A lovely woman named Taiesha who I met in highschool has partnered with her friend Roni and have started a wonderful group called Team Coke Bottle…

#TeamCokeBottle is for women of ALL shapes and sizes! While most women do not have ‘hourglass’ figures, it is still important to be healthy no matter what size you are. Healthy is the new Sexy!!

The mission and purpose behind #TeamCokeBottle is to keep a running dialect about women’s health and how to lead/maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is acheived by sharing workout regimens, recipes, weight loss goals/results, discussing health concerns and more via social networking sites (ie. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) We encourage you to Share, Share, Share and don’t forget to add the hash tag (#TeamCokeBottle!)

Since staying active plays such a major role in one’s overall physical appearance, we host walking events, workout videos, and alternative fitness classes (ie. Zumba, Yoga, dance, etc.) So join us as we bend, stretch, squat, crunch, and dance our way into healthy living.

I represent Team Coke Bottle, not for my shape…but for my dedication to living a healthy lifestyle! Props to the ladies for starting a movement!

If you are looking for an organic, orgasmic experience for your taste buds, you need look no further than Mi Vida Café. Located in the trendy Mimo District just north of the Design District (right off Biscayne and 70th Street) you will find this beautiful, quaint vegan restaurant. Do not fear that there isn’t enough space indoors! There is a spacious, colorful, relaxing garden out back with eclectic pieces of outdoor furniture and soothing music to fill your ears.

Owner Daniela La Gamma was a very successful private chef before fulfilling her dream of offering her healthy, filling, animal product free cuisine to all. Raised in Argentina, she brings some of her Latin flavored dishes to the vegan menu.

Prices are reasonable considering that the products are all natural, juices freshly squeezed (literally right before your eyes,) and she uses no cheap shortcuts. Chef La Gamma has NO microwave in her restaurant, NO frying, NO preservatives, NO genetically modified ingredients and absolutely no High Fructose Corn Syrup. You can check the menu out at www.mividacafe.net.

Do you like delicious tacos? They have the vegan versions! Maybe you are in the mood for tasty “chicken” marsala? They have a version made with seitan (a meat substitute.) Is pizza your thing? Try their colorful, raw asparagus/pesto pizza! My absolute FAVORITE is the vegan mushroom sloppy joe. In addition they have fresh salads, eggplant a italiana, and grilled chimichurri (seitan) you will be in vegan HEAVEN. Chef LaGamma also has yummy homemade cookies, pies and ice pops for desert. Eat up!

If you want to give your body a healthy treat, make sure to stop by Mi Vida Café or check them out online and support this wonderful change of pace for the city of Miami. Your soul will feel guilt-free knowing that you are giving your body the absolute best nutrients and saving an animal’s life at the same time.

vegan sloppy joe!

entrance to garden

WORDS: Aisha Thalia
IMAGES: Unique Photography and Design