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the buzz
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la vida boca
HOT STUFF & THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN
GETTING FRESH [ ] Photos by Ron Elkman
BUSINESS
As a personal trainer and body builder, Marc Elkman knew the importance of healthy eating. But he also realized that, despite people’s best intentions, that’s easier said than done. Then he had an epiphany: Why not create a service that can help? The result is Fresh Meal Plan, a Boca Ratonbased home-delivery company specializing in healthy gourmet meals all less than 500 calories. Elkman, 27, started the company in 2011 with Chef Patrick Delaney, and today about 800 people eat his breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Famous clients include Miami Dolphins players Ryan Tannehill, Cameron Wake, Mike Pouncey, Koa Misi and Brian Hartline. In fact, for the past two seasons the entire team has been treated to the cuisine before and after home games. Elkman met Chef Delaney, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, while working at The Polo Club of Boca Raton. It was there that they discovered a mutual passion for healthy living. “I had my first personal trainer at age 11,” says Elkman, a Florida Atlantic University graduate who majored in business and hospitality. “There was no such thing as McDonald’s in my family.” His company offers three meal plans—traditional (lean protein, complex carbs and vegetables), paleo/gluten free (lean proteins, few complex carbohydrates, fruits, nuts, seeds and essential fatty acids), and vegetarian (fibrous vegetables and complex carbohydrates). Plans start at $75 per week and all meals are made from scratch with organic ingredients and no additives or preservatives. Fruits and vegetables come from local farms and fish from South Florida’s largest distributor. Tasty options include Bourbon-Glazed Salmon with black sesame seeds, eggplant and tri-color quinoa salad; Egg White Breakfast Bowl, with sweet hash browns, turkey bacon and a cup of berries; and Bison Meatballs, which is served with spinach salad, tomatoes and baked apples. A Dolphin favorite (at a slightly larger portion ranging from 500-600 calories) is the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. “We understand healthy eating isn’t easy and can be boring,” Elkman says. “That’s why we serve food
THE BITE STUFF: Marc Elkman and Chef Patrick Delaney Linebacker Koa Misi
people are used to eating and put a healthy twist on it.” But don’t call his cuisine diet food. Rather, clients “are eating fresh gourmet food designed for healthy lifestyles,” Elkman points out. “Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just want to feel great, these wellbalanced, nutritious meals will save you money and countless hours of grocery shopping and searching for health-conscious restaurants.” What’s next for Elkman and Chef Delaney? Later this year they’ll launch a line of organic fruit and vegetable juices and gluten-free pastries. They also want to start a brand of kid-friendly foods. “We are not going to stop until every person in America understands portion control and healthy eating,” says Elkman. “This isn’t just a business for us.” – Linda Haase
The Buzz by Felicia S. Levine Got a tip? Email the Editor at Felicia@bocaratonobserver.com
JANUARY 2014
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