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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.

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.

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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There are many considerations when choosing to buy a franchise, or invest in your own business idea. A lot depends on your business idea, or how new your business is.  There could be complex issues. Here’s what to consider when buying a franchise versus starting your own business:

Management. You are responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, and you must do this while adhering to the Franchise Operations guide. This is to protect the brand, and deliver a consistent product and service to customers. The nature of the franchise is one where the brand is continuously marketed. This happens without the need of a lot of daily input from franchises. The level of management provided by franchises is organized to produce a successful result. It does not require prior business knowledge from owners. The objective is a simplified system, monitored by the franchisor. This assists in improving business practices and the good or service.

There isn’t a need for high level management in the day to day operations, which is simpler and less stressful for the franchise owner.

Reduced overall costs. When you are starting a business with little to no experience, it is difficult to understand and manage costs. What to expect in costs, and budgeting is fundamental in a healthy business in order to manage cash flow. Plus you need to be able to pay for rent, products, and employees. A franchise has been through the painful experience of start up numerous times. If they’re successful they’ve done it on many occasions. This means that they will have an understanding of the most cost-effective way for the business to start up, develop, and run, as well as grow in the future.

Fast growth. Franchises can grow quickly because the foundation of the brand has already been established. You don’t need to put in effort to promote your brand. You will be recognized and ready to introduce your product or service. Getting repeat business is already built in with a franchise. Franchises already have a proven track record of success, are reputable, and the brand is well known. Without the obstacles of having to first establish your business, growth can be fast. Moreover, your focus is on outreach and customer service, things that will improve your bottom line.

Easier recruitment. Well-known brands generally have a loyal following, and are generally freed from the often tedious and time-consuming task of continuously having to recruit and train employees. Established branded franchises are seen as reliable, and more people will choose to apply to work with the brand, holding it in a higher regard.

Ready to make the easy decision to franchise with FRESH Restaurants? We’re here to support you, so don’t be shy, contact us today.

FRESH is an amazing fast food franchise opportunity, but it’s not for everyone.

Here are 3 great reasons why you should NOT choose to invest in a FRESH fast food franchise.

1. You don’t like success. If you don’t like success and prefer to be alone, then a FRESH fast food franchise is not for you. When you buy a FRESH fast food franchise, you’ll get a life time committed partner. That means that we’ll support you from inception to start up, to changes, and everything in between. We’ll be there to help you with location choices, construction assistance, and the start up phase. We will definitely be there to guide you through the best practices, help you develop an amazing marketing and communications plan, and ensure that you have everything you need to help you succeed. We’re also really big into virtual high 5’s.
2. You like to do things slowly. FRESH Restaurants is in the quick serve food industry, which means that we’ve got a fast food franchise. But that doesn’t mean our food isn’t delicious and nutritious. To the contrary, we have refined methods that make it so we can serve an incredible meal in about the same time that it takes for you to get the unhealthy stuff. The taste, presentation, and nutritional value is not sacrificed one iota in our menu. Instead, flavours are enhanced, and recipes are perfected to tease out the best of our super fresh ingredients.
3. You don’t like people. People and the community, that’s what FRESH is about. FRESH aims to be the heartbeat in a healthy and thriving community. By providing fresh, healthy fast food options in a community, FRESH gives an alternative to unhealthy fast food, which is sometimes the only fast food option available. Whether you need a meal after a long day, a smoothie after a hard work out, or something quick to grab and go to the next activity, you can rely on FRESH to provide a smoothie, wrap, or power bowl that’s going to taste great, and be good for you. FRESH cares about people, the community, and the environment.

If you do like success, doing things quickly and love people, then FRESH fast food franchise for you.

Find out about our restaurant opportunity by contacting us today.
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Whether you’re starting off your day right or looking for a natural energy fix, you can’t get anymore perfect than berries. They’re nutrient rich and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Berries first delight the eyes with their bright colors, and then the taste buds, offering a delicious burst of flavour.

Blueberries
As a superfood, blueberries contain a wide range of micronutrients and are known to inhibit the the development of cancer cells. They also prevent inflammation.

Blueberries can be found in the Pomegranate Punch Fresh Pure Smoothie, Acai Mega Berry Super Smoothie, along with the Beach Fresh Salad and all the Fresh Power Bowls. You can also find blueberry available as a 100% pure pomegranate-blueberry juice blend, in the Fountain of Youth Fresh Squeeze, or as as a Fresh Infused Iced Tea. You can even add them to your Fresh Protein Bowl creation.

Strawberries
As an excellent source of flavonoids, strawberries are a delicious aid in the fight against cancer and heart disease.

Strawberries are the key ingredient in many Fresh menu options, including the Fountain of Youth Fresh Squeeze, Caribbean Splash, Pomegranate Punch, and Strawberry Banana Supreme Fresh Pure Smoothies, as well as the Protein Power and Acai Mega Berry Fresh Super Smoothies. As well, you will get natural strawberries in the Acai and Pitaya Fresh Bowls.

Raspberries
The health benefits of raspberries include protecting against several diseases including cancer and diabetes, and against age-related deterioration of cognitive abilities and eyesight.

Find raspberries in the Raspberry Blast and Strawberry Banana Supreme Pure Smoothies, and Jolly Green and Acai Mega Berry Fresh Super Smoothies.

Cranberries
Thought to be an anti-cancer agent, cranberry juice is a source of antioxidants that can also prevent tooth decay and kidney stones and has been long used to maintain urinary tract health.

Cranberries are available as a 100% pure fruit juice and as a Fresh Infused Iced Tea.

Ensure you’re having a ‘berry’ good day by picking up one of these tasty creations at Fresh as a part of your healthy lifestyle. Check out our other menu options.

The power of the community is often an overlooked element when it comes to healthy food and a healthy lifestyle.

FRESH Café serves excellent food, along with great value and tremendous customer service. People are also drawn to places where they can connect with friendly, likeminded people.

Sometimes this kind of community environment evolves naturally, but there are also some things we can do to cultivate it, nurture it, and make it thrive.

The FRESH Restaurants focus on healthy living lends itself to our stores becoming a gathering place for the fitness-conscious.

It’s a great opportunity for FRESH Restaurants to really become a central part of the community, by providing healthy food, and a means for health conscious people to connect. Healthy people need a healthy community to support their lifestyle. Providing a central meeting place for community building and support is perfect for the FRESH healthy food franchise.

Many people who have newly committed themselves to healthy living find it easier to do so alongside others who are taking similar steps. It is well established that people who exercise together are more likely to develop a lasting habit, and the same goes for healthy eating.

By providing a meeting place for these types of groups and other similar gatherings, is a great way to support the community and individual lifestyle goals. The food and beverages at FRESH Restaurants are ideal for these groups, as they are delicious and feel like treats, even though they are delivering vital nutrients and vitamins that the body needs.

Supporting groups like running clubs, fitness groups, or participating in local community events and health fairs are a great way to get involved in the community.

Although it is not mandatory, promoting wellness and health, and providing nourishing healthy food is a way to connect with your customers, and connect your customers to each other. FRESH Restaurants are a healthy lifestyle conduit, and can help to bridge whole new groups of potential people interested in a healthy lifestyle, who are just starting or have been pursuing health for themselves and their families.

Ready for the amazing opportunity to connect your community with healthy food?

Contact us to find out how.