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If you’re a big couch potato, the longer you’ve been unmotivated, the harder it is to get there. Other than how exercise will change your overall appearance, here are 9 other reasons that don’t have anything to do with how you look (although, with regular exercise, your overall appearance will change).

1. Reduce risk or severity of illness. White blood cells protect and fight off infection from bacteria and viruses constantly. Exercise improves the circulation and distribution of the white blood cells throughout the body. Good circulation pumps blood into all the areas of the body that are ill or injured, which speeds up the repair in those areas. White blood cells aid in reducing inflammation, as well as warding off illness and disease.
2. Increased endurance. The heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised. Contractions of the heart are strengthened with regular cardiovascular activity. The human circulatory system is a complex network of veins, arteries, and capillaries, that deliver blood and oxygen to all of the body’s cells, and is moved through the body by the heart and lungs. Overtime, regular exercise practices the heart and lung correlation, and both capacity and efficiency is improved.
3. Manage stress. Exercise helps to manage stress in a variety of ways, but one of the most well known documented ways is how it releases the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline more commonly), and nor-epinephrine. Adrenaline puts your body in a flight or fight mode, allowing you to be more alert, and increases energy to your muscles to allow you to physically work harder. Nor-epinephrine is released in order to stimulate the dopamine receptors in the brain. These receptors are needed to absorb endorphins, which are also released during exercise. Endorphins improve your mood and overall mental well being.
4. Have more energy. Exercise causes your blood to flow more quickly as the body requires more oxygen to the cells. This temporarily increases your metabolic rate, utilizing the glucose in your blood. This increase in metabolic rate continues after you’ve exercised, and gives you a sustained feeling of energy.
5. Increase metabolism. Cardiovascular exercise increases your metabolic rate and burns calories. Exercises that increase the metabolic rate, is anything that requires sustained aerobic activity like, running, swimming, or biking. This rise in metabolic rate is temporary, and will return to normal (after a short after burn period where the body continues at the sustained metabolic rate before returning to normal). Weight and strength exercises increase the metabolic rate two fold. First, like cardiovascular exercise, the metabolic rate increases temporarily to accommodate the burst of exercise. However, weight training increases muscle mass and the need for more energy to use the muscle, which can sustain an increase in metabolism, as the muscles require more energy.
6. Increase strength. Cardiovascular exercise combined with strength or weight training will increase muscle mass.
7. Increase flexibility. Exercise improves blood flow too muscles, and therefore overall range of motion.
8. Boost immunity. You don’t need to be an elite athlete for exercise to benefit your immune system. Studies show that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3 times a week will greatly reduce your chances of getting a cold or reduce the severity and length of illness. Regular exercise boosts your T-cells, which is your body’s natural defence system, and integral in fighting illness.
9. Better mental clarity. Exercising regularly improves blood flow to the body and brain. Levels of required hormones are kept at optimum levels, improving focus and concentration.

FRESH provides food and beverages that support your active, healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Enjoy an amazing protein bowl, crunchy salad, or delicious super smoothie as a part of a balanced diet. See how you can add FRESH to your day.

Being an entrepreneur is both at once incredibly hard work and incredibly rewarding. You are accountable for not only our own financial well being, but those of your workers. Being an entrepreneur is a mix of freedom and uncertainty, and those that can exist in both of those hemispheres relatively comfortably, have the start of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Although there are a variety of traits and reasons why you should be an entrepreneur, here’s at least 3 to consider before becoming an entrepreneur:

1. You’re creative. If you’ve ever found yourself in the corporate environment, and you simply don’t fit in because your ideas are not in line with the business, you may thrive as an entrepreneur. It can be exasperating and soul crushing to have your ideas continuously passed over, especially if you have detailed how they would come to fruition.
2. Focus on personal growth. Entrepreneurs know that their greatest asset is themselves. By focusing on their own self improvement, learning, and achievements, they are able to support and build their biggest cheerleader and visionary. Those with an entrepreneur spirit are driven by success, and are able to see opportunities all around them.
3. You’re a visionary. Innovation starts with someone who dreams big. You aren’t a visionary unless someone has told you that what you are thinking about is impossible or unconventional. However, change can only happen when someone dares to have a big idea and turn it into a reality

Entrepreneurs change the world every single day, and come from all walks of life. Although there is no pre-determination on whether you will be a successful entrepreneur, an overarching theme of wanting to do something amazing in the world sets the foundation of entrepreneurship.

If you want to be an entrepreneur, you should easily be able to find meaning in your product or service. You should be able to define your drive.

Are you currently dissatisfied with where you are in life, and want control of what you do? Do you want to mentor others and be a part of their success? Do you want to be in charge of your own destiny? Then contact FRESH and talk to us about a franchise that could be the beginning of your dream come true and fairy tale ending. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Discover your entrepreneurial spirit today and contact FRESH.

Why human beings age is a very complex and is based on a number of different factors. One of the theories of aging has to do with the fact that the human body is constantly being put under oxidative stress, and antioxidants may be the key.

As we depend on oxygen to live, it is in all of our cells. Oxidative stress occurs when oxygen molecule split into atoms. If you can remember your high school science class, the molecules pair together, because it is attracted to one another as they both need an extra electron. These unpaired atoms are free radicals, and are unstable and highly reactive as they try to find an extra electron to pair up with, traveling through the body to find it.

To put it simply, free radicals may blur the blueprint of your healthy body, and they may also knock over the proteins that are needed, and they may cause them to built not to code. As more free radicals are created by oxidative stress, the more problems that can arise from their assault.
Degenerative diseases that are associated with aging, like cancer and Alzheimer’s, and auto-immune diseases like arthritis, may be due to the body’s inability to deal with the attack of free radicals.
So what causes free radicals?

Free radicals are made within our bodies (as a part of a healthy immune function), as well as in the environment. Poor diet, stress, illness, along with dangerous substances we put in our bodies like drugs (prescription and recreational), smoking, and alcohol can all cause oxidative stress. The environment can also be a significant factor as pesticides, pollution, and even exposure to sunlight can also create free radicals.

While reducing exposure to free radicals will help, the focus on the removal of free radicals is necessary for good health.

Antioxidants can safely interact with free radicals, stop their reactions, and render them harmless. The body does have it’s own built in mechanisms (through enzyme systems) that seek free radicals to remove them from the body. The most significant antioxidants that manage free radicals are vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A (not an antioxidant), which is fat soluble, and can be toxic at high doses.

At FRESH, we understand how important antioxidants are for a healthy lifestyle. Our menu is amped up with the best types of antioxidants.

Ready to try something delicious that will make you look and feel great? Try our fountain of youth FRESH squeeze, pomegranate punch smoothie, acai mega berry super smoothie, or our Pataya or acai bowl. Reduce your oxidative stress as a part of a healthy lifestyle and visit your nearest FRESH.

Restaurant franchises are a complete opportunity for owning a restaurant. Franchises are business that have already been established in the marketplace. Generally speaking, they are proven to be successful and are well branded.

Starting your own business and being an entrepreneur is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. In the restaurant industry, the ability to set your own schedule is incredibly rewarding. You get to train others, as well as provide a service to a community. Naturally, many people will become dependent on you as a means for work, mentoring and providing nourishment.

Have you only started to think about being a restaurant entrepreneur?  You might not have a lot of experience. You might not even have any experience. Don’t worry, here are the 3 things you should know about restaurant franchises.

1. Business Plan. You will still require a business plan. Different franchises will offer more or less support in this area. However, this is where you will have the chance to be unique. A business plan is a roadmap for your business, and outlines the stages and milestones for your business. How will you know you are successful if you’ve never decided what it means to be successful? A solid business plan will include everything. From competitor analysis to a marketing strategy. A general rule of thumb is to create one and five year plans. Additionally, schedule reviews of goals and milestones quarterly.
2. Brand Policies. Franchises have a proven track record of success. They also have a brand that has been well marketed. It is critical that they have a continuous and consistent message at all times. Franchises will often have very strict rules on what you can say publicly.  Furthermore, the marketing collateral you can use, and even how you can market your product may be dictated by the franchise. Likewise, customers are going to expect consistency between restaurants. They will expect similar quality food and service. As a franchise owner, you will be required to adhere to these policies.
3. Not all chains are franchises. Moreover, some chains are owned entirely by one company. A franchise could have multiple locations owned by the company. As well, it may also have franchises owned by other entrepreneurs. There are also different types of franchises. Not only area or master franchises, but also single franchise owners.

Restaurant franchises like FRESH offers an amazing business opportunity. It puts you in control. We support you through the entire process. That way you get to focus on customers.

To find out more about restaurant franchises and the FRESH franchise opportunity with our unique system of supporting  franchise owners, contact us.

The knobby root of ginger is unmistakable.  It’s anti-inflammatory properties are well documented. It imparts a sharp, warm, and spicy fragrance and flavor.

Incredibly versatile, ginger has been valued and used for centuries for both therapeutic and culinary purposes.

The thin skin of ginger is prized and used to make essential oils. Ginger is invigorating and powerful. Ginger essential oils are used for respiratory, digestive, and skin issues. It is a warming antiseptic, which helps to soothe stomach and muscle pains when applied. Not to mention, it’s stimulating properties can alleviate motion sickness and nausea.

You can consume ginger in raw or cooked. You can also steep it or take it in powdered form. All things considered, ginger has well researched benefits. Moreover, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is anti-viral. Naturally, it’s  great to add to soups for someone who has a cold or flu.

Ginger is considered warming, and has a thermic effect on food. This increases your metabolism and helps you feel full. It has also been found to increase the uptake of glucose into muscle cells. It does this without the use of insulin, and can help with managing blood sugar levels.

Clinical trials have shown that ginger reduced blood glucose. It also lowers triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels. These trials showed results over a 30-day period. For people with type 2 diabetes, ginger is especially beneficial. It increases insulin release and sensitivity. Not only does this inhibit enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism but also improves lipid profiles.  Additionally, studies shown that ginger protects the central nervous system.  Organs like the liver and kidneys, as well as cataracts is also protected.

Ginger contains a powerful anti-inflammatory. It can help to alleviate inflammation and pain. These effects have been shown to be effective for headaches and migraines. It has also been demonstrated to help with arthritis and joint pain, as well as injuries.

Ginger boasts at least 25 antioxidants. This helps to slow down DNA damage.

Antioxidants are vital for a healthy lifestyle. They protect against free radical damage. They also protect against degenerative diseases.  Particularly illness associated with aging like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

You can find ginger in our potent Cold Terminator FRESH squeeze. You will love it in our beet punch too. Try adding a ginger shot to any of our FRESH squeezes. You can add it to your own recipe. If you’re feeling brave, try a shot straight.

Try it today by finding a FRESH Café near you.

What does it take to be a successful franchise? Franchising is a fairly flexible business.  Naturally it combines real ownership with a solid, proven, and well branded business opportunity. Franchising can be a fast way to grow because much of the work and planning has already been documented. Most opportunities will include detailed instructions. Generally speaking, guides to start up the business are provided. Of course, the brand has to be consistent. Thus the majority of the marketing collateral will already be established and available.

1. A good franchise will have good management and leadership, along with a proven concept. This means that it’s track record has been successful. Their brand is reliable and trustworthy. Customers rely on franchises to deliver a consistent experience.  Good franchises will ensure franchise owners follow brand guideline. Franchises with highly developed systems will detail policies and procedures. This is to continue the success of the franchise. Owners will strictly adhere to the brand requirements. As this will continue to promote the same credibility and trust for customers to continue to return to.
2. Franchises need to be easily teachable. Franchises that require specific knowledge, or advanced training will be difficult for average entrepreneurs.  All things considered, the start up curve will be steep, and the training may be arduous. Simple and easy to follow steps that can be repeated are the best types of franchises.  Not to mention key messages that are easy to remember. This ensures that it will be easy for employees to learn, and repeat. Any difficulty in transferring knowledge to the owner will ensure frustration. Dissatisfaction and problems with the business will certainly follow.
3. A franchise concept needs to produce revenue. The sheer number of locations of a franchise globally should give you an idea of whether or not the franchise is profitable. If the demand for the franchise is higher, it may mean that there is more demand for the type of product. Similarly, that the brand has good market reach. Either way, revenue is a good indicator of the management and handling of the franchise.  This will determine when you will achieve a return on investment.

There are numerous issues that can affect a new business. Growth, area development, and staffing and support.

Having adequate support from a motivated franchisor will ensure you have a successful franchise, especially at start up, and should you run into any issues.

If a business meets this criteria, then it may be a good business opportunity.

At FRESH Restaurants, we understand that your success is our success. That’s why we have both a solid plan for your successful business, and incredible support for our franchises.

Find out how you can own your successful franchise today.

The smoothies we serve at FRESH Cafe are a blend of fruits, and/or vegetables. Optional fortifiers boost their nutrition.  These are added and pureed in a high powered blender to a super delicious consistency.

Walk down any busy street, and you’re bound to see a few people drinking a smoothie. You’ve probably wondered, are smoothies for me? Will they really benefit my life?

Not only will adding smoothies to diet improve your health, but it actually makes you feel great too! Here’s 8 reasons why smoothies will make you awesome:

1. It will make you happier. A recent study in Australia showed that there was an increase in life satisfaction with every extra portion of fruit and vegetable added to a diet. The benefits increased up to 8 portions of fruits and vegetables.
2. It will boost your immune system. The world health organization (WHO), recommends a minimum of 400g of fruits and vegetables a day. This is to prevent communicable diseases, as well as prevent and alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. 400g equals about 5 servings per day. Countries like France recommend at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables. Their health care system ranks number 1 in the world!
3. It’s high in nutrients. FRESH smoothies are made with a variety of fruits and/or vegetables from all over the world. Each is chosen for their unique health benefits. Not only are they full of vitamins, minerals, and micro nutrients, but also super antioxidants.
4. It’s fast. Ever try eating a cup of berries in a car? If so, you’ll understand why smoothies are a great choice when you’re on the go. With smoothies, you won’t need to worry about an apple rolling away. Or similarly, having to find that banana getting on your clothes.

5. It gives you energy.

   Smoothies are unlike the energy you get from caffeine or sugary beverages. You won’t experience the huge spikes and drops from natural fruit and vegetable energy. You’ll find that the energy obtained by smoothies last longer. Together with added fortifiers like protein or flaxseed, you feel full and the energy is more sustained.

6. It’s easy to digest. To sit and consume the number and portions of fruits and vegetables in a FRESH smoothie would be daunting. But when it’s deliciously blended in a smoothie, you still get all of the fiber, nutrients, and health benefits,
7. It’ll keep things moving. Having a healthy colon can make you feel lighter. Poor diets result in gas, bloating, and issues in the bathroom. Smoothies provide all the necessary ingredients, like water and fiber to keep things moving, which will make you feel great.
8. It will optimize absorption. Most people don’t chew their food sufficiently to maximize absorption in the digestive process. As smoothies are blended to a smooth consistency, the food products are ready for digestion, which allows for maximum absorption of all the vital nutrients.

FRESH Pure Smoothies are a delicious way to feel awesome, every day.

To maximize the nutrition of your smoothie, try a FRESH Super Smoothie by ordering it online.

The road to a successful business isn’t simple. There are a number of complicating factors. Sometimes pure luck is one of them. Getting your idea to market is complex. For the amateur or novice, it can be daunting as well as frustrating. An easier way towards success is owning a franchise. Franchising is an opportunity for a complete business. One that already has an established brand. Not only is it equipped with an operating manual but also details everything you need to order.

Equally important, franchising allows you to be an entrepreneur. Except with the experience of someone who has already gone through the growing pains of starting a brand new business. And what’s more, they’re not in competition with you, they’re there to help guide and support you so that you can be successful too.

Although you do need to put in a lot of hard work to be successful, franchising tends to be less risky.

You’ve probably done a lot of research into owning a franchise and already have a list of reasons to purchase one. Here’s a list of the extra special reasons for owning a franchise.

Being an entrepreneur.

You have the opportunity to still be a leader, and work for yourself. The hard work you put in, comes directly back to you. Success, and revenue are the rewards that you will gain from owning a franchise.

Guidance. Owning your own business can have some major complications, and when you get stuck, you can get help any time you need it. Successful franchises are backed by experienced management teams that have been through almost all of the possible issues and have almost all of the possible solutions too. The guidance lent by the franchising company is invaluable.

Less risk. Established franchises inherently carry less risk because the business has been refined over time. Start ups generally suffer less issues because the franchising company can avoid many of the pitfalls that occur with less experienced owners.

Training. Owning a franchise means that you’re not on your own. You don’t have to come up with policies and how-tos because they’ve already been created. Moreover, the franchising company will provide training for you, so that you can learn it the first time, and teach it to your employees, perpetuating the cycle of success right from the start.

Big brand. Even though you only own a single franchise, you are a part of a global network of other owners, and are connected to the brand. Good franchises have established brands that inspire loyalty, trust, and reliability.

Eager to get started with the extra special FRESH franchise? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us today.

Antioxidants offer a whole host of benefits. However it is not limited to helping the body get rid of dangerous free radicals.

Free radicals can interfere with the body’s regular functions.

Wheatgrass

It may be the healthiest substance that you’ve never heard of. 1oz of wheatgrass juice is thought to be nutritionally equivalent to consuming 2.2 lbs of leafy green vegetables. Additionally it has an incredibly high vitamin content. As a matter of fact, consider the many health benefit of regularly ingesting wheatgrass:

• Improves the digestive system
• Prevents diabetes and heart disease
• Cures constipation
• Detoxifies heavy metals from the blood stream
• Helps to make menopause more manageable
• Promotes general well being

Enjoy a fresh shot of wheatgrass as the start of a healthy day.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a disease-fighting antioxidant. Not to mention, this superfood offers natural protection against osteoarthritis and cancer.

Find pomegranate as a 100% pure juice blended with blueberry or in a Fresh Infused Iced Tea. It is also found in the Pomegranate Punch Fresh Pure Smoothie. Get it in the Acai Mega Berry Fresh Super Smoothie too.

Acai

These dark and dense berries have been traditionally used for digestive issues.

Most recently it’s claim to fame is that it is one of the most powerful antioxidants. Acai is also purported to prevent inflammation, heart disease, and cancer.

To add acai to your healthy diet, ask for an Acai Mega Berry Fresh Super Smoothie or Acai Fresh Power Bowl.

Pitaya

Pitaya is commonly known as a dragon fruit. This beautiful white and black speckled fruit contains a lot of phytonutrients. It is also super rich in antioxidants. It helps rid the body of free radicals and protects against cancer. Not only is Pitaya a good source of vitamins it is also good for heart health. Moreover, it helps to decrease bad cholesterol levels.

Try the Pitaya Passion Fresh Super Smoothie. The Pitaya Fresh Power Bowl also serves up this healthy antioxidant.

Amp up your antioxidant intake at FRESH Cafe. Come by and try one of our power bowls now.

Worldwide, there are an enormous number of franchising opportunities to choose from. Everything from beverages, food, clothing, shoes, and services have franchising opportunities.

But is Franchising right for you?

For the right kind of person, franchise ownership can be what you need to achieve success. But like school, and everything else in life, franchise life is not for everyone. For someone who wants to be their own boss. A person that recognizes where they might not have strengths and can call on someone to help whenever they get stuck. You’ll love being a franchise owner because you have the opportunity to make your own goals. Not only do you get to call the shots, but you’ll also have the support of an established business. Along with that, you’ll get tools and resources that have already been tried and tested.

Franchising provides independence. It is the possibility of significant financial gain without all of the front end hard work required to establish a business. With franchising, you are capitalizing on the hard work that has already been done.

What’s more, you’ll receive support and training. Learn and be guided through the ins and outs of the business. You will develop your own strategies.  And you’ll do it with expert experience of a team that has probably done it a thousand times before.

You’ll also be connected to a network of other franchise owners, so you can share ideas and best practices. You can also support each other through any new changes, or events.

When you own a franchise, the marketing and advertising is predominantly created by the corporate office. If marketing is not your forte, then having access to current promotional materials, or campaigns takes the guesswork out of it, without much of a learning curve. Most franchising opportunities, like FRESH will give you the ability to personalize your materials to your local market, while still maintaining the brand’s identity.

Ultimately, when you own a franchise, you own the business, which means that it is yours. Having a stake and vested interest means that if you work hard, you will reap the benefits and be rewarded directly for your contribution to the business.

Franchises, like FRESH Restaurants, naturally have many benefits and advantages because of their proven track record.
With FRESH, you have the benefit of years of global expertise and experience. You have an amazing marketing team, that will help you develop your own unique plan to support your goals. Most importantly, you will have a partner that will be by your side whenever you need it, a lot, or a little.

Ready to invest in FRESH and be your own entrepreneur? Find out how today by contacting us.
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