

Not only does it help with insomnia, it aids in breaking down your final meal.

Get meals delivered to your door!

We believe eating delicious is crucial to a healthy diet. Each week, our team of chefs design a new menu for what's in season, fresh and flavorful.

Our favorite Teas, Tonics and Tinctures to give your immunity a boost.

At Tuesday Foods we believe in the power of food as medicine, and it is our mission to support you in living your healthiest, most vibrant life. Now more than ever, it is so important to boost your immune system through nutrition, herbs, supplements and good clean living. So, to ensure that your immunity is in tip-top-shape, and to help you feel more energy and vitality each and every day, we have gathered some of our favorite immune boosting teas, tonics and tinctures to help fortify your body’s natural defenses.

Cheers to staying healthy, happy and strong this season!

Immune Boosting Green Juice:

A green juice is not only a great way to get in a hefty dose of vegetables and vitamins, but they’re also packed with nutritional powerhouses that keep the immune system strong. This hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral recipe is free of refined sugar (sugar can weaken the immune system) and contains a powerful punch of vitamin C and antioxidants. Parsley is chock-full of vitamin c and chlorophyll and has been proven to suppress an over-active immune response, helping you fight off allergies, inflammation, and illnesses.

Ingredients:

Into the juicer…makes one small juice:

• 1 handful of parsley

• 2 cups of spinach

• 1 green apple

• 1 lemon

• 1 cucumber

• 2-3 celery stalks

• 1-2 inches of ginger (fresh)

Immune-Boosting Turmeric Tonic:

What’s an immune-boosting tonic, you ask? Well….it’s a concentrated combo of immune boosting herbs and spices. Each ingredient has its own healing properties to address specific cold/flu symptoms. Ginger helps with respiratory viruses (cough and sniffles) , turmeric is a straight-up immunity superhero (but specifically helps with clearing respiratory infections and boosting overall immunity), apple cider vinegar helps reduce mucus and balance your body’s pH levels, cayenne pepper also reduces mucus and boosts metabolism, and Manuka honey is antiviral, antibacterial and specifically helps with a sore throat. Mix these with hot water and boom….bye-bye cold.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (either choose raw or powdered organic)

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• Dash cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon Manuka honey

• 1/2 lemon (juiced)

• Optional: garlic. We like adding garlic for its antibacterial properties, but the taste doesn’t appeal to everyone! If you’re either really sick or very bold, go for it! (½ a clove is more than enough)

Instructions:
1. Add the water, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, ginger, lemon or garlic if using, and cayenne pepper to a pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes.
2. Strain and add the honey. If you’re feeling sniffly, breathe in the tonic at this point! The cayenne will work its magic.

Immune Boosting Herbal Tea:

This tea recipe calls for a variety of dried herbs, that you can find at your local health food store, or you can order online at Starwest Botanicals or Amazon

Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has many purported health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Dried ginger for respiratory and digestive support. Dried Lemon Peel and Lemon Balm - contain high levels of vitamin C, and have anti-microbial and anti- viral properties. This tea is great for boosting the immune system and supporting the digestive system. (anti-gas, anti-bloat, anti-nausea)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried astragalus

• 1 tablespoon dried ginger (for tea - order dried, "cut and sifted”)

• 1/8 teaspoon dried lemon peel

• 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm

• Honey to taste
  

Directions:
1. Simmer the astragalus, ginger, and lemon peel in a quart of water for 20 minutes, covered.

2. Turn off heat and add the lemon balm; cover and steep for another 20 minutes. Strain and discard herbs.

3. Add a touch of honey per cup of hot tea. Tea will keep in the fridge for 24 hours; heat it up before drinking.

CHEF PREPARED, NUTRITIONIST APPROVED, HEALTHY MEALS MADE EASY.…
FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS!

A Plant-based Skier’s Guide to Aspen 

For many reasons, but primarily for environmental and animal-welfare reasons, my husband Ted and I eat a predominantly plant-based diet. As mountain athletes, this can be challenging– especially living in a small Colorado town. Juggling work, training, life, and nutrition takes some real thought and effort. But it's possible and definitely worth the effort! 

We were excited to share a few of our favorite spots in Aspen for getting the nutrients and protein you need to power up and down the mountains: 

The Sundeck on Aspen Mountain

A little-known fact is the Sundeck is one of the best places to eat for plant-based athletes, vegans, and vegetarians. There are multiple options from soups to grill items and options from the wok. However, I usually head straight for the salad station, and order the Vegan Protein Bowl. For $12, the small salad packs a fantastic punch of protein and vegetables, overflowing with quinoa, kale, edamame, squash, and grilled tofu with a citrus vinaigrette. 

Meat & Cheese

It's ironic that a restaurant named Meat & Cheese boasts some of the best vegetarian and vegan meals in Aspen, but it's true. The newly updated winter menu has a half dozen incredible vegetarian and well-priced dishes under their "Salads + Small Plates." It's a great place for lunch or dinner and fun to mix and match and share with the whole table. Check out the new winter menu here!

Spring Cafe

After a reasonably hard physical effort, we enjoy treating ourselves to a nourishing meal at the plant-based Spring Cafe. Open for breakfast or lunch, they offer full meals as well as snacks and smoothies. It’s a place where you can indulge like the rest of the world but still keep to a vegan, gluten-free diet. My favorites include the Chickpea Tuna wrap, Avocado Tempeh Reuben sandwich, or "Not Your Everyday Nachos." One disclaimer with this place is if you order a drink - you HAVE to ask for it to be served in a glass, not a throwaway cup.  

Tuesday Foods

Many mornings at our house start with a morning skin up Aspen Mountain before work. This doesn't allow a lot of time to cook breakfast or prepare meals for the day. Nights and dinners can also be the same. Tuesday Foods makes it easy to make healthy food choices that are quick to pull together and hit our nutritional goals. A weekly menu with prepared meals and distributed nutritional calories throughout the day is absolutely heaven. Tuesday Food meal plans intentionally have 45-65% from carbohydrates, 10-35% from protein, and 20-35% from fat, and provide an average of 40 grams of fiber per day. If you're used to tracking your protein, fat, and carbohydrates each day - this is a real treat! Check out their innovative menus here.

Rock Bottom Ranch

ACES' 113-acre, mid-valley hub for environmental education and sustainable agriculture is an excellent place in the Roaring Fork Valley for winter vegetables like kale and sweet carrots. If you want to add low-carbon, animal welfare-friendly eggs, and meats to your diet, Rock Bottom Ranch is the place to visit and buy food. Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-4 pm this winter. More details here.

City O' City - Denver, Colorado

We wanted to include our favorite, low-key, plant-based restaurant in Denver, City O' City. If you’re getting to Aspen via Denver, it’s definitely worth your time to stop through for a meal. This eclectic joint has delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night, patio, specialty coffees, beer, wine, and cocktails. It's the perfect walkable place to eat if you're checking out an exhibition at the Denver Art Museum or staying at the Art Hotel. 

Other Recommendations for Plant-Based Skiers

All of us who lead a “wellness-oriented” lifestyle and are concerned with nutrition, know that the best way to control what we eat and make sure we are getting the nutrients we need is to eat most of our meals at home. Here are a few recommendations for managing time and nutrition:

Minimalist Baker

This is one of the best plant-based recipe resources we've ever encountered. The recipes are simple, delicious, and also gluten-free. Recipes require just one bowl, less than ten ingredients, and 30 minutes or less to prepare. Currently, they have incredible holiday recipes and ideas here.

The First Mess

Laura Wright, a vegan cookbook author and creator of this blog shares the most delicious vegan food. We use her cookbook, follow her Instagram, and always turn to her blog for seasonally inspired recipes. During the winter, you can find quick and easy recipes for dinners, great soups, and sweet treats!

As a woman, I've recently struggled with anemia, so I have needed to strategically incorporate a little sustainably-raised animal protein into my diet, as well as supplement my diet with Iron supplements. 

Beef Liver and Iron Pills

In addition to limited meat consumption, I've added Beef Liver pills twice daily, which has successfully increased my stamina. However, after recent blood work, my Iron is still below the normal range. After additional research, I've found the best supplement for iron deficiency for athletes is 325 mg daily of ferrous sulfate. 

The next time you’re short on time and in need of healthy food ideas, consider these options. You might find these recommendations quickly become favorites. They are for us!

About Christy and Ted…..

Christy and Ted Mahon are outdoor athletes who adventure in the mountains around Aspen, Colorado, and beyond. In winter months, they can be found skiing in all disciplines– backcountry, inbounds, nordic, and ski mountaineering. They’ve successfully skied the 100 tallest mountains in Colorado and, in 2016, were honored as National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year for Ski Mountaineering.

During the summer, they hang up the skis and get out on the trails and mountains with just as much enthusiasm– running, hiking, backpacking, peakbagging, climbing, and biking.

When they aren’t in the mountains, Christy is the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Development Director. Ted spends his winter working as a ski instructor and summers as a guide on the local peaks and trails.”

3 Things We Are Loving Right Now!

Feel like you’re in need of a yummy recipe to make for dinner tonight, expert wellness tips, or healthy product recommendations? Look no further. Our TF team has revealed what they’re loving right now. Get ready to find your new favorite thing.

Local Love: LOVE Pilates, Boulder Colorado

Owner, Misty Sundseth @mistydawnlovestory @lovepilatesboulder

Everyone on our Tuesday Foods Team is a health and fitness nut - so it’s not hard to believe that we have tried every workout there is! Cross-Fit (Connie is a coach), Hot Yoga (Big fans), Dance Cardio (Love it), Peleton (Gets the job done in a pinch).

Pilates (our latest obsession) is a spring-based, resistance-training workout that fatigues your muscles in all the right ways. We are hooked!

When in Boulder, Colorado we don’t miss the chance to take a Pilates class from our sweet friend Misty Sundseth, founder of Love Pilates. Misty’s mission is to make fitness colorful and fun. Has she managed? YES! Her energy is radiant - like a ray of sunshine in human form. Her sessions are infused with laughter and a focus on feeling good, empowered, and excited about your health journey.

Check out Love Pilates and follow along at Love.pilates-boulder

Product Love: Lip Doctor, by Osmia

Osmia Organics, Carbondale Colorado

We LOVE this ultra moisturizing lip balm! Our Colorado winters can be tough on the lips - and we think that this balm soothes and moisturizes like nothing else.

Lip Doctor is the perfect lip conditioner for dry or sensitive lips. It has only six ingredients, including organic olive oil infused with Colorado-grown lavender (they harvest it themselves!). Organic cocoa butter and beeswax give it staying power, while organic avocado and argan oils penetrate deeply to help lips stay in healthy, smiling condition.

Click here to purchase!

Recipe Love: Moroccan Chickpea and Carrot Tagine

By Tieghan Gerard, Half Baked Harvest

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple

We have been following Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest for a while now and we all love this recipe from her new cookbook - Half Baked Harvest Super Simple. On her blog, Tieghan is beloved for her beautiful photography and her crowd pleasing, comfort food recipes. HBH Super Simple takes what fans love most about Tieghan's recipes and distills it into quicker and easier dishes, including options for one-pot meals, meal prep, and even some instant pot and slow cooker recipes. Super simple!

Here’s an excerpt from the book and link to the recipe:

Vegetables are a big part of Moroccan cooking, and whenever I’m making vegetarian soups and stews I tend to use a mix of Moroccan-inspired flavors. I make this tagine whenever I’m craving a detox or simply a good amount of spice, vegetables, and protein. You can prepare this whole recipe in the slow cooker or the pressure cooker, making it a great option any night of the week. Just throw everything in, set it, and come back to a colorful pot of warm vegetables, spices, and chickpeas. My favorite way to serve this is over steamed couscous with a side of warm naan.

Grab the recipe. Buy the cookbook.

CHEF PREPARED, NUTRITIONIST APPROVED, HEALTHY MEALS MADE EASY.…
FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS!

OUR FAVORITE ANNOUNCEMENT THIS YEAR.

We are SUPER JUICED to announce that Tuesday Foods will now be serving Tonic Juicery (formerly of Carbondale, Colorado) organic cold pressed juices and cleanses (2, 3 and 5 day, delivered.) The same wonderful products we all grew to love (and have so greatly missed!)

Tonic Juicery's previous owners, Lindsay, and Micah Mills share: 

“We are so excited to announce that Tonic Juices are returning to Carbondale! Lisa and Kelly of Tuesday Foods will be taking over the production of our juices and we can't wait! Their attention to detail is impeccable. Not only is their food unique, delicious, and beautiful, but it's made with the absolute best ingredients and comes in the best packaging. The most important attribute is that we know our juices will be made with love.” 

The Benefits Of Juicing:

Cold-pressed juice comes from raw, organic fruits and veggies, and is processed in a specific way that extracts the maximum amount of liquid.

There are so many benefits to drinking fresh, cold-pressed juice. On a cellular level, it supercharges our intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which our bodies need to feel healthy, vibrant and energized. Juices flood your body with nutrients and hydration that are easily absorbed in your digestive system.

In fact - we’ve noticed that when we consistently drink freshly juiced green veggies, we have more energy, our skin is bright and clear, and we just feel better all around!

Here are our top 5 benefits of juicing:

1. Reduce Overall Inflammation + Get A Reset

According to a Harvard Medical School report, “Chronic inflammation plays a central role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s.”

If you’re suffering from pain or inflammation of any kind, juicing may be a great supplement for you due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming dark leafy green vegetables, and fruits that are packed with vitamin C will nourish your body with antioxidants.

If you are feeling the need for a reset, fresh juice cleanses are a great way to help you recharge your body and start over. Although your body has certain organs to help clean out toxins, juice has the ability to jump-start this process even more.

2. Increase Hydration + Energy.

Fresh juices can provide just the right balance of water and minerals to increase your body’s overall hydration, which can help with anything from skin itching to brain fog to reducing sugar cravings. You feel more hungry when you’re dehydrated, so improving your overall hydration can help you eat a more balanced diet.

Because the nutrients in the juice aren’t attached to fiber, they immediately hit our bloodstream to provide a burst of energy. Reaching for green juice can help us shake that post-lunch sluggish feeling without relying on coffee or sweets.

3. Improve Your Digestion

The enzymes in fresh juice improve your digestive health, and most health experts believe at least 80% of your immune system lives in your digestive system. Ginger and lemon will give your juice a refreshing boost that goes beyond the taste…..Ginger root is a superfood that promotes good digestion, lowers the risk of infections, inflammation and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Lemon also promotes good digestion, is a great source of vitamin C and phytonutrients, helps with weight loss, and most importantly prevents the formation of kidney stones and promotes liver health.

4. Strengthen Your Immune System

With cold and flu season almost upon us and COVID-19 still lurking around, keeping our immune system functioning at its peak performance is more important than ever. The delicious combo of ginger, carrot, and orange makes an ideal immunity-boosting juice. Carrots are packed with vitamin K, potassium and fiber. The juice is sweetened with a little fresh orange juice, providing your daily dose of vitamin C, as well as many other vitamins and minerals. Ginger provides a bit of spice, but also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

5. Improve Your Skin

The extra hydration and gut-healing benefits of fresh juice makes it especially good for your skin, keeping it clear and giving you that extra healthy glow. Lots of cold pressed juice ingredients are great for your skin, but if you’re stumped on which to start with, reach for an afternoon juice with ingredients like ginger, kale, carrots, watercress, or lemons. Not only will you feel more energized and awake, but your skin will feel great! You can expect a reduction in puffiness, fewer breakouts, and smoother skin.

Get meals and Cold Pressed juice delivered to your door!

We believe eating delicious is crucial to a healthy diet. Each week, our team of chefs design a new menu for what's in season, fresh and flavorful.

Best Vegan & Vegetarian FOOD in Boulder

When searching for the best breakfast spots in Boulder you will likely stumble upon Snooze Eatery, Foolish Craig’s Cafe or Doug’s Diner. But how about for a fresh and fabulous start - something vibrant, light, and delish to set you up for an energized day exploring the beautiful bustling Boulder? Let’s start there… When we drive into this buzzing mountain town, our first stop is undoubtedly Wonder Press Juicery. Let’s start with Breakfast and then we will dine on from there… thanks for joining us!

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Breakfast Restaurant in Boulder

Wonder Juice

Overview: Wonder Press Juicery now boasts three beautiful locations: Pearl Street (the original) East Boulder, and the third in Denver. Wonder is a 100% organic, cold-pressed juice and wellness cafe. They believe that food has the power to transform life’s (yes! So do we!).

More than just a juice shop, their aim is community focused - both by elevating the health of the people fo the boulder community and supporting them in living their most vital lives, and also to support local, organic farmers and provide an enlivening social space for the community.

This healing force lives in the raw, carefully pressed and unadulterated juice coming from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and herbs. Our juice is never pasteurized, never pressure-processed (HPP) and always served to you in a glass bottle. Each bottle consists of several pounds of produce and is packed with live enzymes, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients.

Vegan Tip: for breakfast we start with a dirty gold - a golden latte with a shot of espresso. Next comes the Left Toast with avocado, radish and micro greens. and we never walk out the door with out The Brite, our favorite green juice with cucumber, apple, collards, kale, parsley and lemon. We guarantee after a meal like this you will be buzzing with life force.

Vegetarian Tip: try one of their “Butter Bevvies” with grass fed ghee or the Maca Pecan Smoothie with collagen. With fresh nut milk pressed in house - this one delights the taste buds and satisfies the soul.

Price: $$

photo @ wonderpress.co

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Lunch Restaurant in Boulder

Fresh Thymes

Overview : Fresh Thymes Eatery opened in August 2013 and quickly blew up the Boulder food scene, earning a People’s Choice 2014 Best New Restaurant by Boulder’s Daily Camera. They are a gluten free restaurant with a serious local dedication.

They are dedicated to their customers, to the planet and to the beautiful Boulder community, and they work with local non-profits to end food scarcity. Three cheers for that!

We love their dedication to good clean ingredients and that it is a 100% gluten-free restaurant with a variety of menu options for vegans, vegetarians, paleo people and ingredient-conscious foodies.

From Fresh Thymes Eatery:

"Fresh Thymes Eatery is a fast-paced casual restaurant in Boulder, Colorado specializing in farm to table, holistic, organic, ingredient conscious food. We craft fine food in a casual environment serving gluten free, paleo friendly and vegan friendly food. Our 100% scratch kitchen creates everything from kale salads, noodle dishes, pizza, tacos and wings to culturing our own kimchi, sriracha and baking house made desserts. Local beer on tap and curated natural wine. Local award winner; gluten free restaurant, organic restaurant.

Um, Yes please.

Vegan Tip: for lunch we just had to try the Pumpkin Falafel Burger House-made falafel patty, (every single thing is scratch made in house)) veggie slaw w/ sherry lime vinaigrette, tahini mayo (contains sesame)
Vegetarian Tip: You’ve got to try one of the grilled pizzas. Our pick is the Cheesy One which you can customize…Fresh marinara, whole milk mozzarella & your choice of add-on toppings
Price: $$

photo @ freshthymes

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Dinner Restaurant in Boulder

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

Overview: Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant is dedicated to creating an outstanding vegetarian dining experience, and we believe they do! “Their passion for fresh, local ingredients led them to create Three Leaf Farm in Lafayette, CO which allows them to seasonally provide organic, freshly harvested produce and herbs and free range eggs and strengthens our commitment to cultivating a more sustainably focused company.” -boulderdowntown.com

As a family owned eatery offering a true sustainable, farm-to-table experience, we feel like you can’t beat this ambiance paired with super tasty vegetarian & vegan meals for a night out on the town.

Vegan Tip: We love to make it to Happy Hour and start with the Leaf Board - it’s vegan and gluten free optional with toasted pita, sun-dried tomato hummus, sunflower vegan sausage, Three Leaf Farm pickles, and red pepper chutney.
Vegetarian Tip: If your looking for a main meal you must check out the Bibimbap with grilled tofu, shiitake mushrooms, cucumbers, carrots, soybean shoots, kimchi, spinach, brown rice, gochujang and a fried egg

Up for a sweet ending? You know we are suckers for a vegan Carrot Cake and this one is worth the splurge: with vegan buttercream icing and candied walnut, It’s truly the perfect end to a vegan day in Boulder.
Price: $$

photo @leafrestaurant

Other top contenders for Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Boulder

Thrive

Health-focused, vibrantly colored eatery preparing organic vegan dishes, desserts & smoothies. This is Boulder's highest quality organic drive-thru. Also with a dine in option - they are raising the bar on vegan-fast-casual.

From the Thrive website:

“Craving light and healthy but also super-nourishing? Get to Thrive! You’ll find the most nutrient-dense bites under one roof. From superfood smoothies to colorful salads and kale chips, there’s something for every mood. And if you’re thirsty, try one of our superfood smoothies, house-made nut milks or locally-brewed kombucha. Eat in peace knowing that everything at Thrive is gluten-free. It’s also all raw, vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, organic and soy-free, but we promise you don’t need to be a follower of any diet to enjoy our food.

What to order? You had us at “Tacno Salad”

A magical raw food exposé! Our inner flame salad has been taken to the next level. Topped with fresh guacamole, ground pecan and walnut tacno meat, salsa, cashew-based sour cream and natcho cheeze.

Price: $$

Flower Child

Rarely would we mention a “chain” restaurant but this one has stolen out hearts, especially when we have the kids with us. Perfect for families with a something for everyone menu, we always leave here happy so have to give it a shout out.

At Flower Child, everything is scratch made, serving healthy food that takes you to a happy place. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or paleo - you will find something that suits and they can customize for sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten-free (but never ever flavor-free : )

From The Flower Child Site:

We’re on a simple, soul-satisfying mission to radiate positively delicious vibes. So whether you’re in the mood to relax and dine in, or just grabbing a quick healthy bite to go, join us and nourish your mind, body and soul.

We really love the THAI DYE (and maybe it’s just the name but…) its packed with spicy tofu, thai basil, avocado, carrot, daikon radish, cilantro, and snap peas and it seriously hits the spot.

Price: $$

Nude Foods Market

A zero waste grocery store with snack, treats, and yummy things to carry out. You can shop online or in store for delivery or pick up. “Pick from around 1000 hand-picked items, add them to your cart and checkout from the comfort of your home or come into the store and shop like a traditional grocery store (just without all the plastic packaging)!” Yes please, it’s about time!
Price: $

Best Vegan Food Delivery in Boulder*

Don't Miss! (*we are biased of course, but…) if you are busy out playing around town and prefer to skip the hustle bustle of the Boulder restaurant scene, order Tuesday Foods to your home and feel super nourished all week long. Perfect for dining in or for packing a picnic when you are out adventuring. This boulder based kitchen will bring the freshest food to your doorstep (each and every Tuesday) so the you can pack your fridge full or ready-to-eat (vegan, organic, gluten free, refined sugar free) meals for a week of good, clean eating.

Link here for next weeks menu!

We hope to see you dining around town! Reach out to us for more vegan and vegetarian recommendations.

Ali Margo

Our great friend Ali Margo, Aspen Daily News columnist and freelance journalist, shares her personal health and wellness story on our blog today. Ali’s writing is honest, smart and engaging - and she’s also just really funny! We love her perspective, and feel like her weight loss journey is one that many of us can relate to. Read on for her story, and then head over to her blog – if it isn’t already, it’s going to become one of your favorites, too!

Why Diets Don’t Work {And What Does!}

It’s not rocket science—living a plant-based lifestyle is what it’s all about.

For over 20 years, I have documented my life and love in my award-winning weekly column, “The Aspen Princess” (Think: Sex and the City meets Aspen Extreme) where I have written candidly about everything from my disastrous dating life and trying to keep up with Aspen’s hardcore athletic elite to becoming a wife and mother in my 40s. I often joke I have gone from Aspen Princess to Desperate Housewife of Basalt, and recently switched to Aspen’s official paper of record, The Aspen Daily News. But one thing that hasn’t changed? My struggle with my weight.

I have tried and documented every diet trend over the last two decades, from Keto, Paleo and gluten free to trying a variety of different cleanses. Most recently I dabbled in intermittent fasting, which flips previous wisdom about eating five small meals a day and cuts right to the chase by essentially eating nothing at all, except for during a 5-hour window—slow metabolism, anyone?

I’m old enough to remember the fat free craze back in the early 90s when I was in college and lived on pretzels, gummy bears and Diet Coke, only to learn a decade later that you’re supposed to avoid carbs altogether and eat only protein and fat. Those low-carb years yielded plenty of disgusting habits, like peeling the bread from my sandwiches as I ate them and dissecting sushi rolls and burritos with surgical precision to remove every last gram of carbohydrate before it hit my lips.

“What’s with the carnage?” the hot musician asked as he watched me smash my rice into my empty miso soup bowl with a look of utter disgust on his face. Things really took a turn for the worst when our waitress scolded me for ditching the rice on all-you-can-eat-sushi night.

Sometime between the day I turned 50 and the day I drove over the scale in my car and then lit it on fire, I finally accepted the fact that diets don’t work. Sure, I always lose weight at first, when I cut calories as the result of eliminating the bad-food-of-the-moment. But as soon as I discover a handful of food choices that are “allowed,” especially those doctored up by food manufacturers hoping to cash in the current trend, the calories—and the weight—return in full force.

It wasn’t until I met Lisa Cohen, nutritionist and co-founder of Tuesday Foods, that I truly understood the benefits of a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a get-thin-and-fast scheme, I signed up for one of her detox cleanses. Instead of asking me to throw down $300 on products to try and make money on a multilevel marketing platform, she provided me with grocery lists and recipes to make my own plant-based dishes from whole food ingredients myself. Instead of a fast track to Skinny Town, she got me into the long game—how to take care of my body and to be my best, not some unrealistic, unsustainable version of what society told me to be. To this day, I still have and use the recipes from that cleanse all the time simply because I love them. Better yet, I have maintained a weight that is healthy and sustainable, and still has me feeling and looking my best. Let’s be honest: I so totally care about how I look, and I love fashion, so being able to wear clothes I love is important to me.

It took me more than half my life to understand a plant-based lifestyle is not a diet trend, but it’s also not rocket science. It doesn’t require the kinds of extreme sacrifices that characterize most diets. It’s not something you’re going to achieve in a 10-day cleanse or a 30-day challenge (the word challenge alone suggests the possibility of failure). It’s not about working out 30 days in a row or three times a day or for three hours, but moving your body in a way you love and look forward to, whether it’s swimming laps or belly dancing. For me, it means walking or biking up mountains so I can have the rush of coming back down; practicing yoga in a hot room where, at 52 years young, I can still harness the strength and flexibility of the young gymnast inside me and practice my backbends, splits and handstands.

If anything, the key to a healthy, plant-based lifestyle is one that is sustainable and even enjoyable over time. It's about avoiding processed foods and making your own dang dressings and sauces and soups from scratch, not only because that’s the only way to truly know what you’re eating, but because that’s how you make food that tastes good and feels good, too. Don’t have time to cook? That’s what Tuesday Foods is for, hello! What they create is art you can taste, smell, see and even feel soaking into your bones, and they bring it to your front door! Here’s my gauge: if it looks beautiful and is full of color, that vibrancy translates not only to your gut, but to your life.

Recipe: Ali’s Feel Better Broccoli Soup

Whenever I’m feeling rundown or need to do a mini detox after a holiday, I love making this soup and eating it for a light dinner a few nights in a row to right the ship. With a cashew cream base, it’s satisfying enough to be a meal, but also packed with enough nutrients and greens to rival a supergreen smoothie.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2-4 carrots (depending on size), chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 2-4 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 heads broccoli (4-ish cups of florets)

• 4-6 cups veggie broth *

• 2 handfuls raw spinach

• 1 teaspoon dry basil*

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

• 1 tablespoon miso paste*

Directions

Soak cashews in water for at least 1 hour to soften.

Sautee chopped onion in oil over medium high in a large, deep pan until softened, 3-5 minutes then add carrots and celery and cook 5 minutes more.

Add garlic, basil, and salt and sauté until herbs and veggies are well combined.

Add your broth and bring to a simmer, then add broccoli florets. Simmer until florets are softened, about 5 minutes. Make sure there is enough liquid to cover all the vegetables by about 1”.

Add cayenne and 1-3 tbsp miso paste, to taste.

Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Transfer all ingredients (including the cashews) into a Vitamix or use a hand mixer and blend until smooth. Add water to thin depending on desired consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and sliced apples or toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. Or roast some broccoli florets to serve on top.

Notes:

*When I need a little immune system boost or want a heartier soup I use half bone broth, half water.

*Experiment with other dried herbs for different flavor profiles. I’ve added thyme and oregano or in the spring I like dill and tarragon.

*Miso is a personal thing: I like to add a lot, but start with 1 tbsp.

* For more texture, I’ll leave some chopped vegetables aside and then add them to the soup once it’s been blended.

 

Ali Margo is an Aspen-based freelance writer, snowboarder, and hot yogi who lives up the Frying Pan River valley with her husband Ryan, son Levi and pug Tallulah. Reach out at alisonmargo@gmail.com. Catch her column every Monday at www.aspendailynews.com.

Chef Prepared, Nutritionist Approved, Plant-Based Meals Delivered To Your Door With Love.

Best Vegan, Ready-to-Eat, Meal Delivery in Colorado.

We are hands down dedicated to healthy eating and vibrant living. When we went to search the best ready-to-eat, vegan meal delivery services in Colorado, we were hard pressed to find many fresh, organic options. We narrowed down our contenders to:

• Daily Harvest

• Splendid Spoon

• Sakara Life

• Tuesday Foods. 

We wanted to know… who is killing it in the vegan, food delivery space? Who is providing hungry, active, Coloradans the organic and fresh plant food that they crave?

We are excited to share what we found, and this is what you can expect to find in this article:

Comparing 4 fully vegan, ready-to- eat food delivery services in the following categories:

1. Pricing: Cost and Value

2. Types of Meals and ingredients

3. Convenience Factor

4. Taste, texture and palatability. 

5. Which should you choose?

Comparing Four 100% Vegan Meal Delivery Services

You know that incredible feeling when your nutrition routine is on point?  When you are feeling clean, lean and in a great routine? We are dedicated to feeling that way, always. And, sometimes, most of the time actually, we don’t have the time to plan, shop, prep and get all of the healthy organic food that we desire into our fridges and onto our plates.

Thats where ready-to-eat, plant-based meal delivery services some into play. But some are better than others and some serve a different purpose than others. 

In this article, we are going to share a rundown of 4 plant based players in Colorado. The requirements of the contenders: plant-based, vegan, gluten free options, ready-to-eat meal delivery to your door. We will compare and contrast: Splendid Spoon, Daily Harvest, Sakara Life and Tuesday Foods.

There isn’t heaping amounts of information out there on these vegan meal brands. It’s hard to totally understand what you are going to get until you try these first hand. That’s why we have done the research - so that you can use this as your go-to for what you are going to get. We hope that this allows you to find your perfect plant-based match made in heaven (we know we have found ours!)

Who are the vegan frozen contenders?

Daily Harvest and Splendid Spoon

We are going to tap into these two first as they feel the easiest to compare. As meals come frozen and store in your freezer we love the flexibility of schedule and extended shelf life. 

These two brands have much in common. They both provide meals and smoothies that are plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free, and they both make healthy eating in a pinch, quick and easy.

Daily Harvest overview: 

“Good food, made easy.” In 2015 Rachel Drori went from making smoothies for herself (and freezing them for later) and her friends and family to launching plant-based frozen meal delivery service in Queens, New York. They started off with smoothies, only, and they did it well. The brand has grown exponentially and they now offer plant-based and ready-to-eat smoothies, oat and chia bowls, flatbreads, harvest bowls, soups, snacks, and lattes. The company aims to make healthier eating easy and delicious by helping you add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. (We can get onboard with this!)

we love the branding, the black and white, and the simple stackable storage.

Splendid Spoon Overview:

Splendid Spoon’s plant-based smoothies, soups, grain bowls, and noodles are low in sugar and sodium and delivered ready-to-eat. At splendid spoon they are on a mission to make it easy to live a healthy life. (Yes! Preaching to the choir!) They ship their grain and soup bowl frozen and their smoothies, wellness shots and cold pressed juices refrigerated with recyclable insulation and dry ice. Splendid Spoon launched in 2013 with a line of vegan soups that founder, Nicole Centeno, cooked out of a local pizza kitchen in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. With simple ingredients (and a WHOLE lot of veggies), they were always satisfying. in 2016, Nicole’s Soup Cleanse Cookbook was published (we are huge fans!) It presented a modern alternative to quick-fix diets and instead focused on using plant-based soups and mindful eating practices to increase energy and improve health. We love everything about this book.

In this section we will compare and contrast:

• Pricing and cost

• Types of meals and ingredients

• Convenience factor

• Flavor and satisfaction.

• Our pick for the frozen winner

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What is our favorite frozen meal delivery service?

Let us break it down by category. First we compare price per meal, weekly cost and hero products.

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Daily Harvest Pricing and weekly cost:

With Daily Harvest, you choose a la carte, how many items you want to receive and how often they get delivered to your doorstep. Daily Harvest pricing ranges from $5.99 to $11.99 per item, and the more you order, the more you save! Savings on 9+ items in a box are automatically deducted at checkout. When we are ordering for a week we order 3 meals plus a snack and a treat each day for 5 items per day or 35 meals per week.

What have we tested from Daily Harvest?

• Smoothies: All of the varieties

• Harvest Bowl: Red Lentil + Cumin

• Flat Bread: Tomato + Basil and Kabocha + Sage

• Soup: All of the varieties

• Chia + Oats Bowls: a few varieties of each

• Bites: Cacao Nib + Vanilla and Coconut and Lemon

• Ice Cream (“Scoops”): Mint + Dark, Melty Cacao Chips

• Lattes: All of the varieties

Hero Product: Smoothies. How Much Are Daily Harvest’s Smoothies? And are they good?

Daily Harvest recently increased the size of their smoothies which drastically increased their value. Price: $8.49 for 16 oz. We enjoy some varieties more than others but we love the customization that making these yourself provides. You get to choose what liquid you use to blend and if you want to supplement with any thing extra like protein powder, collagen, greens powders or fresh greens. Don’t get us wrong - these are chock full of good ingredients as they are but sometimes the caloric count is a bit low for a busy and active day.

In our opinion, Daily Harvest does their original dishes best. While the variety or menu items feels fun, the items that we are most drawn to stock up on remain the smoothies and lattes. Straight-up sip-able pleasure.

summary of daily harvest products

harvest bowls, flatbreads, soups, chia and oat bowls, bites and ice cream

Our favorites in each category:

smoothie: chocolate + blueberry,

harvest bowl: red lentil and cumin

flatbread: tomato basil or kabocha + sage

soup: mushroom miso or butternut and rosemary

chia or oats bowl: these are not our fave, we would give these items a miss (just make your own)

latte: chaga + chocolate

bites + ice cream: coco nib and vanilla (bites.) mint and dark (scoops.)

Daily Harvest, In summary:

While we love the sound of the menu for Daily Harvest picks across the board, and we are obsessed with the ingredients that they use, it’s the smoothies and lattes that call us back. The rest of the menu feels a little lacking in flavor, texture and freshness. However, for a healthy meal in a pinch, these do the trick. Also - these meals can feel a bit cleanse-y. For example, while we love the mushroom miso soup, it packs only 140 calories per container. This constitutes an app or a side dish in our book, not a mail meal.

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Splendid Spoon: PRICING AND WEEKLY COST:

At first glance, the pricing of Splendid Spoon appears higher than Daily Harvest, but after experiencing both vegan meal delivery services, Splendid Spoon has much bigger portions and for that reason, a whole lot more bang for your buck.

Depending on your meal plan, Splendid Spoon pricing can be anywhere between $9-$13.

What have we tested from Splendid Spoon?

• Breakfast

• Soups:

• Dinner

• Reset Plan

• Smoothies

• Juices

• Detox Shots

Hero Product: Soups. How Much Are Splendid Spoons Soups? And are they good?

The soups at Splendid Spoon range from light veggie purees to more filling options which include lentils and beans. They are nutrient-packed, made with clean ingredients and so easy to heat up and enjoy on the fly. These soups are perfect for dinner or lunch - and honestly, sometimes we go rogue and have one for breakfast. Why not!? Our favorites are the Carrot Lentil Curry, Garden Minestrone and Red Lentil Dahl. The soups range in price (the more you get the more you save) but plan to spend between $9 and $13 per meal and about $250 per week all in.

SUMMARY OF SPLENDID SPOON PRODUCTS

SOUPS AND GRAIN BOWLS. SMOOTHIES. NOODLE BOWLS. COLD PRESSED JUICES. DETOX SHOTS.

Our favorites in each category:

Soup: Carrot Lentil Curry

Grain Bowl: Coconut Curry Rice Bowl

Smoothie: Coffee Frappe

Juice: Super Greens (always)

Shots: Wellness Shot

Splendid Spoon, IN SUMMARY:

All in all Splendid Spoon soups are the winner for us - tasty, satiating, and you can’t beat the variety and quality of good-for-you ingredients. While we love a great smoothie - and the convenience of these can not be beat, we prefer to make our own - from frozen to fresh in a blender. These are delicious and comparable to Rebel or other great market brands. Jucies and shots - in our opinion a cold press juice needs to be fresh fresh fresh. We prefer to make these ourselves or source from our favorite local juice shop. In short - the value for money is there and the meals we love the most (the soups and grain bowl) have a super satisfying quality. And maybe the best thing going - they can fit the bill for many dietary requests - whether you are looking for high fiber, high protein, low sugar or low carb - they can point you to the best meals for your preferences, and really, what’s better than that?

OUR PICK FOR BEST FROZEN MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE:

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WHO ARE THE FRESH PLANT-BASED CONTENDERS?

sakara life AND tuesday foods

We are going to tap into these two next as they feel most comparable as fresh, and organic. In our minds, fresh is always best (though we do love the fexible timeline provided with frozen. These luxury brands offer robust menus and fresh, organic, plan-based-meals, ready-to-eat, delivered to your door. Let’s dive in…

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SAKARA LIFE OVERVIEW

Sakara Life is a plant-forward meal delivery service focused on counting nutrients instead of calories. Its whole-food, plant-based, ready-to-eat meals are a good option for those looking to incorporate more produce into their diet and save time cooking, as long as they don't mind a premium price tag. Sakara is a wellness brand, anchored in food as medicine - they offer supplements, tinctures and metabolism powder to keep you feeling healthy, sexy and chic.

In 2012, childhood friends, Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle (don’t compare, they are both models) pieced together $700 to launch Sakara Life, with the goal of transforming lives by empowering people to be in control of their health and vitality. Since then, the company, which started as a bicycle delivery service, has delivered millions of meals nationwide. These chics know what they’re doing.

TUESDAY FOODS OVERVIEW

Tuesday Foods (oh hey, that’s us!) *first let us say that we are biased. As chef and co-owner my opinion may be skewed but here we will share honest insight to our service and real life client testimonials rather than our own. 

Tuesday Foods is a chef prepared, nutritionist approved, organic, healthy plant-based meal delivery service - the difference here is these meals are produced locally at their Boulder commissary kitchen. Optimally fresh - the food is produced on Monday and then delivered right to your door (in reusable glass and conscious compostable packaging) on Tuesdays. The local spin on production and the use of reusable glass packaging sets this service apart from the others. Let’s dive in further…

Launched in the spring of 2019 by co-founders and healthy living enthusiasts, Lisa Cohen and Kelly Hollins - Tuesday Foods was catapulted to popularity with the rise of the pandemic. Their mission is to improve lives through good clean food, to nourish both body and spirit, to connect deeply with their local communities and to make healthy eating easy! The ladies at Tuesday Foods are striving to up-level the plant-based food delivery experience by offering a zero waste (returnable glass jar) solution.

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WHAT IS OUR FAVORITE FResh organic MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE?

LET US BREAK IT DOWN BY CATEGORY. FIRST WE COMPARE PRICE PER MEAL, WEEKLY COST AND HERO PRODUCTS.

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SAKARA PRICING AND WEEKLY COST:

With Sakara you can choose a 2, 3 or 5 day subscription and if you stay on a weekly recurring you receive a 15% off. This makes the cost more palatable but still it feels high and here’s why… We will compare 5 day subscriptions for the fresh food category so that we are not comparing apples to oranges. At Sakara the 5 day delivery is $420 per week breaking down to $28 per meal. The upside - the ingredients are on point and the food tastes good. Downside - the portions are light and we are left wanting more. This program feels a bit restricted - diet-y if you will, or geared more toward the very light eater.

Meals you might find on their menu:

• Breakfast: Zen Zucchini Muffin

• Lunch: Sesame Citrus Glow Salad

• Dinner: Beautifying Broccoli Soup

• Metabolism Powder

Hero Product: metabolism super powder

Our favorite thing on the Sakara site is the Metabolism Super Powder. Naturally rich dark chocolate with a coconut essence. It comes in a 30 serving pouch at $90 (or $3/ day) and the listed benefits include: Helps Curb Sugar Cravings, Supports Gut Health, Eases Bloat, Supports Digestion. In a nut shell, we like it! It’s pricey but it makes us feel good when we start our day with some and the turning sugar cravings feels legit. Key Ingredients include: Horsetail Extract, L-Glutamine, Kelp Extract, and Black Pepper Piperine. Great to add to smoothies or to use as a super boosting ingredient in bars and balls. We are big fans. As far as the meals, they are all petty good - sometimes the freshness is questionable after a delay in shipping or what have you - but nothing seriously stands out.  If we had to pick a favorite meal it would almost always be the breakfast, they manage to make it feel like a treat which we love.

SUMMARY OF SAKARA LIFE PRODUCTS

SOUPS. SALADS, GRAIN BOWLS. MUFFINS. DONUTS. PUDDINGS. SUPPLEMENT POWDERS. SNACKS. POPCORN.

SAKARA LIFE, IN SUMMARY:

We are huge fans of this brand. They set the bar with meticulous marketing and clean ingredients. We aspire to the same philosophy as food as medicine and living life in balance (work hard, play hard) We love their introduction of supplements, snacks and super powders. We love their menus. The thing that gets a little lost on is the fresh food, in the mail. It just doesn’t feel quite as fresh as we would like. In our dream world we could visit a Sakara Cafe and order these delightful dishes fresh out of their sexy chic kitchen. A girl can dream, right!? Our recommendation: splurge on the meal delivery in a pinch (they deliver nation wide which is nice!) - but become a believer in their metabolism super powder. Your gut health will thank us later.

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TUESDAY FOODS PRICING AND WEEKLY COST:

With Tuesday Foods you can choose a their full signature delivery or the lighter, “let’s do lunch” They also offer a 4 week, 12 week, or yearlong subscription at a hefty discount. Again, we will compare the five day signature delivery to make sure we are apples to apples. At Tuesday Foods the 5 day delivery is $365 per week ($55 less than Sakara) and the meals are ROBUST. This is not a deprivation program. This is pure, abundant nourishment. Not only do you recieve three meals a day but their are snack and treats included making the meals break down to $18 per ($10 less per meal than Sakara) The upside - you can not find food more fresh than this. The ingredients are sourced locally and the food is delish. Downside - because of the sustainability focus their is no printed menu, you will need to go online to view pairing and prep tips and ingredients list - but we can respect the reasoning behind this and take on the tiny bit of extra effort.

MEALS YOU MIGHT FIND ON THEIR MENU:

• Breakfast: Super Fueled Smoothies

• Lunch: Soups and Salads

• Dinner: Buddha and Noodle Bowls

• Chia Puddings and Guiltless Treats

• Fresh Variety of Crudités and Creative Dips (eating veggies has never been so fun!)

HERO PRODUCT: creative plant based entrees

We hear time and time again, the entree of the week is the favorite. Think Chick-Un Curry Wraps, Spiced Cauliflower burgers with a Chipotle Ranch Dip Sauce, Better than Bolognese - a plant based alternative that will satisfy the most paleo person you know. The list goes on but inevitably the entree is the winner. Other most popular reports include: smoothies, chia and treats, veggies and dips. Oh - and their sauces have a cult following. Maybe one day these will be available for purchase.

SUMMARY OF TUESDAY FOODS PRODUCTS

SOUPS. SALADS, BUUDHA BOWLS. NOODLE BOWLS. FRESH VIBRANT CRUDITES. CREATIVE DIPS. SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIES. MORNING MATCHA. GUILTESS TREATS.

TUESDAY FOODS, IN SUMMARY:

Tuesday Foods is raising the bar on fresh, plant based, organic meal delivery services. This is the food program for the foodie - the flavors are on point and the meals are abundant. For this reason, the value can not be beat. You know how they say you can really taste the love in the food? Hands down this is true at Tuesday Foods. Their is clearly so much attention and effort that goes into, not only making the food beautiful (you eat with your eyes first, right!?) but super nutritious and satisfying. But don’t take it from us, here’s what the people are saying…

“The food was amazingly delicious, so healthy and such plentiful portions! It made my life so easy and less stressful knowing I had a nutritious meal I didn't have to prepare waiting for me. Delicious food, beautifully presented, no waste and so YUM!”

“Love the quality of the food and the ease of preparation, and now I don't have to spend my summer in the grocery store!”

"I am not typically a fan of meal service deliveries, I love to cook. That said, the amazing flavors and textures of your meals, the simplicity and efficiency of the delivery, healthy meals with virtually no effort equals no-brainer! For me, this is PERFECT for lunch. The attractive packaging adds to the whole experience, it was just fantastic all the way! I feel very very good about finally having placed an order."

OUR PICK FOR BEST FResh, organic MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE:

IN SUMMARY: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER, what would we order?

In reflection, we have to say first - we love all of these brands! Companies that are bringing accessible, plant-based meals to Colorado doors are a win in our book. The goal is to make healthy eating easier and we give an A+ to each and every one of the contenders and we will continue to admire the work that they all do.

Also, can we stop to recognize that these are four, kick ass, women owned companies!? Let’s here it for the ladies - changing the world, one vegan meal at a time. High fives all around.

That said, we promised to choose a winner. Out of these top four what we choose for ourselves, and as health and wellness professionals, what we would recommend to our clients… (for us - fresh, vibrant living foods top frozen so) our #1 choice would be Tuesday Foods (again biased but still…) AND we do understand the convenience of frozen options for flexible consumption timeline and unknown schedule - for that reason we choose Splendid Spoon as the #2 alternative. We hope you will order, test for yourselves and report back to let us know what you think!

If you live in the Denver metro area, Boulder or the surrounding subburbs please learn more about the impeccable service provided at Tuesday Foods.

If you have questions or comments about any of the above, or if you have a company that you would like for us to test and report on, drop us a line to let us know!

3 Things We Are Loving Right Now!

Feel like you’re in need of a yummy recipe to make for dinner tonight, expert wellness tips, or healthy product recommendations? Look no further. Our TF team has revealed what they’re loving right now. Get ready to find your new favorite thing.

Local Love: Boards and Baskets

Locally owned + curated by Chef Alex Karlinski of Harvest Roaring Fork

They say you eat with your eyes first, and nowhere does that feel more true than Chef Alex's beautiful and elegant Charcuterie Boards and Baskets. What makes her creations so special? Variety. Flavor. Love.

A plethora of colors, flavors and textures - sweet and salty, crunchy and soft. Alex always sources the best ingredients (Colorado local, organic, grass-fed and seasonal whenever possible), makes most everything from scratch, and doesn’t compromise on quality. These boards traditionally contain meats and cheeses, but you could also choose to load it up with bright veggies and fruits and our favorite vegan brands to build a beautiful charcuterie board around delicious plant-based foods.

It makes the perfect picnic, apres ski snack, holiday platter or no-cook dinner for two. A little sweet, a little savory and served with lots of love.

Product Love: Propolis Throat Spray

By Beekeeper’s Naturals

Looking for an all-natural way to ward off the common cold and flu? Meet this Propolis Throat Spray from Beekeeper’s Naturals, your natural immune booster in a bottle! Bee propolis, known as “bee glue”, is a sticky substance produced by bees. Its natural components provide numerous health benefits, which include:

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antioxidant

• Antimicrobial

• Immune boosting

• Wound healing

Bees use this propolis as protection for the entrance to their hives to help keep out germs, dirt and harmful bacteria, which is how this throat spray works! It prevents germs from getting in through your airway while also giving you an immune boost from additional vitamins and minerals. Beekeeper’s Naturals products are made from sustainably harvested “superfoods” made by the bees so you can enjoy the natural health boosting ingredients straight from the hive!

These easy to pack, eco- friendly spray bottles are essential for anyone who exercises, speaks often, travels, or just needs some added immune support. We love it!

Recipe Love: Creamy Cauliflower Wild Rice Soup

By Deryn Macey of Running On Real Food

Photo Credit, Running On Real Food

We are so happy that our TF Chef, Tess W. Strokes discovered our new favorite recipe from Running On Real Food!

What is better than a warm bowl of creamy cauliflower soup on a cool fall evening? It has a nutty, cheesy flavor and luxuriously creamy texture with tender bites of cauliflower, carrot and wild rice. This comforting Plant-based cauliflower soup is filling and hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

Cauliflower is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Potassium and Manganese. And guess what? Cauliflower is also a good source of plant-powered protein.

Garlic adds medicinal benefits to this soup, ranging from it's antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to healing the body with antioxidants. Garlic is great for helping boost your immune system - making it a powerful and flavorful way to spice up any meal.

We love this soup served with a squeeze of lemon, toasted pepitas and a sprinkle of fresh chives or scallions. Pair it with a hearty piece of crusty bread, and you have the makings for a very happy belly.

CHEF PREPARED, NUTRITIONIST APPROVED, HEALTHY MEALS MADE EASY.…

FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS!

Best Vegan Restaurants in Denver

A 2021 study says that if you're a vegetarian who lives in the Denver area, you might find that the Mile High City is not among the places where you'll find "plentiful and inexpensive options for budget-conscious herbivores." But we beg to differ, if you know where to look there are so many delicious and exciting plant forward places to dine. Dig in with us here and if you have a favorite that we missed, drop us a line, we would love to add yours to our list!

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Breakfast Restaurants in Denver

Watercourse Foods

How could we not start with Watercourse Foods! Their name comes from the philosophy of the "water course way" which in essence means to take the path of least harm. From their site: “We are a scratch kitchen that focuses on utilizing local vendors, sustainable
business practices, and seeking to give more than we take. We offer a wide variety of menu items that are accessible to many dietary restrictions, and we cultivate an environment of inclusivity.
Our menu items are free of artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and hydrogenated fats. We make food to nourish our community with fresh ingredients. We are both a neighborhood gathering place and a world-wide destination.

Operating since 1998, Watercourse is one of Denver’s oldest plant-based restaurants and is an absolute can not miss. The menu is extensive, with breakfast served from 8 to 2.

Vegan Tip: favorites for breakfast are the BREAKFAST SANDWICH: Scratch-made egg patty, thick cut bacon, American cheese, cracked pepper aioli. Served on your choice of: Kind Confections croissant, everything bagel, or gluten free bun. Swoon.

Vegetarian Tip: The whole menu is 100% vegan! Win win all around. Another pick from our fave breakfasts would have to be: the CHICKEN + BISCUIT: Brined, breaded, and fried lion’s mane mushroom, white gravy, spiced honey, flaky scratch-made biscuit.

Price: $$

City O’ City

Same owners as Watercourse, this is a vegetarian restaurant serving breakfast and brunch, lunch, dinner and late night… “we serve all needs to all people.”

From their site: we use local produce whenever possible, and even have our own urban micro farm which provides much of our produce in the summer. we pair with other local vendors, from coffee to beer to cheese, to ensure their success as well. we support local artists by having monthly in-house gallery shows, and we are often feeding travelers such as musicians, poets, politicians; the doers and makers of the world. come be a part of our community!

Vegan Tip: I love the chicken & waffles with bourbon-brined chicken-fried cauliflower** with bourbon maple syrup, chive creme fraiche and carrot bacon.

Vegetarian Tip: don’t miss the breakfast burrito (this has a vegan option if you prefer) scrambled eggs or tofu, potatoes, guajillo black beans, and vegan cotija cheese (or cashew ricotta) with green chili or gravy. add kale or broccoli (yes please, both!)

Price: $$

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Lunch Restaurants in Denver

Central Market:

Overview: "Top-notch vendors who peddle grain bowls, cortados, and so much more… “The vibe is cool. Super cool, actually. DCM is smack in the middle of RiNo (River North), Denver’s artsy-industrial neighborhood. You’ll be Instagramming from the dark wood tables next to young chefs, punk rockers, brewers, and start-up geniuses that run nearby businesses.” (-Bon Appetit.)

11 Vendors under 1 roof, all in the heart of RiNo.

Vegan Tip: Stop by Green Seed and Build your own salad, grab a healthy bowl or a cup of soup. Our favorite is the Peanut Butter Soba Time but you really can’t go wrong at this vegi-centric hot spot. They also offer a nice selection of açaí bowls, smoothies and juices.

Vegetarian Tip: Hit up Vero for a wood fired slice and then run don’t walk to High Point Creamy… their mission: to use happy ingredients, to make happy ice cream, in order to make you a happy customer. Enough said!

Price: $$

Wong Way

Scratch made vegan food, hands down the best vegan food truck in Denver. Wong Way is open year-round with a rotating menu so you will want to hit it up often! Our favorite place to visit Wong Way Veg is on Wednesdays outside of Nooch Vegan Market or Sundays til 1 at Drag Brunch @ Town Hall Collaborative (check the calendar on their site).

Vegan Tip: If it’s on the menu, you’ve got to get the fish and chips. Seriously, it’s bonkers good.

Vegetarian Tip: It’s all vegan so go with the Tofu Turkey Sandwich with cranberry apple chutney on gluten free bread.

Price: $

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Dinner Restaurants in Denver

Vital Root

Real ingredients, real food, real flavor - a fast casual approach to plant based meals that nourish - we can get on board with that! Vital Root is one of the very best vegan restaurants in Denver. From the same owners as Root Down, Linger, El Five, and Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox - this fast-casual, veggie-focused restaurant has something for everyone with super flavorful and fresh dishes that will delight the whole family. but the Kitchari Bowl and Sunflower Risotto (both pictured) are great for first-timers. If that’s not enough food, the Yuca fries or Cashew “Queso” Dip make for great starters. If there’s a long line when you arrive don’t be intimidated- it moves quickly!

Vegan Tip: we love the Kitchari Bowl or the Bahn Mi Tacos with edamame pate and lemongrass tofu.

Vegetarian Tip: Go for the Cobb Salad and add a side of the Yuca Fries.

Price: $$

True Food Kitchen

We are not usually one for chains but this gets us every time. Family friendly with a fresh and fun atmosphere tucked right in the heart of Cherry Creek. Their vegan and gluten free soups are always a feel good hit and the desserts are decadent and delish.

Vegan Tip: We love the Butternut Squash pizza or the Korean Noodle Bowl

Vegetarian Tip: Try the fall pesto pasta (they have a great selection of organic wine for pairing) or the delicious hummus platter

If you are there in the fall or winter: DO NOT MISS THE SQUASH PIE, it’s to die…

Price: $$

Our fave fresh Food Delivery in Denver:

Don't Miss: of course if you are busy out and about around Denver and prefer to stock your fridge with delicious, nutritious fabulous fresh food - order Tuesday Foods (delivered to your door) and feel super nourished all week long. Perfect for at home dining or to pack for lunch at work or on the go…

Link here for next weeks menu!

We hope to see you dining around town! Reach out to us for more vegan and vegetarian recommendations.

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Aspen - A Local's Guide

With a combined 55 years living and dining in Aspen, our opinions run deep! Lisa and I both entered the work force in Aspen (both at the Chart House) and have dined around town ever since. I now spend most of my town down valley but when I do venture up to the magical mystical Aspen town I want to make my meals count. I value flavor, freshness, ambiance and value for money. Below are my top recommendations on where to eat - and what to order (vegan and vegetarian) in Aspen.

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Breakfast Restaurants in Aspen & Snowmass

Spring Cafe

Overview : “At Spring Café we believe that food should be beautiful, delicious, and fun and enjoyed in an environment that promotes health, vitality, and peace of mind.” and boy can we get onboard with that! Flanked by the most bountiful flower array during the summer months, this quaint yet bustling cafe has become the place for plant based food. Clean, inviting and cheerful - it’s out number one go-to.

Vegan Tip: for breakfast we can’t get past The Spring Shake, the Dirty Chia (with house made nut milk) and the Pancakes are a hit for the littles.
Vegetarian Tip: Huevos Rancheros, hands down.
Price: $$

Mawa’s Kitchen Aspen (AABC)

Overview: a cute breakfast and lunch place with a handful of delicious vegan options. They are known for accommodating dietary requests and their food is the real deal.

Vegan Tip: I love the chipotle yam hash with tofu scramble, hearty and delicious.
Vegetarian Tip: MAWA’S GRANOLA PARFAIT BOWL: Mawa’s GrainFreeNola, Vanilla Yoghurt, Banana, Seasonal Berries | Sub Plant-Based Yoghurt to make it (V)
Price: $$

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Lunch Restaurants in Aspen & Snowmass

Ajax Tavern:

Overview: beautiful outdoor seating with a view of Aspen Mountain. As a home base for people watching, this is second to none. At the base of AJAX gondola it’s a prime-time location and a long time local stomping ground.
Vegan Tip: Their vegan cauliflower gratin is too die for and their carrot gnocchi are superb. Personally we miss the white bean dip appetizer and put in a strong vote to bring it back! (or get the knock off at Tuesday Foods : )
Vegetarian Tip: Get cozy with their French Onion Soup Gratin and a hearty serving of ri-donkulous Truffle Fries.
Price: $$$

Mi Chola:

Perfect for an indoor or outdoor causal lunch (the have a great patio facing Main Street) this is a spot that can accommodate larger parties well. Delicious Mexican food, and one of our favorite spots in Aspen! (I have deep roots here as I used to cocktail waitress when it was the Cantina, really fun times!)
Vegan Tip: They can do their nachos with no cheese no crema and they’re delish, the harvest bowl is super and their veggie burrito hits the spot and is more than enough to share. Oh, did I say Guac? Start there.
Vegetarian Tip: Go for the Spicy Honey Brussels or Wild Mushroom Quesadilla!
Price: $$

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Dinner Restaurants in Aspen

Meat & Cheese:

Don’t be fooled by the name… Located on Restaurant Row, Meat & Cheese is a celebration of food as prepared in home kitchens everywhere, a style they refer to as World Farmhouse. They have a cute market shop and plenty to nibble on for the veggies…
Vegan Tip: try the chopped kale salad with cabbage, radish, grilled corn, roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes, black beans, pickled jalapeños, tortilla strips, and poblano avocado dressing. (skip the cojita cheese) or grab the seasonal grilled veggie plate.
Vegetarian Tip: our pick is the roasted baby beets salad with turmeric yogurt, pistachios, cumin, herbs. we love to pair that with a side of the roasted sweet potatoes and a glass of bubbly Prosecco. Cheers!
Price: $$

Campo De Fiori:

Super lively and sure to be fun Italian spot.

Vegan Tip: Get the Salad Autunnale: Grilled portobello mushrooms, artichokes and roasted butternut squash, served over arugula with balsamic vinegar, white truffle oil (hold the Parm for vegan) my mouth is watering as I type.
Also try the penne caprese (hold the cheese)
Vegetarian Tip: you must get the RAVIOLI FUNGHI Homemade pasta filled with wild mushrooms in a delicate porcini cream sauce. And gluten free pasta is available upon request.
Price: $$$

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Quick Eats + Snacks in Aspen

The Big Wrap

Overview: the best fast-casual carryout in Aspen and beyond. Babs and her team have it down. Don’t miss it.

Vegan Tip: get the Pesto Wrapture - this is delicious in a wrap OR you can get it GF in a bowl (sub tofu for chicken, or just skip the added protein - it comes with rice and beans and is hearty as is!) a mix of medium and mild salsa and get ready to go to heaven. Pair the bowl with a side of cilantro lime chips and swoon.

Vegetarian Tip: go for the Hail Cesar - also delicious in a wrap or in a bowl. I love to add raisins, don’t ask me why but it’s divine. Also, don’t skip the chips.
Price: $ (best value for money in town)

Jüs

Overview: tucked in a corner in one of the most central buildings in downtown aspen Jus is a juice shop and then some. Fresh-pressed juices, milks, smoothies, hand-crafted breakfast + lunch items, and satisfying snacks.

Vegan Tip we love the Asterix Smoothie with Banana, hazelnuts, cacao nibs, espresso, local wildflower honey, almond milk (they do use honey but you can omit for vegan, or just be bee-gan)

Vegetarian Tip we are big fans of the $12 Veggie burrito: Organic local scrambled eggs, spinach, roasted vegetables, and manchego cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla
Price: $$

Don't Miss: of course if you are busy out playing around town and prefer to skip the hustle bustle of the aspen restaurant scene, order Tuesday Foods to your home and feel super nourished all week long. Perfect for dining in or for packing a picnic when you are out adventuring.

Link here for next weeks menu!

We hope to see you dining around town! Reach out to us for more vegan and vegetarian recommendations. And link here for the next chapter on mid-valley vegan eats…