Articles & Recipes

Chef V’s Green Drink Quality Promise

Chef V

What do you do when your recipe for veggie juice becomes in such high demand from friends, family and your private chef clients? If you’re Veronica Wheat, you throw caution to the wind, dive into the deep end of the entrepreneurial pool and create a mega-successful nationwide Green Drink delivery company.

Chef V's green drinks, made from organic and certified leafy greens and apple, have helped people nationwide. From dramatic health improvements to enhanced quality of life, Chef V's organic juice and cleanses have gained massive popularity for the right reasons. 

What makes Chef V's Green Drink Different?

If you're interested in losing weight, managing blood sugar, and improving your appearance, you've probably checked up on what a daily Green Drink can do. You might even be a Chef V convert. 

But if you're joining the Chef V family, what is the difference? What makes Chef V's Green Drink different from any other?

It comes down to the values Chef V holds. We define our products by these six qualities:

1 – Clinical Research backing for our Products

Chef V had a clinical research study conducted to establish the effectiveness of the Chef v products. The results are impressive.

The lab that conducted the study says: “Overall, participants saw a statistically significant improvement in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, cholesterol/LDL cholesterol ratio, and HbA1C. These findings suggest that the Chef V protocol, as used in this trial, is effective at bringing about positive changes in each of these biomarkers in just a 28-day test period…”

2 – Low Sugar
Chef V's Green Drink is very low sugar, with only 3g of sugar per 8 oz serving.

You'd be shocked how many supposedly healthy juice cleanses are packed full of sugar. Maybe their creators just don't take green juices seriously. Or perhaps they have no faith in their own taste. But drinking Green Drink while taking in a ton of sugar is defeating the purpose. You're not going to shed weight as quickly, if you lose any weight at all! And you might start to get blood sugar mood swings.

3 – Certified Organic

Do you know what's in your Green Drink? 

One of the major reasons people search out healthy juice is to give themselves a respite period from all the junk that goes into our everyday food. From fattening and sugary taste additives to preservatives, food labels are getting ever more difficult to parse.

With Chef V, all you get is what’s on the organic ingredient list. Our entire facility is certified organic, non-gmo, vegan and gluten-free.

4 – Temperature Control

We have a proprietary cold-blending process where we maintain 40 degrees Fahrenheit while blending. This maintains the nutrients in the drink without destroying them with heat. We also temperature control all of our bottles from production to delivery.

5 – Triple Reverse Osmosis Water

We use an in-house triple reverse osmosis filtration system that uses a three-stage process. It first filters the water, then subjects it to reverse osmosis three times, and finally filters the water once more. This meticulous process results in water that is exceptionally purified and entirely free from toxins or impurities.

6 – Tasty

Sometimes it's not the lack of fiber that makes a Green Drink hard to finish. Sometimes it's the fact that you don't care for the ingredients in the green drink.  At Chef V, we want your daily Green Drink to be a good experience. That's why our juice includes things like a bit of apple juice. And we offer a Tropical Green Drink with pineapple juice in the blend.

Learn more about Chef V's Green Drink

New to the world of healthy living? Want to learn more about what Chef V can do for you? Then make sure to check out Chef V's book Making Cleansing Easier.  You can also check out our blog.  We're always happy to answer questions about our Green Drink and having a healthy lifestyles!

Your Decision To Do A Chef V Detox + Green Drink Is Now Supported By Clinical Research!

Chef V

triglyceride levels down

For the thousands of people who have tried a Chef V 21 DAY DETOX, the proof is in the pudding. Or more accurately, the proof is in the Organic Green Drinks, Vegan Protein Shakes, Detox Soups, recipes, and healthy-meal-creation resources. 

Weight loss, more energy, better sleep, more balanced mood, clearer skin … 

…These are just some of the anecdotal/social proof benefits of the cleanse and detox programs created by Veronica “V” Wheat, founder of ChefV.com. 

If you’ve never tried a detox before and you’re skeptical, well, you should be… 

That’s because the global detox drink market size was valued at nearly $5 billion in 2021. And the vast majority of detox drinks have three major problems: 

  • They’re either ineffective or:
  • The results don’t last long (Temporary water weight loss; no lifelong healthy eating habits developed). And:
  • There’s hardly any research that supports nutrition-based detox plans. 

So rather than just relying on social media testimonials and hype, Veronica and ChefV.com CEO Brandon (V’s husband) decided to boldly go where few natural food companies have gone: get the (very expensive) backing of an independent clinical trial. 

clinical interview

Chef V’s 21 DAY DETOX Put To The Test

All the benefits of a CHEFV.com detox listed here wouldn’t hold much water (no pun intended) if a clinical trial did not find the results “statistically significant.” 

Statistical significance in research studies refers to the likelihood that the observed results are not due to coincidence or chance but occurred directly because of the intervention. 

And in this case, the intervention was following Chef V’s 21 DAY DETOX (details), followed by a 7-day period during which the 38 participants of the study consumed one 16-ounce serving of Organic Green Drink and consumed a healthy lunch and dinner with ingredients, recipes and resources suggested and created by Veronica Wheat. (These suggestions and resources are provided to all ChefV.com customers who purchase a CLEANSE or 21 DAY DETOX.)

The 38 subjects (male and female) were between the ages of 31-65 and in relatively good health with no chronic health problems. This fact is important because if someone was recruited in the study who had, say, obesity, it might be easier for them to lose more weight than somebody who has a smaller Body Mass Index (BMI), thereby skewing the average weight loss results. 

However, this isn’t to say that the participants were pictures of perfect health. They had to self-report that they were tired several times a week, experienced brain fog, sleep issues, trouble with focus, or experienced a busy and stressful life. Participants were also recruited if they experienced consistent gastrointestinal issues such as bloating. With these common health concerns, it would be easy to study whether the participants experienced improvements in these areas after finishing the 28 day trial. 

The clinical trial was conducted by Santa Monica, CA-based Citrus Labs in February 2023. 

The 38 participants completed baseline surveys and had blood samples collected by a third-party lab. The participants also completed surveys and had a blood sample taken after 28 days of using ChefV.com products. 

Order a 21 Day Detox Challenge – followup with a Green Drink subscription.

Over a 28-day period, the Chef V 21 Day Detox + Green Drink Program resulted in positive health improvements:

weight loss – an average of eight pounds.

– ‘bad’ cholesterol decreased – (LDL cholesterol) and the ratio of total cholesterol to LDL cholesterol improved. This is really promising for overall cardiovascular wellness.

– inflammation – went down 33% (based on c-reactive protein levels).

– A1C levels improved, crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and avoiding diabetes.

– bloating decreased – relieving the traffic jam inside your stomach.

It’s truly rewarding to see these positive changes happening in just under a month, making a difference in people’s lives.

You can carry out your own Chef V program and experience the proven results! Order your 21 day detox today!

Chef V Blood Test Results On Day 28 

The clinical trial tested the participants' blood levels for: 

  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)
  • Cholesterol/LDL ratio (high levels are associated with a higher risk of heart disease)
  • Triglycerides (fat in the bloodstream)
  • C-Reactive Protein (a marker of inflammation)
  • HbA1C (“A1C” measures blood sugar levels over a 3-month period)

The results of the clinical trial, according to Citrus Labs:

  • Total cholesterol: 9.2% reduction
  • LDL cholesterol: 10.7% reduction
  • Triglycerides: 23.3% reduction
  • Cholesterol/LDL ratio: 7.7% reduction
  • C-Reactive Protein: 34.1% reduction
  • A1C: 1.7% reduction

“Overall, participants saw a statistically significant improvement in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, cholesterol/LDL cholesterol ratio, and HbA1C. These findings suggest that the Chef V protocol, as used in this trial, is effective at bringing about positive changes in each of these biomarkers in just a 28-day test period…

“The Chef V program led to many statistically significant improvements in biomarkers critical for overall health and well-being,” Citrus Labs researchers concluded.


happy people high five

How Well Did Participants Feel Better Overall? 

What about the wellness markers that can’t be measured by a blood test, such as? 

  • Weight Loss
  • Energy Level
  • Sleep Quality
  • Concentration and Focus
  • Skin Complexion
  • Digestion/Elimination
  • Hair fallout
  • Headaches
  • Congestion
  • Muscle/Body/Joint problems (aches, stiffness, pain)
  • Compulsive Eating

How effective was following a Chef V Starter Detox plan for 21 days followed by a 7-day Green Drink plan?  

At the end of the 28 days, Citrus Labs researchers reported that participants saw a significant improvement in dark circles under their eyes, congestion issues, excessive mucus production, acne, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, excessive belching and flatulence, and bloating. 

“These positive improvements were quite large and represented significant symptom relief during the trial. Overall, Chef V products positively influence skin, hair, and GI health when used over 28 days,” the researchers concluded. 

But that’s not all…


fat in veins

The participants experienced significant improvements in muscle fatigue, body aches, joint aches, back pain, and neck pain as well as mental clarity and brain fog. There was also a significant improvement in sleep quality with less daytime  fatigue. 

Other key findings reported after day 28 day of the study:

  • On average, participants lost nearly 8 pounds (Study participants were considered healthy with no significant overweight issues; many people lose far more than 8 pounds after a 21 DAY DETOX.)
  • 39.8% improvement in hair loss
  • 46.2% improvement in bloating
  • 49.6% improvement in muscle fatigue
  • 48.6% improvement in back pain
  • 43.8% improvement with sleep issues
  • 43.7% improvement in energy levels.
  • 32.3% improvement in the ability to focus
  • 78.8% of participants said they felt in a better mood.
  • 72.7% felt they had more energy.
  • 87.9% of participants felt better overall.
  • 84.8% of participants would recommend Chef V products to family and friends. 

Be A Chef V Detox Participant & Experience The Results For Yourself

The clinical trial data speaks for itself. Following a Chef V 21 DAY DETOX and continuing with healthy habits such as continuing with an Organic Green Drink subscription isn’t a quick weight loss fix. It’s a lifelong health transformation. 

And the best part is that after the 21 DAY DETOX, you can indulge in some of your favorite not-so-healthy treats from time to time. 

It’s all about balance. If you stick to Chef V’s healthy eating routine (resources provided) at least 80% of the time, you may experience the same results as the study participants. 

As Citrus Labs explains, the reason why Chef V’s cleanse and detox program works is because:

“It’s not a diet that encourages people to skip meals but to use green juices and other products alongside foods that can supply the nutrition needed for optimal health outcomes. The detox program provides the three primary macronutrients alongside antioxidants to promote detoxification.”

Want to experience a safe, effective, and enjoyable health transformation? Learn more about the 21 DAY DETOX here. 

Thank You – VIP Annual Plan Upgrade

Jean Yates

vip plan cleanse

Thank you for your request.
A customer service representative will be reaching out shortly to upgrade your deliveries and schedule your call with Chef V. 
 

Avoiding the Side Effects of Cleansing

Chef V

a green drink a day can support your mood

You’ve been eating like crap, drinking too much wine/champagne/Prosecco, not exercising enough and your pants are getting too tight. It’s time for an intervention. But if you’re considering doing a cleanse/detox, is the cure worse than the intervention? Before you splurge on a week’s worth of fancy juice or other detox product, take the time to learn about cleanse side effects. 

Chef V in kitchen with citrus logo

If you’ve come to this article because you’re researching “cleanse side effects,” allow me to introduce myself and help you steer clear of negative symptoms many people experience while trying to reboot their metabolism and give their detoxification system some TLC. 

My name is Veronica Wheat. 

I’m a certified nutritional therapist and founder of ChefV.com. I grew up in Palm Desert, CA and started my nutrition career in the San Diego area as a private chef. 

One thing I offered to my clients was a veggie juice with these 7 leafy green veggies: black kale, green kale, collard greens, green leaf lettuce, curly parsley, green chard, and dandelion, all sweetened with a tiny bit of organic green apple and apple juice. (You have to have a tiny bit of sweetness otherwise it tastes too much like grass clippings.)

Anyways, demand for this healthy juice steadily increased, not only with my clients but with their friends and their friends’ friends, and so on. Eventually (this was in 2012), there was enough demand for the juice that my husband, Brandon, convinced me to launch a business delivering this ORGANIC GREEN DRINK to people’s homes. Brandon quit his job to help me with my new business, ChefV.com.

Because of the soaring popularity of juice cleanses, I created my own cleanse and detox protocols. The reason I entered the highly competitive, overly-saturated juice cleanse market was because I saw a pressing need (pun definitely not intended, as my Green Drink is cold-blended not pressed to preserve the fiber). I realized that practically every fancy juice cleanse on the market was the same. The leading juice cleanses on the market all have the same flaws that cause side effects in many people. 

a green drink a day can support your mood

Why Juice Cleanses Lead to Side Effects

The problem with most juice cleanse or detox products: 

  • Lacking in Protein
  • Contain too much fructose 
  • Have no fiber
  • Made mostly with high-sugar tropical fruits, with very little veggies
  • High-heat pasteurized, which destroys the nutrients

Why are juice cleanses made this way? Because it’s cheaper to include sugary fruits than high-nutrient-dense green, leafy veggies. Also if someone isn’t trained in reading food labels and sees that the juice is green, they will automatically think it’s healthy. In other words, most juice companies place one green veggie in the bottle but the rest of the ingredients are tropical fruits. So the juice looks healthy but is actually loaded with blood-sugar-spiking fructose (fruit sugar). 

Many juice cleanse companies load their products with 30-50 grams of sugar per bottle! (Organic Green Drink contains just 3 grams of sugar per 8 oz serving.) How can they get away with this? Well, if their customers think it’s healthy because it’s green and get hooked on the taste because they’re already addicted to sugar, then let the buyer beware. 

woman sitting on bed holding stomach in pain

The Most Common Juice Cleanse Side Effects

So what do most people feel when they do a commercial juice cleanse? Without a doubt, they can lose weight pretty quickly. And isn’t that the point of doing a cleanse? If you’re invited to a wedding in Cabo in a few short weeks and you have to lose weight fast to fit in that new dress, isn’t the devil in the details? 

I’m here to tell you that there’s no point in losing weight quickly if it will make you feel miserable. There’s also no point in wasting your money if you’re quickly going to put the weight back on. The fact is that you can lose weight safely and steadily and keep it off without experiencing side effects. I’ll tell you how in just a moment. But first, here’s what consuming only (mostly) fruit juice for 3, 5, 7, 10 or more days will do to you:

  • Constipation
  • Blood sugar swings
  • Irritability/moodiness
  • Cravings
  • Energy crashes
  • Muscle wasting
  • Brittle nails
  • Thinning hair
  • Brain fog

And that’s just by day 3 usually. The longer you do one of those crazy juice cleanse or detox diets, the more likely it is you’ll experience more severe juice cleanse side effects such as heart arrhythmia (a rapid heart beat from a lack of electrolytes and trace minerals from solid, whole-food). 

woman with hair in towel, worried expression

How To Avoid Cleanse Side Effects

Whether doing a juice cleanse, a colon cleanse or taking detox supplements, here’s the best way to support your health and avoid side effects. 

Pre-Cleanse

Before starting any cleanse/detox protocol, it’s critical that you do a pre-cleanse. That means no immediate transition from eating mostly fast food and processed food to doing the cleanse. It also means no subsisting on caffeine and energy drinks and then quitting cold turkey. You need to gradually change your habits for a minimum of 3 days. Ideally, 7 days would be great but I realize many people want immediate results. However, I refuse to compromise about doing a minimum of a 3-day pre-cleanse to avoid any detoxification side effects. 

Now the question becomes what’s a pre-cleanse and how do you go about it? The answer is so simple yet I’ve never seen any other juice cleanse business educate customers about the pre-cleanse. That’s why I designed the ChefV.com 1-DAY, 3-DAY and 5-DAY cleanse with pre-cleanse (and post-cleanse) instructions. Basically, ChefV.com provides you with several practical resources such as an EAT THIS/NOT THAT guide, a HEALTHY PORTIONS guide and an e-cookbook I wrote with dozens of recipes, including healthy mocktails and smoothies. 

Avoid Juice Cleanse Side Effects By Having More than Juice

Most juice cleanses are just that, a menu that consists only of juice (to reiterate: mostly fruit juice with a tiny bit of green veg to trick ya into thinking it’s healthy). But to avoid the side effects I listed above, you have to consume more than just juice. Now I know what you may be thinking. How can I detox my liver and digestive system if I’m eating? 

Who said anything about eating? With the ChefV.com CLEANSE, I provide you with not only 4 Green Drinks per day but also 2 vegan Protein Shakes and 1 DETOX SOUP. 

The protein shakes provide ultra-absorbable pea protein to maintain your lean muscle mass and prevent brittle nails and hair. 

The Detox Soup accelerates the purging of toxins from the body and contains a tiny bit of healthy dietary fat to prevent cravings. 

Now ask yourself this: Have you ever seen a cleanse that offers protein shakes and detox soup? If you have, there’s a good chance they’re copying us, but hey, as they say, imitation is the best form of flattery.

Another thing to look for in a cleanse is to learn what to do immediately after the cleanse is over. That’s why I provide all my cleanse customers with instructions on how to keep the results going. 

Other Ways To Avoid Cleanse Side Effects

In addition to doing a ChefV.com cleanse, here are other things I recommend:

  • Stay super hydrated! – Yes, you’ll be peeing a lot. But drink lots of pure/RO water, herbal teas and other non-sugary drinks.

  • Eliminate toxins from your home – Stop using plug-in air fresheners, cosmetics with synthetic fragrances and soaps and hair-care products with petroleum-based products. Spend the extra money on organic household cleaners and personal care products. Your health is worth the extra money!

  • Get More Sleep – Obvious but worth mentioning. When your body releases trapped toxins, you’ll need the extra repair and restoration that comes with deep sleep.

  • Take prebiotics – You’ve heard of probiotics, but prebiotics? Prebiotics are like fertilizer for probiotics. The fiber you get from veggies, including the 7 leafy greens in Organic Green Drink contain indigestible plant fibers that your beneficial bacteria gobble up. And when the good bacteria eat this fiber in your gut, they release a healthy compound called short-chain fatty acids. Your body will be better able to detox as a result. 

Experience The Chef V Cleanse Difference

Thousands of satisfied ChefV.com customers can’t be wrong. If I staked my reputation entirely just on the number of pounds my customers lost, well, I’d be like McDonald’s (over 1 billion served). It’s not about the number on the scale. It’s about how the Chef V community feels. Awesome, rock-steady energy, no caffeine needed, healthy-looking skin, stable mood, high vibrations and yes, looser-fitting jeans. 

Got any questions about my cleanse and 21 Day Detox program? Feel free to email me at chefv@chefv.com. 

To your health and happiness, 

Veronica “V” Wheat
ChefV.com founder

a green drink a day can support your mood

Angelica’s 21 Day Detox Success

Chef V


Angelica's cleanse results

Angelica describes her Chef V 21 Day Detox Success

Angelica says: “For so long, I’ve felt bloated, clouded and discouraged by the feeling that I’m not reaching my health goals because of constant cravings. Doing Chef V’s 21 Day Cleanse has helped me realize that I am what I consume and all the sugary things advertised as “healthy” or “clean” isn’t as they seem. I cut out processed foods, dairy, and gluten and noticed the physical difference. My before and after pictures may not be as dramatic as others but I definitely feel clear minded, energized, not bloated, and overall better. With my hectic work schedule in the healthcare industry switching from night shift and day shift, it was a challenge to follow the plan to the T but I followed the guidelines and did my best to continue only consuming quality products. This was my first cleanse ever and I encourage all cleansers from any level to try it because the green drink is definitely surprisingly tasty and results there when you commit.”  – Angelica P.


Chef V 21 day detox

Gingerbread Smoothie

Jean Yates

If it’s warm for Christmas, like it is here in San Diego, I’ll be enjoying some pickleball and a nice refreshing treat after. Like this healthy vegan gingerbread smoothie.

It tastes like a cookie but it’s made with cauliflower and banana for lots of nutrients. It’s also packed with flavor from all the spices. I hope you enjoy this deliciously unique treat!  

Serves 2

gingerbread smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chef v almond or oat milk
  • 1 tbsp chef v vanilla protein (or pea protein of your choice)
  • 1 cup frozen cauliflower chopped or riced 
  • 1 frozen ripe banana
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tbsp coconut nectar 
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • A pinch sea salt
  • 1 cup ice 

Directions

Blend all ingredients together in a vitamix or blender for 1-2 minutes until blended smooth. I like to top with a tiny cinnamon and I found these super cute mug cookies to decorate with! 

gingerbread smoothie

Top 5 Research-Backed Benefits of Green Drink

Chef V

Top 5 Research-Backed Benefits of Green Drink

Want to know the benefit of green drink?

Pretend that as you’re reading the following sentence, you’re 8 years old and I’m your mommy:

“Eat your vegetables!”

What did you think to yourself when your mom lectured you about eating your veggies?

“Yeah, yeah, whatever mom. I want pizza!” (And if you were a sassy kid, you said that to her out loud.)

Now that you’re older and smarter, you know mom was right. Unfortunately, very few people seem to have wisened up, at least when it comes to nutrition. Shockingly, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that only 1 out of 10 people in the USA eat enough servings of fruits and veggies.

Sipping on Green Drink is the easiest way to get your daily dose of health-boosting veggies. In fact, 16 ounces of Green Drink is the equivalent of 3 servings of fresh vegetables. Studies show that green, leafy veggies offer numerous positive outcomes for health. Here are my top 5 Green Drink health benefits:

green drink and losing weight

#1: Weight Loss & Metabolism

First benefits of green drink: The 7 certified organic green leafy veggies in my Green Drink are rich in calcium. Most people are familiar with calcium as a bone-building mineral. But calcium, especially from veggies, also helps with weight loss. That’s because calcium helps the body burn fat, rather than storing it.

Research shows that diets high in calcium-rich green, leafy veggies boost metabolism. And one study suggests that when you consume enough calcium, it stifles the desire to eat more.

The same study found that women who consumed diets poor in calcium had more body fat, bigger waistlines, and higher bad cholesterol levels than those who consumed moderate or large amounts of calcium.

Here’s another way my Green Drink leads to a slimmer waistline. Because it’s made using cold-blended processing, much of the fiber from the veggies are preserved.

Studies show that fiber intake is inversely associated with body weight and body fat. In other words, the more fiber you consume from veggies, the more likely you’ll be able to manage your weight.

And, of course, another way fiber helps you lose weight is because it helps keep your bowel movements regular.

I could go on and on about how green leafy veggies helps you lose weight. But let’s move on to the next benefit of Green Drink.

green drink and diabetes

#2: Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Second benefits of green drink: Research shows that because kale contains a significant amount of fiber, it prevents post-meal elevation of plasma (blood) glucose.

Researchers believe that kale lowers blood sugar because it increases intestinal viscosity in the gut. What’s intestinal viscosity? You see, in your gut, when you eat fiber, it interacts with water to create a gooey, gel-like substance. Although hearing that fact might be, well, unappetizing, this gel substance in your gut is great for normalizing blood sugar.

The gel also prevents you from feeling hungry, mainly by slowing down your digestion. Don’t confuse slow digestion with slow metabolism. Slow digestion is beneficial for weight loss and blood sugar. When your body burns up food too quickly, you get a hankering for junk carbs.

For this reason, kale is considered a superfood for people with type 2 diabetes. But you don’t have to eat raw kale to get the blood-sugar-lowering benefits. Just Green Drink it (as long as it’s cold-blended like my Green Drink)!

green drink and gut health

#3: Gut Health

Third benefits of green drink: Some people are focused with how their gut looks from the outside (6-pack abs). But the health of you gut on the inside is even more important. The bacteria in your gut controls all aspects of your health, from how effectively your body burns fat to your mood as well as the appearance of your skin.

If you drink my Green Drink everyday, you’re supplying your good bacteria with their favorite food. The 7 veggies contain prebiotic fibers. You can think of prebiotic fiber as energy dots that Ms. Pac Man gobbles up.

Again, don’t believe my hype alone. Let’s look at the science, too. In one study, a veggie-juice-based diet was shown to improve gut health. In the study, the participants consumed only a vegetable/fruit juice blend. By the fourth day, the researchers noticed less harmful strains of gut/stool bacteria and more beneficial bacteria. Having enough friendly critters in your gut, as creepy as it may sound, is necessary for sustained weight loss and other health benefits.

Chef V making green drink

#4: Detox

Fourth benefits of green drink: Diets rich in green leafy veggies improve liver function and fatty acid profiles, says a study. When your liver is functioning more optimally, toxins are better eliminated. This keeps you healthier and enhances weight loss.

Your liver has to be in optimal condition in order to properly detoxify and break down dietary fat. If you have a “sluggish” liver, you’ll have trouble losing weight.

The study concludes that green leafy veggies not only improves liver health but also lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

Bonus points for Green Drinks! And all it takes as drinking one bottle a day. That’s one of the easiest, most affordable detox strategies you’ll ever find.

chefv and coconut with kale

#5: Mood, Energy, Skin, Sleep, Concentration, Stamina & More

Fifth benefits of green drink: There are so many ancillary benefits to consuming green leafy veggies everyday. From feeling happier and more energetic, to having healthier looking skin, to sleeping more soundly and not suffering from brain fog.

There are so many ways that Green Drink will transform your life. And all it takes is sipping a minimum of 16 oz. a day. You don’t have to shop, chop, blend, or clean up. Pretty easy, right?

References:

1: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312115053.htm

2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15797686

3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5103670/

4: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5438379/

5: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4228256/

Chef V’s Green Drink Plan

Jean Yates

At Chef V, we love Green Drink, in case you couldn’t tell.

But, as crazy as it might sound, some people are scared of the delicious green stuff. They mainly associated it with long-term juice cleanses.

However, you don’t have to be a detox juice cleanse master to enjoy fresh juice, regardless of what’s in it. There are plenty of ways to work some of that green drink into your everyday routine. You might even want to give a Chef V detox a try!

Top Five Ways to Use Green Drink – Perfect Morning Detox

Chef V

Top 5 Ways to Use Green Drink

Now that your Green Drink has arrived, what do you do with it? Here are the top five ways to use Green Drink.

Should you chug the whole thing in one sitting like you’re at a frat party? Or do you daintily sip it like Mary Poppins drinking a cuppa tea? Whether you chug or sip is totally up to you. More important is learning how to incorporate Green Drink into your everyday routine.

top 5 ways to use Green Drink #1

Top 5 ways to use Green Drink #1: Perfect Morning Detox

When you wake up in the morning, it’s the perfect opportunity to gently detox your liver. So here’s how to do it. After you wake up in the morning, drink at least 8 ounces of water. Optional: add a lemon wedge or some lemon juice. (Lemon juice helps assist the detox process.)

But don’t have your Green Drink just yet. Wait for about half an hour. Give your liver some time to do its purification thing. This is the one time of the day when your liver won’t have to process anything you’ve eaten.

OK, now it’s time to have some Green Drink. Drink at least 16-24 oz. in the morning. The 7 certified organic green veggies will quickly fuel your cells with the nutrients they need for energy and metabolism.

If you’re going to eat solid food in the morning, try to wait half an hour after consuming Green Drink. Again, this is the time of day when you want to give your liver the best chance to flush out trapped toxins.

Many people make the mistake of eating in the morning, before drinking water and Green Drink. When you eat food, your liver doesn’t get a chance to rest and detox. In fact, not eating breakfast is another way you can use Green Drink, which leads us to the next way to use it….

Top 5 ways to use Green Drink #2

Top 5 ways #2: Wait Until You’re Hungry

I actually wait until I FEEL hungry before having my first serving of daily Green Drink. It’s amazing … after two 8-ounce servings, my hunger instantly vanishes. And then, I’ll actually wait a little longer before I eat my first solid meal of the day.

If you want to accelerate your weight loss, do this before every meal. Wait until you’re hungry, then have some Green Drink. If you want to make your Green Drink last longer, you can do 8 oz. in the morning and then 4 oz. before both lunch and dinner.

top 5 ways to use Green Drink #3

Top 5 ways #3: Drink it All Day 

A Green Drink customer owns a yoga studio right down the street from where our East Coast Chef V Cafe is located. (If you’re ever in West Caldwell, NJ, stop by and say hi!). From time to time, random people will come into our cafe and say, “We saw this woman in great shape with your drink. She told us she gets a big jug of Green Drink in the morning and sips on it all day until dinner.”

Now, you don’t have to just eat one meal a day. But if you want to lose some weight quick, say, for a wedding, having Green Drink for breakfast and lunch (or breakfast and dinner) is an awesome way to shed the pounds, fast.

Intermittent Fasting

Top 5 ways #4: Intermittent Fasting

You’ve probably heard of intermittent fasting because it’s become very popular. My husband, Brandon, and I have actually been doing intermittent fasting long before it became a health trend. We feel great doing it. It’s not a diet, it’s more of a lifestyle!

In case you’re not familiar with it, here’s the skinny: When you go several hours between dinner and your first meal the following day without eating, your body burns its reserves of fat for energy, instead of sugar. Brandon and I usually fast for 16 hours.

Not only will fasting 16 hours help you get leaner, it offers other health benefits such as improved focus and concentration. Studies suggest it might even lengthen your life. But you don’t have to fast for 16 hours at first.

For the first week, try 12 hours. Push it to 14 hours the following week and then 16 if you’re feeling great. Sixteen hours has shown the most benefit. But even if you just fast for 12-14 hours, you’ll likely experience positive results. 

The most important thing is when you break your fast, break it with 16-24 oz of Green Drink. My body is so used to fasting that I’m never hungry in the morning. Come to think of it, that’s another way I use Green Drink….

For my complete Green Drink Intermittent Fasting Guide click here

smoothie

Top 5 ways #5: Make It Into A Smoothie

To make a smoothie: Add ½ cup ice and ½ cup unsweetened almond milk.

For Green Drink smoothie recipe ideas, I’ve included this handy download for you.

References:

1: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312115053.htm

2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15797686

3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5103670/

4: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5438379/

5: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4228256/

Upgrade to an Annual VIP Plan!

Jean Yates

vip plan cleanse

UPGRADE TO AN ANNUAL VIP MEMBERSHIP

RETAIL TOTAL $5999 UPGRADE  – $2199
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Chef V VIPS Receive:

2 x 64 oz Bottles Weekly
2 x 3 Day Cleanses
Private consultation with Chef V
Chef V’s Recipe Book
Tumbler
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Please fill out the form below to sign up for Chef V’s VIP Plan.
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In the plan:

Weekly Green Drink
or Tropical Green Drink for a year

Easiest, tastiest & most affordable way to boost your metabolism, lose weight, have younger looking skin, tons of energy, mental clarity and good vibes.

Green Drink has Certified Organic: Black Kale, Green Kale, Collard Greens, Green Leaf Lettuce, Curly Parsley, Green Chard, Dandelion Greens, and Apple with filtered water. Only 3 grams of sugar/serving.

Tropical Green Drink has a little extra sweetness from pineapple and mango without sacrificing your health. Only 6 grams of sugar/serving!

green drink

In the plan:

Two 3 Day Cleanses a year

Yes! It’s possible to cleanse your body and reboot your digestive system without feeling famished. Cleansing has never been easier and tastier.

  • Crank up your metabolism & gently get rid of toxins in as little as 1 day
  • No Cravings. No suffering. No energy crashes
  • Contains all the nutrients you need for natural energy all day
  • So Satisfying! Green Drinks, Protein Shakes & Detox Soups.

3 day cleanse

In the plan:

Private consultation with Chef V

You'll receive a 30 minute private consultation with Veronica Wheat, Chef V – an opportunity to ask your questions and learn from a certified nutritionist and successful entrepreneur.

Veronica says: “Most organic juice detox programs do not result in sustainable results. That’s because they aren’t satisfying enough. If you’re drinking nothing but juice, even if it’s organic juice, your body is likely not receiving the nutrition it needs to be satiated.

That’s why Chef V’s Organic Cleanse is the best cleanse. The green drinks, shakes and soups give you all the nutrition you need to stay satisfied.”

Chef v with Green Drink

Chef V’s 24-Hour Guide For Elevating Your Mood

Jean Yates

girl holding chef v product at fair

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mood disorder from stress at some point in their lives. If you suspect you may be suffering from any mental/mood disorder, seek professional help. If you’re looking for practical tips to elevate your mood, Veronica — the “V” in Chef V has some to offer.

When it comes to natural ways to boost mood, I have a bone to pick with Johns Hopkins University. JHU is one of the most preeminent higher educational institutions in the country, a de-facto Ivy League school on par with Stanford and MIT. But when I did a Google search for “boosting your mood,” this ridiculously short and worthless article of only 4 paragraphs was the second-highest-ranked. 

I wasn’t looking for advice that reads like a doctoral thesis. But considering millions of people are in desperate need of a mood makeover, JHU’s article reads more like a third-grade book report. Pathetic. 

So instead of relying on the so-called experts, I decided to draw upon my real-world experiences. The following are 12 things that I do every day to support my mood. And they work like magic. I’m not saying that every day I feel like a unicorn who poops 24-karat gold. But on way more days than not, my mood is stable and elevated. 

wake up sign on coffee shop window

Natural Ways To Boost Your Mood 

Tip #1: Wake Up Early & See The Light

If you like to sleep in and you’re thinking, ain’t no way I’m getting up before 8 — and just because I have to for work — just hear me out. Here are 5 reasons why waking up around sunrise will boost your mood:

Circadian Rhythm Reset

First of all, waking up at first light is like superfood for your circadian rhythm. It finetunes your body’s internal natural light-dark cycle and promotes a more harmonious sleep-wake pattern.

Melatonin Regulation

Not only should you wake up at dawn or by sunrise, I want you to look outside your window. If you have a panoramic view, all the better. You see, when you wake up early and are exposed to sunlight and a broad, sweeping vista, your body receives a signal to decrease melatonin production. Your brain gets the signal to wake up and be alert but with a calmness-inducing, mood-enhancing effect. 

Vitamin D Synthesis

Vitamin D isn’t just for bone health, it’s also helpful for mood. So before you start scaring at your screen all day for work, get outside and expose your eyes and skin to the sun to synthesize vitamin D. 

Serotonin Production

Getting outside and enjoying the early morning sun increases your serotonin levels, a feel-good chemical. Low levels of serotonin are linked with depression and other mood disorders. 

Sets You Up For A Successful Day

Rolling out of bed when it’s the last thing you wanna do sucks. But eventually, you’ll learn to love the routine of waking up with dawn’s early light. It establishes a routine that makes you feel good for the rest of the day—unless you’re hungover, which you should never be if you want to boost your mood.

veronica meditating

Boost Your Mood Tip #2: Meditation or Deep Breathing

After I wake up early and expose my eyes to a panoramic view with sunlight (even if it’s a cloudy day), the next thing I do is meditate or do some deep breathing exercises. If meditation is too weird or difficult for you, you don’t have to sit with your eyes closed for long with your mind free of thoughts (that’s not the point of meditation, plus it’s impossible). Just staring out your window for a few minutes is meditative. But if you only have time for meditation or deep breathing, I’d pick deep breathing because almost anybody can do it and instead of trying not to think, your mind is simply focused on breathing. I like this Wim-Hof dialogue-free guided video. The journal Neurological Sciences says “deep breathing can induce an effective improvement in mood and stress.”

Veronica and Coco walking in desert

Boost Your Mood, Naturally. Tip #3: Exercise Before Work

I realize that asking you to do the following 3 things before you have coffee is a big ask: 1) wake up early and stare out your window; 2) meditate or do deep breathing exercises, and 3) do a total-body exercise routine. Especially if you have a busy day. But keep in mind that when you wake up with the roosters, you’ll have plenty more time to do most, if not all, of these natural mood-enhancing activities. 

So before you start your work day, squeeze in a 30-minute walk or other exercise routine like yoga. Bonus if you can exercise outdoors. Going for a walk in a fasted state (before you eat) is not only good for your mood but also for your metabolism. 

Mood-Booster Tip #4: Journaling

OK, one more thing to do before it’s time to break your fast and that’s journaling for 10 minutes. Whatever’s on your mind, anything that you are anxious about, write it down on paper. You can even rip the paper up at the end of the day. Doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that you’re easing the anxiety triggers by putting pen to paper. It’s proven to be therapeutic. I prefer to journal in the morning because if I wait until nighttime, I’ll be too tired. 

green drink and glass

Boost Your Mood Tip #5: Green Leafy Veggies For “Break-Fast”

You don’t have to be a certified nutritional therapist like me to know that having donuts or cereal for breakfast: not healthy. Sure, devouring a maple frosted will give you a shot of dopamine. But this false sense of happiness is short-lived. Instead of a standard American breakfast, break your fast with green, leafy veggies. I’m not suggesting making a huge salad. There’s a far easier way to get your daily dose of green, leafies: drink them fresh, delivered to your home!

9 out of 10 Americans don’t consume enough veggies. Having an Organic Green Drink first thing in the morning kills 2 birds with one delicious bottle. It hydrates and gently detoxes your system and is proven to support mental health. 

fruit smoothie

Tip #6: Have A Protein-Rich Smoothie for 2nd Breakfast

Relatively few people have an extreme case of protein deficiency. But many people aren’t getting an optimum amount of protein in their diet. And most people who are eating a lot of protein are eating the wrong kind: factory-farmed meat. 

As Mental Health Connecticut beautifully explains it:

“The foods you eat impact the structure and function of your brain, playing a major role in emotional regulation and cognitive function. Foods rich in protein contain amino acids to help produce key neurotransmitters in preventing and treating depression and anxiety.”

And unlike carbs and dietary fat, we need to eat protein every single day because our body does not do a good job of storing it. 

So about 30 minutes after having a 16-ounce serving of Organic Green Drink, I’ll make a protein-rich smoothie with an easy-to-digest vegan protein like brown rice or pea powder. I add some dietary fat like sunflower seed butter and avocado to fill me up and keep me satisfied until it’s time for my first true meal of the day a few hours later…

My smoothie recipes

mandarin chicken salad

Tip #7: Have a Big Mediterranean-Style Lunch

By now, you’re feeling great and you’re brain is firing on all cylinders. You’re doing great work but now you’re tummy is rumbling. It’s time to eat a real meal, not a liquid lunch. Now here’s where many people go wrong. Instead of eating a big meal, they just have a sandwich or a salad. It’s quick and filling enough but not bloating. 

The problem with soup, a sandwich and a salad is that a couple of hours later, you’re hungry again and your energy crashes. You didn’t eat enough! 

That’s why I recommend eating a large lunch that consists of these 4 things:

  1. Whole grains – quinoa, brown rice, couscous, farro, millet, etc.
  2. Veggies – steamed, stir-fried, or baked 
  3. Lean protein – a double fist-sized portion of high-quality fish or chicken (beans or lentils if you’re vegan/vegetarian)
  4. Dietary fat – a small portion of avocado, nuts and/or seeds, or extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil

Research shows that not getting enough of these ingredients, common in the Mediterranean Diet, may help prevent depression. Plus, when you eat an entree-sized portion of these ingredients, you’ll be satisfied, leading to a more stable mood for the afternoon. (You may not even need a cup of coffee in the afternoon.) 

cheesecake

Tip #8: Eat Dessert After Lunch Every Day!

Don’t stuff your face at lunch. Make sure you have room for a tiny portion of dessert. A healthy dessert of course. Have a couple of handfuls of berries and a couple of small pieces of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa). Dark chocolate contains several compounds that boost mood. 

Chef V's cheesecake recipe is delicious and healthy in small portions. Get it and all her dessert recipes here. 

Tip #9: Walk After Dinner

No joke … walking for just 2 minutes after dinner lowers your blood sugar levels. But what does blood glucose management or diabetes prevention have to do with boosting your mood? Research shows that high blood sugar levels have been shown to “closely mirror mental health symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, and worry.” This should come as no surprise, says the University of Michigan School for Public Health, as the brain runs primarily on glucose.

Brandon, Veronica, Coco in bed

Tip #10: Cuddle Time

Whether it’s with a significant other or pet, cuddle up with a loved one. Even brief cuddle sessions have been shown to boost well-being. Don’t have a loved one, bipedal or furry? There are other ways to raise your oxytocin levels, the so-called cuddle hormone. Lie down, place one hand on your heart, the other on your belly and take several deep, slow breaths. 

Tip #11: Affirmation Meditation Before Bed

Finally, before you go to sleep (hopefully by no later than 11 p.m.), take 5 minutes to recite self-affirmations. (Here’s a simple one I like: “I am happy, healthy and wealthy.”) There are many free videos and apps you can follow. The Association for Psychological Science says, “Self-affirmation has been shown to have powerful effects … it can minimize anxiety, stress, and defensiveness.”

Tip #12: 28 Days To A Happier, Healthier You

The ChefV.com 21-DAY DETOX was recently the subject of a clinical trial by Citrus Labs. The 38 participants who completed the 21-DAY DETOX followed by a 7-day continuation of a GREEN DRINK plan reported a significant improvement in mood and several other wellness markers. 

Experience a mood-boosting transformation with organic green drinks, vegan protein shakes, detox soups and healthy meals. Learn more here. 

Here’s to a happier, healthier you!

Love,

Veronica “V” Wheat
ChefV.com founder

a green drink a day can support your mood

A Green Drink A Day Can Support Your Mood: Research Proves

Chef V

a green drink a day can support your mood

Warning: stay away from me today. I got a late start to the day, skipped my daily morning yoga routine and didn’t have my Green Drink as early as I usually do. I’m having one of those days. Yes, dear hubby, Brandon, I still love you but watch out. Don’t get too close. I may bite!

 Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels off when skipping a wellness routine. A green drink a day can support your mood. My long-time, trusted graphic designer, Jean, the one responsible for making the Chef V newsletter look like a fancy glossy magazine, told me she feels “down in the dumps” if she goes a couple days in a row without having her Green Drink. 

Well, Jean, that’s exactly why I created my Green Drink Plan, to ensure you’ll never run out! But I get it, even if you get GD delivered to your home, life can get intense and overwhelming and you can just forget the things that help you live a high-vibration life. It happens, we’re only human. 

And Jean’s certainly not the only customer that feels off when skipping GD for a few days. But what is it about the 7 green leafy veggies that after you drink it, makes you feel like you’re going to conquer the day? Do the greens serve as a catalyst for cellular energy? 

No doubt that leafy greens are beneficial for cellular health and energy. But there’s also research that shows these highly-nutrient dense ingredients support a healthy mood. 

a green drink a day can support your mood

Green Leafy Veggies For Mood

According to World Journal of Psychiatry, 12 nutrients are critical to the prevention and treatment of depressive orders: Folate, iron, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), magnesium, potassium, selenium, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and zinc. 

The highest scoring plant foods (those with the most of the dozen nutrients) are leafy greens and cruciferous veggies. Lettuce and peppers also made the list.

Co-authors of the World Journal of Psychiatry study analyzed several foods for “Antidepressant nutritional density.” The results were tabulated in a scoring system called the “Antidepressant Food Score” or AFS. 

“The AFS is based on a nutrient profiling system devised to identify foods with the highest nutrient density of nutrients with clinical evidence to support their role in depressive disorders,” the researchers explained in the article. 

Could it be that the reason many customers feel like they’re on their A-game when they make Green Drink part of their daily routine is that the 7 ingredients are at the top of the AFS scoring system? 

That’s food for thought. Er, drink for thought…

Lettuces like green leaf lettuce, an ingredient in Organic Green Drink, has an AFS score of 74% to 99%. 

Green chard, another staple of GD, scores 90%. Parsley: 75%. Kale and collard greens score 62% and dandelion greens 43%. 

Now that’s not to say that 43% is a low score. Remember, all these ingredients in Green Drink rank at the top of the list for the best foods on the planet for supporting positivity. Evidence that a green drink a day can support your mood.

“The nutrients considered have been shown in human studies to be beneficial with regards to treatment or prevention of depressive disorders,” concluded the researchers.

a green drink a day can support your mood

Are You Eating (Or Drinking) Enough Veggies? 

Unfortunately, many foods with a high AFS are not staples of the Standard American Diet. Most adults in the U.S. don’t meet the daily recommendations for vegetables. In fact, The Healthy People Initiative, launched by the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Human Services found that only 27.2 percent of adults ate three or more servings of vegetables per day. 

I get it. Life’s busy. And that’s why I created the Green Drink Plan so you can easily consume 7 leafy green veggies that are some of the best plant foods on the planet for supporting mental health.

Here’s to feeling good!

a green drink a day can support your mood

Chef V’s Guacamole w/Pomegranate and Mango

Chef V

I like to make this guacamole for the holidays – so pretty and festive!

Chef V tip: save the pit and keep it in the mixture to keep the guacamole from turning brown.

creamy green smoothie

Ingredients

2 large ripe avocados
2 tsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp Fine sea salt
1/4 small white onion, finely diced
3 fresh cilantro sprigs with stems, chopped
2 Tbs. diced mango
2 Tbs. pomegranate seeds
1 tsp. Chopped jalapeno (optional)

Directions

For guacamole: Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the avocado with the lime juice and 1/2 tsp. salt until the guacamole is smooth but still has a little texture and some chunks. Stir in the onion, mango, cilantro and jalapeño (optional). Top with pomegranate seeds. Taste and adjust the seasoning for dipping. Serves 4.

Chef V’s Yoga for Stress Relief During the Holidays

Chef V

yoga for stress

Stressful times now with the holiday crazies. More than ever I depend on my yoga practice to settle my mind, re-energize, and reduce unhealthy stress.

When it all gets to be just too much, I use these two poses to find a calm, relaxed center – and I try to carry that feeling through the entire day.

TREE POSE (VRKSASANA)

Start by focusing the balance on the left foot. Lifting the right foot to the ankle, calf, above the knee or in lotus position (inside the hip joint), bring your arms to prayer position in front of your heart center. Straighten the back, tuck in the pelvis and breathe.

On an inhale, extend your arms over head into any hand mudra you desire; pinky to thumb, thumb to index finger or thumb to middle finger. Hold here for 5-10 inhale and exhale breaths.

dandelion

Slowly bring your hands back to prayer in front of your chest and slowly release your right foot down. Refocus your attention to the right foot balance and bring your left leg up to the same place you did on your right.

Rebalance and bring your arms to heart center. Extend your arms overhead to a different hand mudra. Breathe 5-10 breaths and slowly release.

Benefits of tree pose: Improves balance and stability in the legs, works and strengthens the core, strengthens the tendons and ligaments in the feet, opens the pelvis and hip bones, also builds self-confidence and self esteem.

collard greens

FLOOR BOW POSE (DHANURASANA)

Another pose that helps me center is Floor Bow Pose. My ribs open and allows deeper cleansing breath.

Start by laying flat with your stomach on the ground. Bend your knees and reach around grabbing your right ankle with your right hand and left ankle with left hand. Start to kick your feet so your arms are being pulled. You can begin to rock back and forth, breathing deeply. Make sure your knees are as close together as possible, hold and breathe for 5-10 inhale and exhale breaths and slowly release.

Benefits of bow pose: Opens the heart, hips, chest, and abdominal muscles. Improves balance, digestion, fatigue, anxiety, and menstrual discomfort.

However you decide to celebrate the holidays this year, do it with Cheer! Namaste!

Chef V, Coco and kale

Chef V’s Guide to Healthy Postpartum Weight Loss

Chef V

This article was written in September 2023.

Two short months after giving birth to almost 10-pound Kaden Samuel Kress, Veronica — the “V” in Chef V” — has lost 45 pounds of the 55 she gained. Just 10 more extra pregnancy pounds to shed and V will return to her pre-pregnancy shape. What’s her secret and tips for postpartum weight loss? 

pregnant Veronica and Brandon

I’m stoked! I just got clearance from my OBGYN to resume my pickleball obsession, hit the gym and practice yoga. I’m soooo ready to get back to my active lifestyle. It’s not like I was a total sedentary sloth after giving birth to baby Kaden. I made sure to move around a little here and there. But giving birth is not only a miracle, it’s exhausting! Rest and recovery are just what the doctor ordered. 

But going two months without engaging in my favorite physical activities was starting to drive me crazy. Being super active and then having to stop for weeks is like telling a tiger to ditch its stripes. 

Despite feeling shackled and prohibited from doing high-impact exercise, the post-partum speed bump in my belly has almost completely flattened. And most importantly, I feel amazing. I’ve lost 45 of the 55 pounds I gained during my pregnancy. How did I do it without spending hours on the pickleball court or running on the beach and completely abstaining from serious exercise? 

Green Drink under $7 a day

The Answer to V’s Post-Partum Weight Loss Success

Well, I’m not just the founder of ChefV.com, I’m also a client. And no B.S. here, I attribute my quick post-partum recovery to the foods I eat.

If you’re planning on giving birth soon or down the road and you want to know the secret to quick post-partum weight loss, I realize my answer might be disappointing. 

Maybe you were hoping I’d reveal a few tricks. But completely getting rid of the pregnancy pounds is not magic. It’s actually very simple. It always comes down to diet. Pure and simple. 

NOTE: 12/23 – Veronica lost all 55 pounds and tells you how she did it, what she learned about postpartum and gives you a meal plan for safely losing the baby bump. READ IT HERE

How Long Should It Take To Lose Pregnancy Weight?

Is it okay to take your time losing pregnancy weight? Nobody would blame you if you did. But you might not want to take too much time. That’s because according to a 2019 study published in the journal Nutrition, postpartum weight retention is both a short- and long-term risk factor for being overweight and obese. The researchers write, “Postpartum obesity has remained a clinical and public health challenge. The greater gestational weight gain is a strong predictor of higher postpartum weight retention.” In other words, the more weight you put on during pregnancy, the more weight you’ll have to lose after you give birth. 

Again, it’s not rocket science. 

But it’s not just how much you weigh after you give birth that’s at stake. It’s also your overall health. “The physiological and biological changes coupled with high-calorie intake and restricted physical activity may further augment the risk of higher postpartum weight retention, weight gain and related metabolic comorbidities later in life,” suggests a research study in an Indian OBGYN journal. 

So what’s a decent goal for losing pregnancy weight? That same journal suggests that postpartum women with normal body weight but substantial postpartum weight retention — at least 10 pounds — as compared to pre-pregnancy body weight “should be motivated to attain pre-pregnancy body weight over a period of 12 months after delivery.”


asian salad

How Quickly Should You Resume Exercise After Giving Birth?

That study from India I mentioned? It says that postpartum women with uncomplicated delivery should be encouraged to gradually resume physical activity within four to six weeks post-delivery or as soon as they feel comfortable. 

Women with cesarean or complicated deliveries should gradually resume physical activity after their first postpartum check-up (i.e. six to eight weeks post-delivery). 

No matter what, postpartum women “must be encouraged to engage in low impact exercises such as walking and gradually include core muscle group strengthening exercises,” the researchers suggest. 

Shoot for building up to 5 days a week of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, including some muscle-strengthening activity. 

Eat This, Not That For Post Partum Weight Loss

I love giving back. It’s a research-backed way to feel awesome. And one way I want to pass it on is to offer a free download of my e-cookbook, Making Cleansing Easier. If you follow the recipes, diet resources and instructions to a “V” then you should have no trouble losing the pregnancy pounds. 

The appetizers, snacks, drinks, entrees and even desserts include powerful anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense ingredients.   

But look, everybody and post-partum body is different. Take it easy. Be kind to yourself. If it takes you 6-12 months to lose the baby weight, then so be it. In fact, it’s common for it to take that long. But your baby is a precious lifetime miracle, so focus more on that bundle of joy than the meaningless number on the scale. If you eat real food the overwhelming majority of the time, you’ll feel great and that’s what counts. 

To your health—and baby’s!

Love,

Veronica “V” Wheat
Founder, ChefV.com


50 percent off Green Drink

Green Drink vs Greens Powder: Is There A Unanimous Winner?

Chef V


green drink versus powder

When it comes to drinking your greens, which is better for your health …

Option 1: Make your own veggie juice or have GREEN DRINKS delivered.

Or, option 2, mixing a greens powder?

Powder? Backed by billions in venture capital funding, social media influencers, and slick marketing campaigns, it’s easy to see why greens powders may have a leg up in popularity. But how does dehydrated powder stack up to cold-blended veggie juice nutritionally? ChefV.com founder and certified nutritional therapist Veronica “V” Kress weighs in…

hand holding greens

I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted me to start with a disclaimer. 

Yes, my opinion on the fresh, cold-blended green drink vs. greens powder debate is biased. After all, ChefV.com, which I founded in the early 2010s, delivers the former and has no plans to sell the latter. I’ll explain why in just a bit…

But first, let’s go through each variable and see who comes out on top, green veggie juice (green drinks) or greens powder.

green powder

Convenience

I understand that one of the biggest selling points of greens powder is convenience. If you’re traveling out of the country, it’s easier to bring a tub of powder than a gallon carton of Green Drink. 

Advantage greens powder? Score: Greens Powder 1 Green Drink 0???

Not so fast.

ChefV.com’s Organic Green Drink home delivery plan offers a convenient way to consume your daily dose of green, leafy veggies. Both Green Drink home delivery and Greens Powders are far easier than the hassle of shopping for produce each day, chopping the veggies and cleaning up the juicer. 

So let’s consider the score a tie after the first frame. And I’m scoring generously here because I’ve tried several greens powders that did not disintegrate when I stirred, even after a full minute. Clumps and all, I’ll call it 0-0.

The bottom line is that 90% of Americans aren't eating the minimum daily requirement of vegetables, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In light of this, whatever way you find it easiest to get your daily dose of disease-fighting green, leafy veggies, go for it. 

But let me tell you why I have no plans on offering greens powder even if one of the VCs from Shark Tank called me offering to bankroll it. 


curly divider

MORE GREEN DRINK ARTICLES

How To Save $4000 On Green Drink & Cleanses—And Feel Like A Million Bucks

Top 5 Research-Backed Benefits of Green Drink

A Green Drink A Day Can Support Your Mood: Research Proves

5 Reasons Dark Leafy Greens Are Awesome For Gut Health


curly divider

Nutrient Density

Again, if someone goes from eating fast food and drinking soda for the majority of their calories to using a greens powder, I’m all for it. But if we’re keeping score here when it comes to nutrient density, cold-blended raw Organic Green Drinks hits a grand slam. Greens Powder strikes out. Is my scoring a bit exaggerated? Mmm, maybe. But without a doubt, fresh green juice is superior for maintaining nutritional integrity.

You see, many brands of greens powders freeze-dry their ingredients. Besides killing the fresh right-out-of-the-ground taste that only farmer’s market produce has—Chef V sources all 7 certified organic green leafy veggies from local farmers—this freeze-dry process destroys some of the nutritional content. 

freeze dried and fresh kale

Are Greens Powders better for you than a Big Mac? Of course, but when comparing fresh green drinks to freeze-dried powders that can sit on the shelf for months, there’s no comparison when it comes to who wins the nutritional preservation contest.

Winner: Green Drinks

HEALTHY EATING RESOURCES

CHEF V RECIPE ARCHIVE

CHEF V’s COOKING SCHOOL (Free videos)

What Do I Eat Today? (Free recipes)

Making Cleansing Easier (Free e-cookbook)

Purity

“I love drinking juice that taste’s like grass clippings,” said nobody, not even people who love doing wheatgrass shots. To make a green veggie juice taste appealing, it needs to have something added. 

With Organic Green Drinks, my recipe contains a tiny bit of organic green apple and organic apple juice. Even with these two additions, the total sugar content for an 8-oz serving is 3 grams. (For those who have a sweet tooth and are weening off of added sugars, Chef V offers a Tropical Green Drink with mango, pineapple and pineapple juice, which adds only 3 more grams of sugar.)

What do some (not all) Greens Powder makers add to make it sweet? Sugar or fillers and additives that enhance texture. Not to mention that Greens Powders had a problematic history of being contaminated with heavy metals. 

apple and pineapple

On the other hand, cold blended leafy green vegetables are prepared using fresh produce. This ensures that the nutrients remain intact and that the flavors are preserved. While green powders might be convenient, the advantage of consuming fresh, organic, whole-food vegetables cannot be understated. 

In making Organic Green Drinks, Chef V takes no shortcuts. Every order of Green Drink is made to order fresh and contains 7 certified organic leafy greens for maximal nutrient density. 

Winner: Green Drinks

Below, Veronica takes you on a tour of the Chef V kitchen

Bioavailability

Bioavailability means how quickly and effectively your cells uptake (use) the nutrients. I admit that there are no studies (none that I found anyway, believe me, I looked high and low) directly comparing the nutrient absorption of green drinks versus greens powders. (If you’re a nutrition geek like me and come across a study like this, let me know!) 

In theory, the synergistic effects of various compounds in whole foods might contribute to better nutrient absorption than freeze-dried powders. But here’s what I’ll do since I can’t find a smoking gun, scientific comparison: I’ll call it a draw.

Winner: A Draw

Veronica and Brandon with product, kale, and blender

Truth In Advertising

With wellness influencers and well-funded marketing campaigns promoting greens powder brands, it’s very easy to be swayed and trust that what you see is what you get. 

But as ConsumerLab.com, an independent non-profit research organization points out, “Although many greens products contain a long list of ingredients, specific amounts for each ingredient are not always provided.” Even worse, some brands of greens powders make false claims about their health benefits, such as curing hangovers. 

In comparison, with ChefV.com Green Drinks, what you see is what you get. 7 certified organic green leafy veggies and a wee bit of apple added for some sweetness. There’s even clinical research that backs using Green Drinks for improving several health and wellness biomarkers. 

Winner: Organic Green Drink

Gut Health

Chef V Organic Green Drinks are raw, which means that the beneficial bacteria are retained in the cold-blending process. The same can’t be said about greens powders, many of which use high-heat pasteurization, which can kill many of the friendly microorganisms that feed your gut and create healthy compounds called short-chain fatty acids. 

Winner: Organic Green Drink

Above, take a tour of the Chef V kitchen with Veronica

Final Verdict: Organic Green Drinks Vs Greens Powders

Look, I didn’t intend to get into a pissing match with greens powders. But I felt like I had to defend the honor of my humble Green Drink. This is a David vs. Goliath nutritional showdown. Chef V is clearly the David in this picture. We haven’t reaped the benefits of multi-million-dollar checks from deep-pocketed Silicon Valley backers. The fruits of our labor and sweat equity have come at the expense of inflation, the soaring cost of goods and services, all the while doing our best to keep prices steady for our loyal customers. 

But I’ll take the easy way out and give the final parting slingshot to registered dietitian Jemma O'Hanlon, who told Huffington Post Australia, “I'm not a huge fan of green superfood powders, simply because they're a highly processed version of the real thing, and are not really a 'food' that we can cook up a meal with.” O’Hanlon added, “We don't have strong research to support … health benefits from consuming them, but we do have a huge body of evidence to support the consumption of 'real' fruits and vegetables. You know, the ones that you can pick off a tree and eat or pull out of the garden bed.” 

Increase your intake of organic, fresh, green, leafy veggies the easy way with Chef V’s Organic Green Drink delivery plan. 


Chef V

Chef V Detox + Green Drink Lowers Inflammation: C-Reactive Protein down 34.1%

Chef V


Chef V Clinical research results

Good news if you’re on a CHEF V GREEN DRINK PLAN or about to do a 21 DAY DETOX… A study Chef V commissioned from an independent laboratory concluded that when study participants completed the Chef V detox and continued to use the Chef V GREEN DRINK plan, “CRP levels were reduced by 34.1% from Baseline to Day 28. This is a substantial improvement in a biomarker tied to stress and the stress response”.

High levels of C-Reactive Protein indicate chronic inflammation in the body. 

Did you hear the news? 

Yes, I’m pregnant. But that’s not what I wanna talk about. 

We commissioned a neutral third-party lab testing company to conduct the effects of doing a STARTER 21 DAY DETOX, followed by 7 days of consuming ORGANIC GREEN DRINKS and eating a healthy diet. 

As I expected, the results were incredible. Sure, there was some impressive “beach body” before/after results. And I’ll be telling you all about that soon. But the first specific topic I want to discuss in depth from the study is protein. 

Not the kind you eat, but one of more than 10,000 proteins in your body: C-Reactive Protein. 

If you’ve never had your levels of C-Reactive Protein tested by your doctor, I highly encourage you to do it the next time you get a physical. 

Here’s why…

red-gold-body-inflammation

Why we Studied C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in our Clinical Research

CRP is made by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. 

Before I further explain, a quick note about inflammation. It’s a good thing our bodies experience an inflammatory response. That’s how we get things to heal, like cuts, bruises, runny noses, and sore throats. 

However, certain factors can cause chronic inflammation in the body. Here are a few things that can produce high levels of internal inflammation:

  • Frequently eating heavily-processed food
  • Drinking alcohol excessively
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Lack of exercise
  • Exposure to environmental toxins

When it comes to toxins, I’m not talking just about things like mold or oil spills. In addition, household cleaning products and body/haircare products made with petroleum-based chemicals can create chronic inflammation. (So spend the money and purchase organic.)

If you have high levels of CRP, it indicates that there’s chronic inflammation in your body. It can even mean there’s an underlying infection you’re unaware of. And more bad news if you have high levels of CRP. The Mayo Clinic suggests that high levels of CRP are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. 

So should you schedule a blood draw at the doctor’s office the first chance you get? 

It’s not a bad idea to have your CRP levels checked. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to lower your CRP levels. 

knee pain

Chef V 21 DAY DETOX Lowers Inflammation Marker By Over 34%

As I said earlier, the research study evaluated the effects of doing the 21 DAY DETOX (Starter version) followed by 7 extra days of eating clean and starting each day with an Organic Green Drink. 

Incredibly, CRP levels plummeted, on average, by 34.1%. 

This is huge because unexplainable chronic pain and autoimmune conditions cause high levels of CRP. According to Medical News Today, conditions that elevate CRP levels include: 

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Lupus
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Obesity


cleanse sale

Symptoms of High C-Reactive Protein Levels

You can have high CRP levels without having a diagnosed disease. However, if you do have elevated CRP in your body, you’ll likely feel at least one of these symptoms:

  • Fatigue (even if you’re getting plenty of sleep)
  • Aches and pains or stiffness, soreness and muscle weakness
  • Poor sleep
  • Digestion problems
  • Fevers or headaches

Considering that the Chef V study participants had a 34% average reduction in CRP levels after 28 days, it's no wonder the researchers concluded:

“At the conclusion of the study, participants experienced significant improvements in:

  • Muscular complaints
  • Body and joint aches
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain.”

The Easy Way To Support Normal Inflammation In The Body

Hey, I get it. Snacky foods exert a powerful force on us like a magnet to a fridge. Even I—a certified nutritional therapist, yoga practitioner, and healthy cookbook author—am not immune. French fries are my kryptonite. 

But this is why I formulated Organic Green Drink and started delivering them to customers. Starting your day by drinking 7 leafy green certified organic veggies is so easy. It balances out the toxins you’re exposed to, whether it’s from breathing car exhaust or you just can’t say no to happy hour.  

START IT UP!

And if your diet hasn’t been squeaky clean, there’s no need to panic if it isn’t all organic! That’s why I created the 21 DAY DETOX. It’s the easiest, safest, and most affordable way to reboot your digestive and elimination system. Your liver will thank you in many ways, including having clearer skin and more energy.

If you’ve never done a detox before, select a STARTER plan. It’s the same detox that was used in the lab study that reduced CPR levels by 34%. 

With the STARTER detox, only 3 days out of the 21 do you eat a calorie-reduced diet. But even on those 3 days, you won’t feel famished or deprived of nutrients. We provide everything you need to thrive. Not only that, all our detoxes come with practical nutrition resources that help keep your results going long after you finish the 21 DAY DETOX. 

Keep Up The Good Work!

This news isn’t just for new customers. If you’re already on the CHEF V GREEN DRINK Plan or have completed a 21 DAY DETOX, I want you to know I appreciate you!

I hope that by reading this article and future ones where I’ll be discussing other impressive outcomes from the study, you’ll be motivated to stay on the CHEF V path! 

I’ve been extolling the benefits of Green Drink and 21 DAY DETOX for years. And now, we can say that these benefits are supported by science. 

Love,

Veronica Wheat
Founder, ChefV.com

Holiday Stress: How I Keep My Sh*! Together When I’m Stressed Out

Chef V

cleansing juices and soups

Now that December's rolled around, I'm gift shopping, planning dinners with family and friends, and rejoicing in our baby, Kaden. The holidays really ramp up stress with all the extra work plus managing Chef V. Reducing stress can be challenging anytime, and during the holidays it is harder – and more important – than ever.

How do I keep my cool during the “season of cheer”? I treat myself – and you should treat yourself too, because it keeps you healthier, and that is super important right now.

Here’s how I keep my sh*! together….

To keep my stress levels down in this busy time, I’m focusing on the good things in my life: a beautiful baby, a thriving business, a handsome and devoted husband, a fit physique, cooking skills, the ability to turn any cocktail into a healthy mocktail, pickle ball(!) and, I have another love on the side–Coconut (my canine kid).

And we live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet: sunny, temperate San Diego, where I can go to the beach. Some people go their whole lifetime without ever seeing the ocean. But I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve taken an early-morning beach walk, watching the dolphins surf the waves (while sipping Green Drink, natch).

No matter what my stress level, I know I need three things to keep myself sane and centered. Meditation, yoga, and Green Drink.

Meditation, Yoga & Green Drink: The Holy Trinity of Stress Management

No matter what’s going in my life, three things are a constant every morning: meditation, yoga and Green Drink. Even now, when we are extra busy, you can follow my stress management steps.

As soon as I get up and take care of Kaden, I sit cross-legged and do some pranayama breathing. Pranayam is the foundation of any yoga practice. Even if I know that I’m going to have to face lots of frustration later in the day, these breathing exercises are so important. They’re like the equivalent of recharging your cell phone, only for your mind.

And no matter how exhausting the previous day was, I always find that practicing pranayama breathing is like a natural cup of coffee. Within a couple minutes, I notice a dramatic boost in my energy level, even if I didn’t sleep well. I feel the stress melting away. Even if my stress level will rise later in the day, this is the ultimate stress-management technique to do first thing in the morning.

There are a ton of YouTube videos you can follow along to. (Maybe I’ll create my own video after the new store is up and running on autopilot.)

Pranayama breathing warms your body and mind up for the asanas, (physical postures) of my yoga practice.

Despite 10-12 hour long days keeping the Chef V kitchen and delivery services running and lots of time with Kaden, I make sure I do a minimum of 10-15 minutes of yoga. It’s so easy to let stress get the best of you and say, “I’ve got no time today for yoga, I’ve got so much work to do….”

But I’m telling you the more stressful your day, the more you need to start your day off with yoga to manage your stress.

To those who know me, I might seem centered but without meditation and yoga, I might be a mess. And with the additional stress of a new baby, I’m keeping the time I spend on both.

apple cider vinegar

Keeping Your (Third) Eye on the Prize

Speaking of meditation, I finish my yoga practice with 5-10 minutes of silent meditation. If you don’t think you can sit in silence for even a minute, no worries. There are free guided meditation apps you can follow along to.

While I meditate I try to think of nothing other than my breathing. Then, after that, I take a few minutes and visualize what I want to achieve for the day. I think it’s really important to keep your eye on the prize and not stress out on annoying impediments get in the way of achieving your goals. I’m trying to focus on the good things in my life and in the ways I can make the lives of my employees and customers better.

Immediately after I’m done with my yoga and meditation practice, I nourish my body and keep my immune system healthy with 16 oz of Green Drink. I need the extra boost of fresh Green Drink energy and health more than ever right now.


Green Drink Plan

Treating Yourself When You’re Stressed Out

When you feel like crap, try to resist eating that pint of Ben ‘N’ Jerry’s, no matter how strong a temptation that Chunky Monkey is.

Going for sugar snacks is a misfiring of the reward mechanism of the brain. It’s no different than alcoholism.

Your brain tells you that you’ll feel better about things if you allow yourself to indulge by eating a bunch of ice cream.

But in the long run, you feel lousier. The sugar from the ice cream, along with the highly inflammatory dairy, causes foggy brain and sluggish energy. You might feel blissed-out eating the ice cream for maybe 10 minutes or so. But an hour later, you’re going to feel like you’re dragging. Try my healthier alternative, my vanilla “Milk” shake and indulge yourself without bloating and weight gain.

So what can you do when your back is to the wall and you just feel like curling up in a ball? And you can’t leave the house?

Make room for play time with your children.

Book yourself a do-it-yourself mani-pedi.

Treat yourself to that ten step facial you never had time for.

Go through all your old makeup, throw out the old stuff and organize the rest.

Try out the recipes on my blog.

Stretch – see how much you can increase your flexibility. It’s critical that when you’re feeling stressed out, you need to do things to revitalize your health.

We are Figuring this out Together

Holiday times are busy and stressful but you are not in this alone. You, my customers and friends, are a blessing in my life and I am so grateful to you.  I thank you for your patronage and friendship.  – Veronica

Vitamin C For Skin: Grab A Green Drink & Ditch the Pricey Creams

Chef V

Beauty creams, lotions and potions most often aren’t backed by research studies. So before you go spending your hard-earned cash on an expensive skin care product, keep in mind there’s a much cheaper option: vitamin C. Vitamin C for skin is backed by science and I’ve got an easy solution for how to get enough of it….

When I look in the mirror, I feel grateful that my skin still looks youthful. Sure, I practice what I preach and eat healthy. But in a way, I’m lucky….

I think back to all those toxic chemicals in household cleaning and hygiene products I used when I was younger. And the amount of time I spent in the sun without wearing sunscreen.

You can eat the best veggies for skin, hair and nails every day. But if the first couple decades of your life is filled with environmental stressors, your skin today might not look so youthful. That’s why I feel fortunate to have healthy-looking skin.

Just a couple years ago, out of all the supplements sold around the world–totalling $133 billion–a staggering 20 percent of this total was purchased for beauty.]

I’ve been duped by beauty products in the past; no doubt you have as well. Without doubt, some of them I swear by. But most of the time, beauty, especially skin-enhancing products sell because the brands that sell them appeal to your emotions and desires.

Moreover, lots of these beauty products are not backed by research studies.

So how do you know which products are legit? And safe! (I use the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep app to check out the safety of skin care products and more….)

Look, I’m not telling you to ditch your favorite facial toner. If it works great for you, keep using it.

But as a nutritional therapist, I believe that food should be your ultimate safeguard against premature aging. Yes, diet alone can enhance your beauty.

And I have the perfect, easy and cost-effective solution for your skin….

Vitamin C for Skin: proof it works

There’s not much research that proves a vitamin C topical solution for skin health works. However, there’s some solid evidence that dietary sources of C can prevent aging.

This study showed that women ages 40 to 70 who supplement with vitamin C have improved skin brightness and less dark circles, spots, and redness.

And in this experiment, 60 healthy non-smoker males and females, ages 40–65 years, all of whom present with clinical signs of skin aging, show improvement in skin elasticity, moisture and antioxidant capacity when taking a vitamin C supplement for 90 days.

Furthermore, this study suggests C improves red, patchy areas of skin, as well as hydration, radiance, and overall appearance. In addition, the benefits of vitamin C for skin is evident by a decrease in intensity of skin spots, UV spots, and brown spots, improved skin texture and appearance of pores.

This water-soluble antioxidant also boosts the two proteins–collagen and elastin–that provide structure to your skin.

And if you need more proof, here’s an exhaustive study on vitamin C and skin health in the journal, Nutrients. (I’ll summarize some of its key finding below for you.)

If you’re sold on science and not by hype, then there’s plenty of evidence that suggests getting loads of vitamin C in your diet, especially from green leafy veggies, benefits your skin.

And the easiest way to make sure you’re getting a solid daily supply of green leafy veggies is not by eating a salad, although that’s super healthy. Nope, it’s by having Organic Green Drink everyday.

Each serving of Green Drink supplies you with 44% of your suggested daily value of vitamin C.

Personally, I start off each morning with 16 oz. of Green Drink (88% daily value). It’s my breakfast. And my morning beauty regimen.

Vitamin C For Skin: Why It Works

You’ve probably heard of collagen powder. I talk about why people are freaking out about it on the Internet here.

Collagen, as I mention above, is one of the skin’s structural proteins. Think of your own skin’s collagen like it’s a network of sticky support beams of a skyscraper.

When you’re young, your skin collagen support beams are strong and erect. That’s why you don’t have wrinkles in your early 20s.

But as you hit age 30 and beyond, each year, you lose about a percent to two percent of your collagen; your skin’s building blocks and support structure degenerates.

Vitamin C for skin works wonders because it acts as a co-factor for the amino acids, proline and lysine. There are 20 amino acids. But these two especially provide stability for skin collagen molecules. Moreover, vitamin C also kick-starts collagen gene expression.

In someone with healthy-looking skin, the skin itself contains high concentrations of vitamin C.

And did you know consuming lots of this nutrient is critical in avoiding sunburn? Some studies show that excessive sun exposure leads to depleted C levels in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin.)

Nutrition studies also show that the appearances of blemishes (hyperpigmentation) become less visible with higher fruit and vegetable intake.

Skin sagging also becomes diminished with high vitamin C intake.

Dry skin, scar formation, skin lesions, and wrinkles all improve following vitamin C supplementation.

But instead of spending money on a supplement, which you can’t be sure if it’s high-quality or not, you can spend as little as $5 a week for a daily 16 oz serving of Green Drink.

Vitamin C for Skin: Get It From Food Not From Pills Or Creams

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. It neutralizes environmental pollutants. Because researchers have determined that it plays an important role in the health of the epidermis, more nutrition research has focused recently on dietary vitamin C’s role in skin health and wound healing.

Isn’t it great to know that you can get great skin simply by drinking a delicious, organic Green Drink?

vitamin c

Go Veg: Thicker Hair, Healthy Gut, Smooth Skin, and Strong Nails

Chef V

Veronica hair loss improvement

 

The study Chef V commissioned from an independent laboratory concluded that when study participants completed the Chef V detox and continued to use the Chef V Green Drink plan, they experienced a 39.8% improvement in hair loss.

The best veggies for a healthy gut, skin, hair, and nails are the same as the ones in Chef V’s mega-popular Green Drink. And it’s no coincidence that these same veggies are also the best for helping you cleanse and detox. Chef V covers how each of the veggies benefits your beauty.

I created the recipe for Organic Green Drink several years ago back when I was a private chef. Over time, demand grew for my Green Drink and that’s really the catalyst for launching Chef V.

I did a ton of research for the Green Drink recipe. I wanted to select the best veggies that would not only taste amazing cold-blended, but that would also be the best for a 3 day cleanse or 21-day detox. And as it turns out, the seven veggies in Green Drink not only happen to be the best for cleansing and detoxing, they also happen to be the best veggies for skin, hair, and nails.

Now I admit, it would be a pain in the behind to have to chop green kale, black kale, collard greens, dandelion greens, green chard, curly parsley, and green leaf lettuce every day. And then have to juice it. Then clean up.

The main reason why I transitioned from being a private chef to launching Chef V: making healthier easier for people just like you. And it doesn’t get any easier than having a bottle of our certified organic Green Drink delivered to your home.

Not only can you lose weight, gain energy and sleep more soundly by having Green Drink every day, but there’s also a very good chance your skin, hair, and nails will look better.

So let’s take a look at how the ingredients in Green Drink are the healthiest veggies for skin, hair, and nails.

meditate

Best Veggies for Skin, Hair & Nails: Kale

Sure, there’s some excessive kale craziness these days. But for good reason. Kale is rich in vitamin K. And it’s really hard for most people who eat the average American diet to get enough K. Vitamin K actually helps minimize dark circles in your eyes. That’s why it’s one of the best veggies for skin.

In fact, kale can even help tighten your skin. How? Well, one of the reasons why your skin isn’t as tight when you get older is that the aging process weakens your collagen. Collagen is the body’s main structural protein. In fact, over one-third of the thousands and thousands of proteins in the body are collagen proteins. Collagen provides strength to your tendons, ligaments, teeth, nails, hair, bones, gut lining, and much more….

The vitamin C in kale along with the antioxidant, lutein, promotes collagen regrowth and production. In addition, the vitamin A in kale helps prevent damage to the skin. It also repairs and damage to the epidermis.

There’s a good reason why kale has been added to several beauty products. Because it’s such an efficient detoxifying nutrient, kale can help clean your pores. It’s even beneficial for your hair pores. Moreover, kale contains fatty acids such as omega-3s. These fatty acids provide moisture to your hair and skin.

There’s even a nail polish with kale extract. Supposedly, it can help stimulate keratin production. Keratin is the other main protein that’s in your nails.

These facts about kale make it one of the best veggies for skin, hair and nails. So drink your Green Drink and schedule that kale facial!

kale

Best Veggies for Skin, Hair & Nails: Dandelion

Another incredible detoxifying green veggie in our Green Drink is dandelion. Dandelion widens your pores. That’s how it helps your body get rid of toxins. And according to this article, dandelion shrinks wrinkles. It may also help whiten dark spots and reduce fine lines.

Like kale, dandelion also contains lots of beta carotene and vitamin C. It’s also rich in the B vitamins and vitamin E, which is a standard ingredient in many skin care products. Moreover, the minerals and trace minerals in dandelion may actually help regrow hair.

dandelion

Lettuce

One of the main reasons why lettuce is good for your skin is it contains the following three minerals: silica, sulfur and phosphorous. You don’t need a large quantity of these minerals from the foods you eat. That’s why they are called trace minerals. But these three trace minerals are vital for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Without doubt, you’re not going to get many benefits by eating iceberg lettuce, which is devoid of nutrition. But green leafy lettuce can also protect your skin against harmful UV rays.

So now do you see why I selected these six veggies (7 really; Green Drink includes two different types of kale)? Not only are they the best-tasting and most detoxifying, they’re also the best for your skin, hair and nails.

Veronica in kitchen with blenders

Lettuce

One of the main reasons why lettuce is good for your skin is it contains the following three minerals: silica, sulfur and phosphorous. You don’t need a large quantity of these minerals from the foods you eat. That’s why they are called trace minerals. But these three trace minerals are vital for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Without doubt, you’re not going to get many benefits by eating iceberg lettuce, which is devoid of nutrition. But green leafy lettuce can also protect your skin against harmful UV rays. So now do you see why I selected these six veggies (7 really; Green Drink includes two different types of kale)? Not only are they the best-tasting and most detoxifying, they’re also the best for your skin, hair and nails.


50% off Chef V 21 Day Detox

Is There Any Proof Green Drink Improves Sleep Quality?

Chef V


woman with stomach ache at beach

Several Chef V customers recently posted how having a Green Drink first thing in the morning has improved their energy throughout the day and even their sleep quality. So I decided to look into the connection between how green leafy veggies affect sleep quality. I also provide a handful of tips on how to get restful zzzzz’s. 

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a thousand more times…

The easiest, healthiest thing you can do to start your day is to have 8-16 ounces of Organic Green Drink. It’s not a shameless sales pitch. Ask any of the thousands of Chef V customers who follow this daily piece of advice and they’ll tell you that it just sets you up for a great rest of the day. Your energy will be rock-steady. You’ll be slightly buzzing with a high vibration. Not jittery buzzing, but just an optimistic, pep-in-your-step great feeling.

But there’s a catch…

If you’re having a Green Drink in the morning, will the good vibes last well into the night? In other words, can consuming green leafy veggies actually support sleep quality? Yes – clinical research apparently proves the point.

In 2023, ChefV.com products were the focus of an independent clinical trial by Citrus Labs. The 38 participants who completed a 21 DAY DETOX and then continued on a GREEN DRINK plan for 7 days saw vast improvements in all areas of their life. This includes a 34% reduction in inflammation and an average weight loss of nearly 8 pounds, and a 44% improvement in sleep quality.

Research on Green Veggies & Sleep Quality

According to a 2021 study in the Swiss journal, Antioxidants, green leaf lettuce (one of the 7 certified organic veggies in Green Drink) was shown to bind to GABA receptors. I’ll break it down in plain English.

So GABA is a neurotransmitter, which are chemical messengers in the brain. Having great communication is key to almost everything in life and it turns out that for sleep and overall health, it’s crucial.

And in order to have rejuvenating sleep and feel relaxed, your GABA neurotransmitters have to be able to get the message that they need to be activated. This is because GABA is like your brain’s natural valium—without the addictive side effects.

So what’s in lettuce that activates GABA and leads to better sleep quality? Well, the researchers believe that the antioxidant called quercetin plays a big role. You may have heard of quercetin. I know people who take quercetin supplements. I guess it can’t hurt to take a quercetin supplement but I always advocate getting the real thing from food.


veronica meditating

V’s 3 Most Important Sleep Tips (Besides Green Drink)

In addition to eating (and drinking) lots of organic green, leafy veggies and other produce, here are 3 things that help me get better sleep:

  • Meditate 

With so many meditation apps to choose from, many of them free, you don’t have to be a Buddhist monk in order to achieve a more restful, relaxed state. My favorite app is the Calm app.

I listen to the daily Calm every morning for 10 mins and usually every night before I go to bed.
It also helps me if I wake up too early – I can do the daily mediation and usually get back to sleep.

Try to listen to a sleep or meditation app for 15 minutes before you try to fall asleep for the night. If you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep, follow along to the app for another 10-15 minutes.

  • Feast at lunch, eat a light dinner

A lot of people are so busy during the day that they barely have time to eat lunch and when they do, it’s usually something not substantial enough and not well-balanced. Turkey sandwiches come to mind. Instead, try carving out time and eating a large lunch with a healthy grain like quinoa, a big portion of roasted/steamed veggies and a lean piece of protein like fish or tempeh. Then for dinner, have soup and salad.

  • Get Adequate Exercise

I notice that on days when I’m not as active as I’d like to be (hasn’t been happening that much lately because of my new pickleball obsession), I don’t sleep as well.

Make sure you move your body enough during the day. I know it’s tough for many people who work remotely on their laptop all day. But try to take a few mini-movement breaks during the day.

And don’t forget to start each day with Organic Green Drink! Here’s to getting plenty of restful zzzzz’s.


kale

Leafy Greens in Green Drink Block Blue Light

I also came across a study in the curiously named journal, Cureus, which said that leafy greens contain micronutrients that can positively influence sleep:

  • Tryptophan
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Fiber
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin C
  • Lutein
  • Zeaxanthin
  • Choline
  • Beta carotene

So let’s talk about some of these micronutrients that are in Organic Green Drink. For starters, the researchers of this study said that fiber “has been shown to be associated with deeper and more restorative sleep.”

So in case you’re wondering what the heck lutein and zeaxanthin are, they are the most important antioxidants for vision and eye health. And the cool thing about these two micronutrients that are also found in Green Drink is that they are natural filters of high-energy blue light. That helps support sleep because blue light, which is emitted from smartphones and other electronic devices, suppress your body’s production of the sleep hormone, melatonin.


Veronica with gren drink bottles

And that’s the reason why you should always put your phone in airplane mode when you go to bed and turn off all other electronics in your room a good hour before you want to fall asleep. If you have a TV in your room, get rid of it; move it into another room and stop watching well before bedtime.

Look, I could go on and on with these research studies. If you want to check more out, here ya go.) Now I’m not saying if you struggle with really difficult insomnia that having a little Green Drink in the morning is the cure, or if you eat a salad for dinner you’ll sleep like a baby. But there is plenty of evidence that associates green leafy veggie consumption with better sleep quality.


store - new sign

Barbara says Chef V’s VIP Plan “Rocks”!

admin

What VIP customer Barbara O. says:

VIP customer Barbara O. recently emailed me about my Chef V VIP Annual Plan and kindly allowed me to share her comments here.

Barbara says:

 “Just in case you didn’t already know – this VIP club rocks, Veronica. It TOTALLY makes club members feel special – and also somehow eases the pain of having actually bought a year’s worth of green drink delivery in one fell swoop.:) …Somehow, this cool club membership with its free 2 cleanses and personalized perks makes it feel much better. Thank you for making a rockin’ green drink that keeps us healthy!! “

Thank you so much for your kind words, Barbara!

Warm Butternut Squash Salad

Chef V

Warm butternut squash: this is a delicious holiday treat for those first cold days that signal the end of fall. It’s a hit at special dinners. It’s very filling and makes you feel warm inside even though it’s a salad. It’s also very healthy and vegan. – Veronica

DOWNLOAD PDF

warm butternut salad

TOTAL 30 minutes

Serving Size: 2-4 people

Ingredients

Warm butternut squash

  • 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup diced sweet or yellow onion
  • 1 small butternut squash,
seeded and diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups wild greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed herbs)
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds

Directions

Warm butternut squash: In a large non-stick pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and butternut squash. (The smaller the squash is diced the more quickly it will cook.) Sauté the squash and onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the squash is soft. Do not burn the squash or onions.

Add the garlic, nutmeg and thyme, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer the butternut squash to a bowl and stir in the cooked quinoa. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cool mixture in the refrigerator.

To serve, mix the dressing ingredients and drizzle over greens. Top with cooled butternut squash mix and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Serves 2-4.

What I Ate to Lose 55 Pounds After Having a Baby

Chef V

what do I eat today liquids

Hello, fellow new Moms and friends!  I'm here to share my experience with losing 55 pounds after having my baby, a journey with some dietary surprises and a lot of learning. Trust me, it's not your typical weight loss story!

Let's dive into the world of postpartum diets. Like many, I assumed that eating lots of salads and raw foods was the way to go. However, I quickly learned that postpartum nutrition requires a different approach.

Instead of my usual diet, I shifted to eating more warming foods. This included soups, bone broths, meat with bone, raw milk, and raw cheese. It was a significant change from my previous eating habits, but it was one that I found to be beneficial.

lemon water

During this time, I also delved into learning about the “fourth trimester.” This concept emphasizes the importance of healing your body postpartum through rest and proper nutrition. It was enlightening to understand how crucial this period is for new mothers. By listening to my body and adapting my diet, I was able to lose 55 pounds in less than four months.

Breastfeeding exclusively also played a role in my weight loss journey. Not only did it help me shed pounds, but it also supported my baby's nutrition. I learned that eating right and taking care of your body can positively impact your milk supply.

While I reduced my intake of salads and raw veggies, I didn't eliminate greens from my diet altogether. I continued to enjoy my daily green drink, which provided me with essential nutrients and kept my energy levels up throughout the day. This was a great way to maintain a balanced diet without relying too heavily on raw vegetables.

While you’re probably thinking that this isn’t the same diet I’ve recommended for cleansing. And that is correct.

Cleansing is a different journey than all together just losing weight. Cleansing can help you lose weight and detox your body so your gut is more able to digest certain foods and allow the rest of your body to function more properly.

Cleansing is great once in a while but it’s best to have the Green drink daily and continue on a whole food diet post cleansing.

I still recommend easing into and out of the cleansing process with my precleanse list approved foods but for moving forward in your day, an organic whole food diet is always the best thing for your body, gut and weightloss. 

berry parfait

Through this journey, I realized that losing weight after having a baby isn't just about the number on the scale. It's about making informed choices about your diet and listening to what your body needs. This approach not only helped me lose weight but also taught me the importance of nurturing my body during such a crucial time.

For anyone embarking on their postpartum weight loss journey, remember that it's about finding a balance that works for you. Every mother's experience is unique, and it's essential to focus on what makes you feel healthy and energized. Here's to a journey of health and self-care post-baby! 🌟💪👶

Books I recommend:

The FourthTrimester -Kimberly Johnson 
The First Forty Days – Heng Ou 
Real Food Pregnancy – Lily Nichols 

chai latté

What Do I Eat Today?
A One Day Menu
Typical of my Postpartum Diet

Breakfast: Green Drink and Chai Latte

First I have 16 ounces of my organic green drink. Twenty minutes later I have a Chai latte.

My postpartum chai latte is made with chai tea, wild local honey, cinnamon, and raw steamed milk.

RECIPE

Raw milk has many health benefits

Raw milk is often said to be high in essential nutrients like vitamins (A, B, D), minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), enzymes, and beneficial fats. Some say that raw milk has probiotics that are good for gut health.

Raw milk may be easier to digest compared to pasteurized milk, possibly due to the presence of lactase-producing bacteria, which may help lactose-intolerant individuals.Some studies suggest that drinking raw milk during childhood could be associated with a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma. However, these studies do not prove the claims as further testing is needed.

Breakfast: Breakfast Taco

I like to make a big batch of these for the week so when I’m hungry after breastfeeding and playing pickleball I have a super nutritious meal To eat.

Of course I always chug my greens post workout but about 15 minutes after that my body is ready for food.

These tacos are so good and you can actually lose weight eating tacos! Who knew?!

RECIPE


raw cucumber gazpacho

Lunch: Tomato-less Chili

While I generally do not use a lot of nightshade vegetables, I do think fresh or dried jalapeño peppers in small quantities add a kick to dishes and have detoxifying powers. For more protein, swap the cannellini beans with 1 pound of cooked ground turkey, if desired.

RECIPE

Dinner: Chicken teriyaki, brown rice and broccoli (Can also use salmon or ground turkey.)

Made with:
  • 1 lb organic chicken 
  • Salt pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 lb organic broccoli chopped and steamed in water with dash of salt. 

RECIPE


veronica

What to Expect From Green Drink When Expecting

Chef V

One of the most common questions we get here at Chef V is from women wondering if it’s alright to be drinking green juice during and after pregnancy. If you’re expecting (or expecting to be expecting), this blog will cover all the basics you need when it comes to pregnancy and green drinks. 

Can a pregnant woman enjoy a green drink?

Let's get right into the main question here. Can you enjoy green detox juice while you’re pregnant? The short answer is, as is so often the case, it depends. So what does it depend on?

First is context. It makes sense that you’d want to avoid a low-sugar juice cleanse while pregnant, for example. During your pregnancy, you’re eating and drinking for two, after all. It’s not a good idea to radically decrease your food intake during pregnancy.

Of course, drinking some of that cleansing juice alongside your regular meals is a different matter. However, this also raises some interesting questions and concerns regarding the kind of juice you are drinking. 

Pasteurized versus unpasteurized

Most juice you can pick up in a grocery store will be heavily processed to make it more suitable for the global food transportation business; it will be pasteurized and filled with various additives. 

This creates something of a conundrum for pregnant women. On the one hand, drinking unpasteurized drinks could be dangerous, as it increases the risk of infection from raw produce. On the other hand, additives and preservatives in food can be potentially very dangerous to pregnant women as well. 

In the end, our best recommendation is to go organic, while also making sure you’re emphasizing freshness. Refrigerate any green drinks you make, and ensure that you drink them as quickly as possible. This keeps you safe from additives, while also reducing the risk from unpasteurized beverages. 

If you buy your green drink instead of making it, ensure you’re getting green juice delivery right to your door. This cuts down on time between when it's made and when it reaches you. You don’t want to be guessing how long unpasteurized juice was sitting on a store shelf!

Why green drink is great for pregnancies

So we’ve discussed a bit about whether you can drink green juice while pregnant. But why is this such a big deal anyways? Why do we get all the questions about it? Part of the reason is that there are a ton of benefits to enjoying some green detox juice while you’re pregnant. These benefits naturally boost interest in green drinks.

Detox juice is perhaps best known for helping people lose weight, get blood sugar under control, and better manage their digestive systems. However, it also offers a lot of other nutritional benefits. The iron, vitamin C, and calcium in a green drink can help keep pregnant women healthy, as do its anti-inflammatory properties. These nutrients also help boost the immune system, which is essential to keeping mother and child healthy. 

Green the best green juice delivery with Chef V

At Chef V, we’re all about staying healthy, at all times of the year. While you might know us for our low-sugar juice cleanses, we also do delivery of our signature green drink right to your front door! This means you can get an incredibly healthy blend of leafy greens, while also getting a guarantee of absolute freshness. You can check right now to see if your green juice delivery covers your area. 

Detoxing for Headaches and Migraines

Chef V

Headaches, and even worse, migraines, show up unannounced and ruin the day. The throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea can turn a perfectly good day into a nightmare. It’s like a perfect storm brewing in your brain, with blood vessels constricting and then suddenly dilating, causing that head-splitting pain.

But fear not, for there are ways to avoid them. In this article, we’ll explore the powerful combination of a diet rich in green leafy vegetables and unprocessed foods, plus using a 21 Day Detox or Cleanse to reset your system. Chef V’s Detox plus her healthy eating plan will help you steer clear of migraines and lead a happier, headache-free life.

Before diving into our migraine-fighting strategies, let's understand what causes these painful headaches. Migraines are usually triggered by a combination of factors. Common triggers include stress, hormones, and dehydration. Genetics and even certain foods or drinks can all play a role. Bright lights and loud noises can also contribute to the onset and intensity of migraines.

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: how to avoid migraines through a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, healthy eating, and by using the Chef V 21 Day Detox Program and Chef V Green Drink.

All of the Chef V products are based on the fact that green leafy vegetables are nutritional powerhouses and can play a significant role in migraine prevention. 

Some of the main nutritional benefits include:

Magnesium: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in magnesium, which has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and reduces inflammation, two key factors in migraine development.

Vitamin B2: Foods like spinach, collard greens, and broccoli are high in riboflavin, which may help prevent migraines by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress.

Folate (Vitamin B9): Leafy greens are also abundant in folate, which supports healthy brain function and helps regulate neurotransmitters, potentially reducing the risk of migraines.

Detoxifying your body by cleansing with a Chef V 21 Day Detox can help prevent migraines.

Chef V’s 21 Day Detox helps you with menu plans and healthy substitutes for processed foods. Using an elimination diet can help you identify the food triggers and sensitivities that might be causing your migraines.

The Chef V Plan’s healthy eating days include recipes with detoxifying foods like beets, ginger, turmeric, and lemon to help your body remove toxins. For the biggest change to your system, stick to the mostly vegan & vegetarian recipes in Chef V’s cookbook “Making Cleansing Easier” and to her healthy eating guides while doing a detox.

A migraine-free life is within reach through a combination of  a healthy diet, a focus on dark green leafy greens, and a body reset with a Chef V 21 Day detox, followed by having a daily Green Drink every morning

By paying attention to your body's signals, avoiding trigger foods, and nourishing it with essential nutrients, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have severe or chronic migraines. Here's to a headache-free future filled with vitality and well-being!

Adaptogens: The Medicinal Plant All-Stars That Help Conquer Stress And Fatigue

Chef V

adaptogen examples

Out of tens of thousands of medicinal plants on Earth, only a tiny percentage have been classified as “adaptogens.” Over the last few years, adaptogenic herbs have become a huge health trend.

Certified nutritional therapist and ChefV.com founder Veronica “V” Kress explains what’s so special about adaptogens and managing stress.

mushrooms

Fungus is finally friendly! 

While adaptogens, also called adaptogenic herbs, have soared in popularity, relatively few people know exactly what makes an herb adaptogenic. So let’s get to know them… 

One of the top selling points for adaptogens is that they help regulate the amount of stress hormone, cortisol, released from the adrenal glands. In doing so, they help your body healthily adapt to stress.

It wasn’t long ago that mushrooms were just a squishy, flavorless topping for pizza or a second-tier ingredient in a stir-fry. Only eccentric people were fond of fungus for food. 

Now all of a sudden, mushrooms are all the rage. Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga and other fruiting fungal bodies now enjoy A-list, red-carpet superfood status. Mushroom coffee? Unthinkable a decade ago. But these days, more and more people are breaking up with coffee and sipping functional fungal elixirs instead. These edible ‘shrooms, mostly in powder form, are examples of adaptogens.  

mushroom coffee

What Are Adaptogens?

They’re the cream of the crop of the medicinal plant world. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, 50,000 to 80,000 plants are used medicinally. Although there’s no exact number of adaptogenic herbs on the planet, the number of herbs classified as ‘adaptogenic’ doesn’t exceed a few hundred. Some plant medicine experts put the number far lower, at a few dozen. 

So what makes adaptogens the darling of the plant medicine world? Well, as the name implies, adaptogens help the body “adapt” to stress. Running an Organic Green Drink delivery company, doing everything in my power to keep costs low for my customers despite inflation and the soaring cost of goods and services, and nursing a newborn? Yup, I got some stress. 

That’s why I’ll typically add an adaptogenic powder to my protein smoothie, which I take about 30 minutes after fueling my cells with Organic Green Drink in the morning. I’ll tell you which adaptogens are my favorites below, and suggest some Smoothie recipes to add them to.

(I should also mention that I have reduced the frequency and dosage of adaptogens now that I’m breastfeeding. There’s no telling if baby Kaden will get a sudden burst of energy and skip naptime because the power of adaptogens came through my breastmilk!) 

To be classified as an adaptogen, herbalists and botanists generally agree on a few principles:

  • Non-Specific Action: Think about a prescription medicine you’ve taken. That drug was designed to have one specific action, like lowering blood pressure or blood sugar or inhibiting serotonin reuptake. In comparison, adaptogens don’t just have one action. Instead, they help the body adapt to any kind of stress in a non-specific way.
  • Promote homeostasis: Adaptogens restore balance to the body. They do this by regulating physiological processes. One of the top selling points for adaptogens is that they help regulate the amount of stress hormone, cortisol, released from the adrenal glands. In doing so, they help your body healthily adapt to stress.
  • Non-Toxic and Safe: Unlike pharmaceuticals and many non-adaptogenic herbs, adaptogens are generally considered safe and have a low risk of toxicity and side effects.
  • Biphasic: This means that adaptogens can have either an energizing or calming effect. For example, adaptogens can help the adrenal glands crank out more cortisol when needed or reduce the amount when the adrenals flood the bloodstream with cortisol like a burst dam. Adaptogens help energize an underperforming organ and reduce activity in a hyperactive one. 


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ADD ADAPTOGENS
TO THESE SMOOTHIE RECIPES

Chef V's Smoothie Recipes

Chef V’s Immunity Smoothie

Piña Kale’oda Smoothie

Chef V Tropical Smoothie

Green Protein Smoothie with Kale

Adaptogens you might use are described below.


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When Were Adaptogens First Discovered? 

No, Gwyneth Paltrow was not the first adaptogenic trailblazer (despite what the Goop blog may say). That credit goes to Soviet scientists in the 1940s like Dr. Nikolai Lazarev and later, to doctors Israel Brekhman and Alexander Panossian. 

Research on adaptogens in the mid-20th century was conducted when the Soviet Union was competing neck-for-neck with the USA for global superpower status. Russian scientists discovered that when soldiers, athletes and workers were given the adaptogenic herb, eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), they could perform at high levels under intense stress such as little sleep and extreme weather. 

But the history of adaptogenic herbs dates much further back than a century. These special medicinal herbs (and fungi) have been used since prehistoric times. And what’s really interesting about many of the most commonly used adaptogens is their own resiliency to stress. 

HEALTHY EATING RESOURCES

CHEF V RECIPE ARCHIVE

CHEF V’s COOKING SCHOOL (Free videos)

What Do I Eat Today? (Free recipes)

Making Cleansing Easier (Free e-cookbook)

Adaptogens Have Their Own Stress To Deal With

Adaptogens don’t have to worry about paying the bills. But many of them do have to survive under the harshest conditions. For example, I already mentioned Eleuthero. That grows in the harsh taiga of Siberia, where hardly any other plants can take root. 

Another adaptogen that survives freezing conditions is Rhodiola root, which grows in high-altitude Arctic regions. 

Maca root has developed a reputation as a libido enhancer and hormone balancer. If it can survive the harsh Peruvian Andes climate, with hurricane-force winds, blinding sunlight and miserable soil, maybe Maca can make miracles happen in the bedroom. (This study says Maca can help reverse sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women who took antidepressants.)

Another example of a fascinating tale of survival in the plant kingdom is the adaptogen known as holy basil (Tulsi). Native to the scorching-hot, arid Indian subcontinent, holy basil thrives even under desperate drought conditions. 

One more example is Ashwagandha. Like holy basil, this adaptogen thrives in arid, hot AF India as well as North Africa and the Middle East. 

Just as these adaptogenic herbs have not only survived but thrived in harsh climates, they can help us adapt to stress and support our own resilience and well-being, even in the face of adversity.

What Are The Benefits Of Adaptogens? 

Adaptogens might be the ultimate natural stress-busters. And in helping our bodies adapt to stress in a balanced, non-specific way, they may also help: 

  • Support immune function
  • Promote energy, vitality, stamina and endurance
  • Improve mental clarity 
  • Balance mood 
  • Calm the mind

What Are The Best Adaptogens? 

In addition to the adaptogens I mentioned, the following ones have shown promise in research studies:

  • Licorice root
  • Goji berry
  • Schisandra fruit
  • Astragalus
  • Angelica root
  • Acai berry
  • Shatavari

mushroom and medicine capsules

Do Adaptogens Really Work? 

Instead of asking me, let’s see what the research says. According to a review of several studies published in 2021, in the journal Nutrients, “adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection. In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.”

Earlier this year, a study focusing on adaptogens and skin health concluded: 

“Adaptogens can repair the skin barrier and maintain skin homeostasis by … influencing the oxidative stress pathway to inhibit inflammation, and regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) components to maintain a dynamic equilibrium, ultimately achieving the treatment of skin diseases and the maintenance of a healthy state.”

Drug companies can’t patent adaptogenic herbs and make huge profits. So there are no large human clinical trials on adaptogens. Considering they’ve been used for thousands of years and our way of life seems to only be getting more stressful, I highly recommend adaptogens.  But I’ll still pass on the mushroom pizza.

This content is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.


Chef V

Grilled Artichokes with Two Sauces

Jean Yates

Grilled artichokes, precooked and finished at the picnic. They’ll love these on the barbecue. Serve with my two vegan sauces:  Raw Horseradish Mayonnaise, and  Vegan Herb Aioli.

grilled artichokes

Serving Size: 2 People

Ingredients

  • 6 cups filtered water
  • 1 large fresh artichoke
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Bring the 6 cups of water to a boil in a stockpot.

Trim the thorns from the artichoke leaves with scissors. Cut the artichoke in half vertically and remove the fuzzy center. To the boiling water, added the artichoke, garlic, and onion. Boil, covered, for 45 minutes – one hour, or until the leaves pull out easily. Transfer the artichoke halves to a paper towel cut side down or drain the water.

Heat a grill or grill pan. Place the artichokes cut side down on the hot grill or grill pan and char for 2 to 3 minutes, until you get good grill marks. This will add a nice smokiness. Plate the artichoke halves cut side up. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice and vinegar, drizzle over the artichoke, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, and serve with Vegan Herb Aioli or Raw Horseradish Mayo.

Teryaki Chicken or Salmon

Jean Yates

Instead of my usual diet, after giving birth I shifted to eating more warming foods. This included soups, bone broths, meat with bone, raw milk, and raw cheese. It was a significant change from my previous eating habits, but it was one that I found to be beneficial. This teryaki chicken recipe became a favorite.

green soup

Ingredients

  • 1 lb organic chicken 
  • Salt pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 lb organic broccoli chopped and steamed in water with dash of salt. 

Directions

Make the sauce recipe and let sit and cool. 
 
Using 1 lb of organic pasture raised chicken cover in avocado oil and salt and pepper.
 
Grill the chicken for 4 minutes in each side or until done. Thinner chicken will take less time than thicker. I usually butterfly my breast so they are thinner and cook faster. 
 
Prepare brown rice or quinoa per directions on the bag or box. 
 
Plate rice, steamed broccoli and chicken. Drizzle in teriyaki sauce and enjoy! 

 

Teriyaki sauce

1 cup coconut aminos or tamari sauce
3/4 cup coconut sugar
1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Boil sauce ingredients, stir and reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Use as a glaze for chicken, fish, any meat or veggies for teriyaki style.

Breakfast Taco

Chef V

I like to make a big batch of these for the week so when I’m hungry after breastfeeding and playing pickleball I have a super nutritious meal to eat.

Of course I always chug my green drink post workout but about 15 minutes after that my body is ready for food.

These tacos are so good and you can actually lose weight eating tacos! Who knew?!

taco

Ingredients

Makes 6-8 tacos

    • 12 eggs
    • 1 pack siete cassava flour tortillas 
    • 1 tbsp avocado oil
    • 1/4 cup raw cheddar cheese
    • 1 pack organic bacon – no sugar added
    • Optional salsa, hot sauce and avocado

Directions

Cool the bacon on a parchment lined baking sheet. This is the absolute best way to cook bacon. It cooks completely even without ever having to turn it.
 
One trick I use is having the bacon room temperature before I add it to the sheet pan. Cook 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from oven and transfer cooked pieces on a plate lined with paper towel to soak up the excess oil. This will allow the bacon to cool and crisp.
 
Meanwhile cook the eggs. I use 1 tbsp avocado oil and then add the scrambled eggs to the pan to cook. Stirring continuously, add the raw cheese when the eggs are about 3/4 way done. Remove from heat. 
 
Heat the Siete tortilla on the stove in a small sauté pan. Just place the tortilla on the pan with no oil or anything. Warm each side for 30 seconds. Top with egg mix and crumble one piece of bacon on top. Optional to top with salsa and avocado  or hot sauce. 
 
Arrange and assemble the tacos in glass food storage for later use. I reheat one at a time in the microwave for one minute with a cover to help lock in the moisture. These keep all week. Enjoy! 

Turkey Chili

Chef V

Chef V’s Tips: While I generally do not use a lot of nightshade vegetables, I do think fresh or dried jalapeño peppers in small quantities add a kick to dishes and have detoxifying powers. For more protein, swap the cannellini beans with 1 pound of cooked ground turkey, if desired.

green soup

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cold-pressed olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion,
  • diced 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 5 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 4 cups vegetable broth 1 (15-ounce) can of each: kidney, cannellini, and black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce, or to taste (I like Trader Joe’s ® brand)
  • 1 lb ground turkey (optional)
  •  
  • OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
  • Sliced and seeded jalapeño pepper
  • ¼ cup Daiya ® cheddar shreds

Directions

Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook for another 2 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low, and add the vegetable broth, kidney beans, cannellini, black beans, and chili sauce.

Cover and simmer for about 35 minutes.

To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced jalapeños or cheddar shreds, if desired.

Vegan Herb Aioli

Chef V

Aioli, a traditional Mediterranean sauce, is just right for dipping veggies or drizzling over toasted baguette. It makes a delicious accompaniment to my Grilled Artichokes. – Veronica

vegan herb aioli

TOTAL 10 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serving Size: 2 People

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews, washed and drained (pre-soaked 1 hour)
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • ¼ cup of lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. of lemon zest
  • ½ tsp. organic sea salt to taste
  • 1 tsp. raw coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1/2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic

Directions

Blend mayo ingredients together in a Vitamix or food processor.

White Sweet Potato Purée

Chef V

Everyone loves mashed potatoes. But regular mashed potatoes are very starchy. That means the starch quickly converts into sugar. That’s more bad news for your gut. But this healthy recipe for mashed potatoes uses the nutritiously-superior white sweet potato. Instead of regular milk, I use almond or coconut milk.

I swear to you that my white sweet potato pureé will have the same starchy mouth-feel as regular mashed potatoes. But this version contains way more minerals and is lower in calories. – Veronica

sweet potato puree

TOTAL: 1 hour

Serving Size:2

Ingredients

  • 1 large white sweet potato, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 1/4 cup Chef V’s Raw Almond Milk or coconut milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

Boil the sweet potato pieces in the 3 cups of water in a large pot for 15 minutes, or until soft. Transfer the pieces to a Vitamix and add the milk, sea salt, cayenne, and red pepper flakes, and process until smooth. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Raw Horseradish Mayonnaise

Jean Yates

Sometimes you just need a luscious rich tasting spread – so I created this cashew-based mayo. Easy to prepare, you can use it in dressings, dips, on a sandwich, anywhere you want that mayonnaise experience – only healthier. Add raw horseradish to make a zippy dip for my Grilled Artichokes. – Veronica

raw horseradish mayonaise

TOTAL 10 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serving Size: 2 People

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews, washed and drained (pre-soaked 1 hour)
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • ¼ cup of lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. of lemon zest
  • ½ tsp. organic sea salt to taste
  • 1 tsp. raw coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish

Directions

Blend mayo ingredients together in a Vitamix or food processor.

Amanda Patrick’s Kids Like Chef V Green Drink!

Chef V

Amanda Patrick’s Kids Like Chef V Green Drink!

A big shout out to Amanda Patrick for mentioning my Chef V Green Drink on her super popular Instagram page. I’m so happy your beautiful little girls love Green Drink!

Amanda says: “So I FINALLY found a green drink the girls will ACTUALLY drink ???? Thank you for all the goodies @chefvlife …. the girls (and I) love you a lot!”

Thank you, Amanda! Here’s to your health! – Chef V, Veronica Wheat

Chef V’s Cooking with V – Salmon Beurre Blanc

Chef V

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Welcome to Chef V's Cooking School!

I'm Veronica, Certified Nutritional Therapist, author, and proud owner of Chef V. You might know me for my Green Drink and Cleanses, but I started Chef V as a personal chef. In my first video cooking series, I'll be sharing some of my clients' favorite recipes with you.

Using this blog and my YouTube channel, I welcome you to my kitchen. We're going to laugh, learn and cook – together.

This month we are making Salmon with Beurre Blanc Sauce, with my friend Maddi assisting.

Cooking with Chef V

Maddi is a friend and customer of Chef V. In 2017 she had a massive stroke, and has worked incredibly hard to recover. I'm honored to know her and to support her in eating healthy – and delicious. – Veronica

Maddi

SALMON BEURRE BLANC DIRECTIONS
Watch Veronica make the recipe in the video above

salmon beurre blanc

INGREDIENTS

for sauce:

  • 1 shallot (about 2-3 tbsp.) finely minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 6 tbsp. vegan butter
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For salmon and pasta:

  • 1 package lentil, quinoa, or brown rice pasta
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 4-6oz wild salmon fillets – rest to room temperature
  • 1 tbsp. chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

quinoa enchilada ingredients

PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS

1. SHALLOT
Finely dice the shallot, slicing lengthwise and then chopping on its side. Save in a small bowl.

mise en place chopped

2. PARSLEY
Roll the fresh parsley loosely into a ball, then chop that up and throw that garnish into a small bowl.

salmon beurre blanc pasta

3. LEMON
Juice the lemon and save in a small bowl.

boil water

PREPARE THE PASTA

1. Bring the water to a boil with one tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.

boil water

2. Rip the dry pasta in half, adding it to the boiling water.

salmon cooking

GRILL THE SALMON

Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Heat Grill pan or pan to medium high heat.

When the pan is hot, place the salmon in the pan with the skin side up, cook the salmon for 3 minutes on each side, and remove when still pink in the middle.

It is easy to cook something more, but you can't undo an overcooked piece of salmon! Remove salmon and let rest.

making the sauce

making the sauce

MAKE THE BEURRE BLANC SAUCE

To cook the sauce add white wine, shallot and lemon juice to a medium heat saucepan and reduce to half. Slowly add one tbsp. of vegan butter at a time and whisk to create a thick sauce.

final recipe

ASSEMBLE THE DISH

Drain the pasta and place a portion on a plate. Place the salmon right on top. Then we take the beurre blanc sauce and pour it over the salmon and the pasta.

final recipe

NOW THE BEST PART – THE TASTE TEST!

Brandon says “mmmm… – that Beurre Blanc sauce – the lemon and the wine! Who knew eating healthy could be fun.”

Maddi says “it's delicious” – and her sous chef Dad says “nice and light and delicious!”

Beetox Smoothie

Chef V

Cleansing and alkalizing the body in the morning helps repair and balance the gut from salty meats and high starchy foods. Having liquids in the morning really helps our gut repair from any holiday destruction. 

Using cold vegetables helps keep the drink fresh longer. Will keep 3-5 days refrigerated.

ginger apple berry smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1/4 large red beet or 1/2
    small beet including green beet tops
  • 1 1/2 cups cold filtered water
  • 1 small carrot , chopped, top removed.
  • 1 small celery stick
  • 2 slices cucumber
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. ginger
  • 1 tbsp. turmeric
  • 1/2 fuji or gala apple
  • optional:
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp fresh jalapeno
  • 1/4 cup ice while blending to keep cold

Directions

 Blend 1-2 minutes until the juice seems pulverized and not chunky. Make sure to add ice to keep cold while blending. Shake well before drinking. Best with a straw. 

Yoga + Green Drink to Stress Less, Feel Better

Jean Yates

yoga and green drink

I’m finding it harder to stay centered. Are you stressed out too?

Stress can have a major influence upon mood, our sense of well-being, behavior, and health. Acute stress, especially if the threat is unremitting, can damage health.

To stay centered and calm, my go-to is yoga.  Yoga can reduce stress, shift your mindset, and help you feel better.

Before coronavirus,  I made sure to do a minimum of 10-15 minutes of yoga every day. Now, I’ve increased my practice and recommending that all my friends and clients fo the same. The more stressful your day, the more you need to start your day off with yoga. To those who know me, I might seem centered but without meditation and yoga, I might be a mess.

Here are some of my favorite yoga poses for reducing stress and getting back to center. Zen out in the comfort and safety of home.

Cheers to your very best health –  Veronica

yoga - downward dog

DOWNWARD DOG

Place your hands on the ground, shoulder width apart, and stretch your feet out behind you about 3 feet apart from one another with your hips high in the air. You should look like an upside down letter “V.” Because your heart is higher than your head, this pose causes blood to flow to your brain, which calms the nervous system, improves memory, enhances concentration and relieves stress. Downward Dog also gently tones your abdomen, which stimulates digestion.

tree pose - virksasana

TREE POSE (VIRKSASANA)

Start by focusing the balance on the left foot. Lifting the right foot to the ankle, calf, above the knee or in lotus position (inside the hip joint), bring your arms to prayer position in front of your heart center. Straighten the back, tuck in the pelvis and breathe.

On an inhale, extend your arms over head into any hand mudra you desire; pinky to thumb, thumb to index finger or thumb to middle finger. Hold here for 5-10 inhale and exhale breaths.

prayer pose

PRAYER TWIST

Stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Look toward your right leg as you turn your torso and your hips towards your right leg.

Bend your right knee at a 90 degree angle, keeping your left leg straight so that you are in a low lunge. Bring your hands to prayer position in front of you.

Inhale and on an exhale, twist to your right, bringing your left elbow over your right knee. Look up and make sure your elbows are facing in opposite directions with your right elbow facing up at 12 o’clock and left facing down at 6 o’clock.

Hold this pose for 5-10 inhales and exhales. Slowly release, coming back to center. Repeat on the other side.

Look toward your left side, bend your left knee at a 90 degree angle and move into a lunge by keeping your right leg straight. Inhale and exhale to twist to the left, hooking your right elbow over your left knee. Breathe for 5-10 inhales and exhales.

The twisting of the torso in this move applies pressure to your muscles, increasing toning and detoxifying powers. Fresh oxygen rushes to the area once the twist is released, which helps flush toxins within the body and improve digestion. This pose is great for balance, energy and confidence – plus, it tones your legs, hips and butt.

supine spinal twist

SUPINE SPINAL TWIST

Lay on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you. Bend your right knee, bringing it close to your chest.

Take your left hand and slowly guide your (bent) right leg over to the left side of your body. Look right and breathe 5-10 inhales and exhales.

Slowly come back to center with both legs stretched out on the ground. Reverse on the other side by bending your left knee toward your chest.

With your right hand, gently guide your left leg over to your right. This time, look to the left and breathe for another set of 5-10 inhales and exhales. This spinal twist will help to release lower back tension, open tight shoulders, improve digestion and elongate spinal muscles.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t come easy at first. Like all things, yoga takes time and practice to get right, but you will start feeling the detoxifying benefits right away. Just start with slow and steady breaths and the rest will follow!

Chef V and kale

Making Bone Broth

Chef V

I’m not a strict vegetarian, but I rarely promote meat. One rare exception is bone broth because it contains collagen protein. The process of slow cooking bones for many hours releases collagen from the bones. By consuming the collagen from animal bones, you’re helping revitalize your own body’s collagen.

Chef V’s Mango Burrito Bowl w/ Fresh Wild Halibut

Chef V

I love fish. Its high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and other nutrients. It also tastes great and go fit in easily tomost dishes. I love seasoning this and adding it to a burrito bowl. Its light, gluten-free, high protein and tons of nutrients.

Add 4-6 oz halibut to this burrito bowl. Serves 3.

burrito bowl with wild halibut

Ingredients

  • For the fish:
  • 1 lb halibut
  • 1tbps. olive or coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • For the burrito bowl:

    2 cups organic mixed greens (arugula, spinach, red leaf, kale, chard, green leaf, or romaine, etc.)

  • 1 cup cooked organic quinoa or brown rice, cooled
  • 3⁄4 cup organic black beans, cooked and cooled
  • 1⁄2 mango skinned and cubed
  • 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1⁄4 small red onion diced
  • 1 small lime, juiced
  • 1⁄2 avocado, skinned, cubed
  • Optional: 4-6oz protein like grilled chicken or salmon.

Directions

For the fish:
Mix the seasoning together in a small bowl. cover the fish in oil. generously coat the fish in the seasoning. Grill on the grill on medium for 3 minutes each side (depending on the thickness of your fish. Cook longer if thicker). Remove from grill, cover in foil and let sit for 5 minutes to rest and continue cooking). Add to the mango burrito bowl for a nice refreshing take on this classic.

For the burrito bowl:
Fix two bowls with lettuce on the bottom. Top with plain quinoa (or rice) and beans. Mix mango, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add mango mixture to top of salad. Top with avocado, optional protein and serve. Bon Appétit!

Serves 2

Raw Caramel Cheesecake

Chef V

This is my interpretation of a New York cheesecake. I’ve swapped the traditional cream cheese for a delicious mixture of cashews, coconut, and vanilla.

You will need to make this cake in 2 steps, and give yourself 24 hours to complete it, since you will need to soak the cashews for at least 2 hours or overnight and will need freezing time for the cake as well.

First make the crust and the “cheese” layers. Once those steps are complete, place the cake in the freezer for four hours or more. The final step is to make the topping and pour it over the chilled cake. You can serve the cake immediately or refrigerate it for up to a week. But I recommend eating it now!

Serve this to the most finicky eater and watch them become a raw food convert!  – Veronica

creamy broccoli soup

Serving Size: 6 People

Ingredients

  • Crust Ingredients:

    • 1 cup slivered almonds
    • 1 cup walnuts
    • 1 cup pre-soaked pitted dates (soaked in water overnight)
    • 1/4 tsp. sea salt
    • 1 tsp. real vanilla extract

    Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

    • 3 cups pre-soaked cashews (soaked in water overnight)
    • 1⁄4 cup organic coconut oil
    • 1⁄4 cup coconut nectar
    • 1 tsp. real vanilla extract
    • Juice of 1⁄2 a lemon

    Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

    • 1 cup pre-soaked pitted dates (soaked in water overnight)
    • 3 tbsp. coconut nectar
    • 2 tbsp natural almond butter
    • 1/4 tsp. organic sea salt
    • 2 tbsp. coconut oil
    • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

 

Things you will need:

8-inch spring-form pan (bake-ware that sides can be removed
Coconut oil cooking spray (or cold pressed olive oil spray)

Directions:

Soak dates in water overnight. Soak cashews in water overnight. Add all crust ingredients to your vitamix and pulse until blended with still some nutty texture. Spray an 8-inch spring-form pan with healthy non-stick cooking oil.

Spread the crust evenly to cover the entire bottom of the pan. Add the cheesecake layer ingredients to your food processor and blend until completely smooth (scrape down the sides to get all the ingredients). Spread evenly over your crust.

Place in the freezer for at least 3 hours.

Place your Caramel Sauce ingredients into your food processor and blend until completely smooth (scrape down the sides to get all the ingredients).

Remove cheesecake from the freezer. Place the cheesecake on a serving pan.

Remove spring-form sides. Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the cheesecake. Cut into slices, serve and bon appetit!

Creamy Curry Pumpkin Soup

Chef V

The only thing more comforting than a bowl of soup is a bowl of homemade soup that is both vegan and gluten-free. There’s something special about cooking comforting meals like this during the Fall that will warm you up and have your kitchen smelling festive.

Cozy up with someone you love and enjoy this delicious pumpkin soup on a cool fall night! – Veronica

vegan ambrosia salad

Serving Size:2

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • ½ cup organic Crimini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp. curry powder
  • 1 ½ tbsp. gluten-free flour (we like Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 3 cups organic vegetable broth
  • 2 cups Chef V’s Organic Pumpkin Puree (see recipe HERE)
  • ½ cup of canned coconut milk
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp organic sea salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper

Directions

Bring oil to medium high heat and saute onion and mushrooms for 3 minutes or until onions are translucent.

Add garlic, curry powder and gluten-free flour to the pan to continue to cook for one more minute.

Slowly add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Cook and stir for a couple of minutes until the soup starts to thicken.

Add the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Continue to stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Blend small batches of soup in a Vitamix or blender to a get a smooth texture and serve hot.

What Do I Eat Today – Featuring Almond Flour Crusted Chicken

Chef V

what do I eat today

This “What Do I Eat Today” menu starts with warm lemon water, then Green Drink. For breakfast, a new recipe for an Immunity Smoothie you are going to love.  For dinner,  my new recipe for Almond Flour Crusted chicken, served with my Mandarin Asian Salad.

lemons

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Green Drink.

immunity smoothie

For Breakfast – Chef V's Immunity Smoothie

I've created this new Immunity Smoothie to start the day. Made with ginger, turmeric, kale and coconut water, it gives me extra drive as I start a busy day.

Get the recipe


Chef V's Chipotle Mango Burrito bowl

For Lunch – Chef V's 'Chipotle' Mango Burrito Bowl

My “What do I Eat today” lunch is my Mango Avocado Burrito Bowl, a spin on Chipotle Mexican Grill’s awesome burrito bowls. Use my recipe as a starting point and add any of your favorite ingredients like grilled chicken or fish to make your own. You can also turn this into an easy wrap with gluten-free tortillas.  – Veronica

Get the recipe

Almond Flour Crusted Chicken, Mandarin Asian Salad

Dinner – Almond Flour Crusted Chicken

A new recipe that uses crushed almond flour crackers and a honey mustard sauce. It makes a delicious main course, accompanied by my Mandarin Asian Salad.

Get the recipe


Mandarin Asian salad

Dinner – Mandarin Asian Salad

You can use lots of different greens to make this Asian inspired salad but I always include cabbage. If you are cleansing, just skip the mandarin oranges to keep it cleanse friendly.

Get the recipe


Veronica and green drink

21 day Challenge + Green Drink Offer -2

Jean Yates

Version 1 – Protection

Version 2- Clinically Proven Success

Your Decision To Do the Chef V Challenge
Is Now Supported By Clinical Research!

The Clinical Trial data speaks for itself. Following a Chef V 21 DAY DETOX with a daily ORGANIC GREEN DRINK subscription isn’t a quick weight loss fix. It’s a lifelong health transformation. 

And the best part is that after the 21 DAY DETOX, you can indulge in some of your favorite not-so-healthy treats from time to time.

Want to experience a safe, effective, and enjoyable health transformation? Learn more about the CLINICAL RESEARCH RESULTS. 

You Can Get the Same Positive Results!

Chef V Test Results On Day 28

“Overall, participants saw a statistically significant improvement in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, cholesterol/LDL cholesterol ratio, and HbA1C. These findings suggest that the Chef V protocol brings about positive changes in each of these biomarkers in just a 28-day period.

“The Chef V program led to many statistically significant improvements in biomarkers critical for overall health and well-being,” Citrus Labs researchers concluded.

You Can Get the Same Positive Results!

How it Works:

1. Start with the chef V 21 Day Challenge – This organic detox cleanse makes it easy to detox your body and lose weight with complete step-by-step instructions and support.

2. Sustain your gains with a daily organic green drink made with 7 organic Super Greens to help you detox your liver, fight inflammation, reduce cholesterol and much more!

Sustain Your Gains with a Daily Green Drink Subscription

CHECK OUT THE SUCCESS STORIES

21 day Challenge + Green Drink Offer

Jean Yates

Version 1 – Protection

Version 2- Clinically Proven Success

Your Decision To Do the Chef V Challenge
Is Now Supported By Clinical Research!

The Clinical Trial data speaks for itself. Following a Chef V 21 DAY DETOX with a daily ORGANIC GREEN DRINK subscription isn’t a quick weight loss fix. It’s a lifelong health transformation. 

And the best part is that after the 21 DAY DETOX, you can indulge in some of your favorite not-so-healthy treats from time to time.

Want to experience a safe, effective, and enjoyable health transformation? Learn more about the CLINICAL RESEARCH RESULTS. 

Start Your Clinical Challenge with the 21 Day Detox

Chef V Test Results On Day 28

“Overall, participants saw a statistically significant improvement in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, cholesterol/LDL cholesterol ratio, and HbA1C. These findings suggest that the Chef V protocol brings about positive changes in each of these biomarkers in just a 28-day period.

“The Chef V program led to many statistically significant improvements in biomarkers critical for overall health and well-being,” Citrus Labs researchers concluded.

Start Your Clinical Challenge with the 21 Day Detox

You Can Get the Same Positive Results!

1. Start with the chef V 21 Day Challenge – This organic detox cleanse makes it easy to detox your body and lose weight with complete step-by-step instructions and support.

2. Sustain your gains with a daily organic green drink made with 7 organic Super Greens to help you detox your liver, fight inflammation, reduce cholesterol and much more!

Sustain Your Gains with a Daily Green Drink Subscription

CHECK OUT THE SUCCESS STORIES

Chef V’s BBQ Salmon

Chef V

Get outside for the last enjoyable parts of summer!  Chef V founder Veronica Wheat created this BBQ salmon recipe as the main course of a special outdoor meal for her husband Brandon.

BBQ salmon

Serving Size: 2 People

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets (6 oz.)
    (skin on preferred)

Marinade

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp organic honey
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Directions

Marinate the salmon in the sauce for 30 minutes on the counter. Then, slap the non-skin side down on a bbq grill heated to 375 degrees.

Cook for 3-5 minutes and flip to the skin side with a large spatula. Cook an additional 3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon and how much you like it done. I personally like it medium rare and under cooked. I can't stand dry over done salmon. You can always add it back to the grill if need be, but not the reverse.

Serve with a salad, rice, sweet potatoes, or any side you desire.

LANDING 21 + GD

Jean Yates

The Chef V Program
21 day Challenge + Daily Green Drink

HEADER IMAGE OPTION HERE WITH VERONICA AND CLEANSE PRODUCT

CHECK OUT THE RESULTS

Average 8 lbs lighter
88% feel better
43.8% improvement in sleep
32% Improved ability to focus
49.6% more energy
23% less fat in blood

and
100% Finished the Challenge

You Can Get the Same Great Results!

–> alt option in green bar below “Take the Challenge, get the results”
 

1. Start with the chef V 21 Day Challenge – This organic detox cleanse makes it easy to detox your body and lose weight with complete step-by-step instructions and support.

2. Sustain your gains with a daily organic green drink made with 7 organic Super Greens to help you detox your liver, fight inflammation, reduce cholesterol and much more!

–> image option with black woman 1. 2. at bottom of this page

Check out These Success Stories!

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For Living Your Best Life, Eat This Not That Guide

Chef V

 

You probably don’t need me to tell you to lay off the soda, donuts and Twinkies.

But because of conflicting diet advice, certain foods that aren’t clearly junk seem to straddle the fence. Maybe it’s healthy. Maybe it’s not.

Take eggs and butter, for instance. In years past, both these foods have been vilified by cardiologists. But in more recent years, as the link between saturated fat and heart disease has become not so evident, eggs and butter are no longer necessarily bad for you.

As a certified nutritional therapist, my mission is to help people reach their health goals as quickly as possible. And it’s for that reason, I still think butter and eggs, along with all dairy and most, animal products should be avoided.

Not forever, mind you. But at least when you’re embarking on a new health goal, you should avoid certain foods. This is especially true if your goals are to lose weight, increase metabolism, and cleanse your vital organs.

Now, if you want to skip the rest of this article and download my Eat This Not That guide, no worries. Just click and download it. But if you want to understand my rationale for advocating for certain foods while bashing the others, keep reading…

 

Should I Eat Dairy? 

The short answer is no. Not if you want to reach your health goals as quickly as possible. Here’s why you should avoid all dairy. Excluding the obvious reasons for avoiding dairy, such as lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity, one of the biggest things that dairy can do to your body is cause inflammation. I’d even avoid organic dairy in the beginning of your health transformation.

Inflammation can manifest in several different ways. It can cause belly bloating, acne, joint stiffness/pain and gas. But don’t just take it from me. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a diet high in saturated fats – which are plentiful in cheese and full-fat dairy products – can increase inflammation. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2015 found that eating dairy foods increased low-grade inflammation in German adults.

Can you see why I’m not down with dairy? But if you love dairy, there are several substitutes I list in my Eat This Not That guide.

 

What About Animal Protein? 

Even when you do one of my cleanse programs, I make sure you’re getting adequate protein intake. Consuming sufficient protein is vital for preserving lean muscle mass, and for maintaining healthy hair and nails. Unlike carbs and fat, which your body can use for energy, your body only burns its own protein in a desperate last resort.

So, yes, protein is super important to eat—every single day (with the exception being an occasional 24-hour fast). But perhaps no other category of food can be super healthy and totally egregious to your health at the same time.

Take for instance wild salmon. It’s a superfood. On the flip side, there’s bacon. Both come from the flesh of animals. But the former is heart-healthy while the latter may contribute to cancer. Certain animal protein can help you reach your health goals while others will make it more difficult to notice positive results. See the chart below to find out which animal proteins I recommend.

Keep in mind you don’t need a ton of protein. In general, I recommend limiting intake of animal protein to once per day, with a portion about the size of your fist.

 


Can I Eat Grains? 

If you love grains, the good news is you don’t have to totally avoid them to reach your health goals. In fact, you can have brown rice, quinoa and several other types of healthy grains. See the chart below for more ideas.

But there are certain grains, such as white rice, which are lower in nutrients and tend to be digested very rapidly. You want to avoid carbs (grains are carbs) that are digested rapidly. That’s because when you eat something that burns up quickly, your stomach will send a signal to your brain that you’re hungry again.

And most often, that false hunger results in cravings not for healthy food like steamed broccoli, but for more empty carbs.

 

Print It Out!

Print 3 copies of the Eat This Not That guide. Hang one on the fridge. Bring one to work. And keep one in the car so that if you go to a restaurant or get invited to dinner, you’ll know exactly what to eat and what to avoid.

Try your best to stick to this list until you reach your health goals. Then, you can celebrate by introducing one or two foods on the right side of the list.

But there’s a good chance that after you reach your goals, your taste buds will be totally reset—you won’t even want to eat the “Not That” foods on the list.

Eat as much as you need to of the foods on the Eat This side of the list so that your belly is three-quarters full.

You’ll notice I suggest in the list to avoid certain fruits that are high in sugar. That being said, you can use some common-sense moderation. If you are craving something sweet and you don’t have any blueberries handy, eating a few grapes won’t knock you down a step.

So without further ado, download the guide: Eat This Not That

 

Bonus Guides:

How Much Should I Eat? 

Download Chef V’s Healthy Portions Eating Chart

What Should I Eat For Breakfast? 

Download Chef V’s Healthy Breakfast Recipes (Smoothies Included)

What Should I Eat For Breakfast & Lunch?

Download Chef V’s Entree Ideas for Healthy Lunches and Dinners

LANDING 2

Jean Yates

Brandon: 2/3 of website visitors view chefv.com on mobile devices so this landing page has both mobile and desktop versions of each block – I'd like to check purchasers, see if purchases are made on mobile or desktop.

The Chef V Program
21 day Challenge + Daily Green Drink

there are several options for “Clinically Proven Success” header below – located at bottom of page

CHECK OUT THE RESULTS!

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You Can Get the Same Great Results!

1. Start with the chef V 21 Day Challenge – This organic detox cleanse makes it easy to detox your body and lose weight with complete step-by-step instructions and support.

2. Sustain your gains with a daily organic green drink made with 7 organic Super Greens to help you detox your liver, fight inflammation, reduce cholesterol and much more!

alternate mobile version 1. 2. image

success stories- could be more, different people
there is a mobile version

CHECK OUT THE SUCCESS STORIES 

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Desktop version 1  Protect your body and brain no subtext

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© 2021 Chef V, LLC.