Courtney Luciana photo.
Viva Nutrition’s energy tea and Italian cookie-flavored protein shake.
Angela Vasquez mixed water and ice with protein powder, adding vanilla and lemon extract, pouring the blend into a medium size cup, layered with caramel and sprinkles. The Italian cookie-flavored shake was served up at kickoff party for her new smoothie establishment, Viva Nutrition.
The grand opening took place Friday at the new health and wellness bar located on 37 Church St.
The grand opening of Viva Nutrition.
Owners Vasquez and Minerva Benson (pictured) make a variety of shakes and teas at Viva.. Each drink tastes like a dessert or fruit juice, but it stays within therange of 180 to 220 calories and 21 vitamins. The shake serves as a meal replacement packed with nutrients and the tea is rich in vitamins.
Vasquez and Benson, two wellness coaches, said the idea is to aid with weight loss and promote a healthful lifestyle especially amid the pandemic.
“Each drink is customizable to what your needs are at that moment. Some customers work out a lot and don’t care if they have Reese’s peanut butter cups in their drink,” Benson said. “Some people don’t work out, so they’ll skip the toppings. More people want to get healthy right now because of the pandemic.”
Almost every shake has the option to be made gluten-free. Vegan-friendly options include double chocolate, oatmeal cookie, peanut butter cup, and key lime.
Specialty drinks include an athlete line of shots and boosters. Another choice is iced coffee packed with 15 grams of protein and 2 grams of sugar.
Angela Vasquez and her daughter, Brittney.
The store is decorated with motivational quotes hung up on the walls, pink hearts outlining the menu items, and holographic chairs. Vasquez (pictured) said her inspiration for the names of the ultimate energy teas on the menu derived from buzzing areas in the city.
“This includes names like the New Haven Green, the Shubert Theatre, and Yale University,” Vasquez said. “Seating is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 but we still want people to feel like they’re escaping from the outside world when they come into the store. We’re also offering curbside pickup and calling ahead.”
Benson said that the location is expected to attract customers who want to take extra health precautions during Covid-19. She’s also targeting students, particularly from Gateway Community College directly across the street.
“College students love our energy and health and nutrition,” Benson said. “We’re also located on the bus route and directly off of the highway, so we’re in a key area.”
Vasquez and Benson said they have both lost approximately 30 pounds from the drink program within a three-month time frame.
“Typically, it’s a pound to a pound and a half a week. I was strictly following the program so I lost weight faster. I drank two shakes a day and ate simple protein snacks in between,” Benson said. “I like to show others that it’s possible, because I love food and I trained my body to lose weight.”
Tiffany Arsenault, owner of Small Town Nutrition in Orange, showed her support by purchasing drinks Saturday from the “sister” store.
“Business is steady for these nutritional clubs because people right now are looking for community, health, and a safe place to go,” Arsenault said. “The drinks make it feel like you’re cheating on your diet, but it’s healthy. I lost 50 pounds on these products.”
Mother and daughter Nicole and Zoe Papadopoulos (pictured) ordered a “Captain America” energy tea and a peanut butter cookie dough shake. Nicole retired several years ago from the wellness business with Benson. Nicole said that Zoe, 10, has replaced her lunch and snacks for the shakes before while growing up.
“I started drinking the shakes when I was 6 years old but I haven’t had one in a long time,” Zoe said.
“They fill her up so that she doesn’t want any snacks because they’re sweet but still healthy,” Papadopoulos. “I’m sure that we’ll be stopping by often now.”
Minerva Benson and Angela Vasquez