Something unusual happened at Melissa’s Produce headquarters last week.
A group of food writers and bloggers had gathered to hear the Wellness Babes discuss their 12-part online wellness course, preceded, as usual, by a sumptuous buffet lunch using recipes from the Wellness Babes’ archives.
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The chocolate mousse, supposedly a “health food,” quickly disappeared. “It was the first thing we ran out of,” joked Robert Schueller, Melissa’s director of public relations.
Functional nutritionist Julie DelaBarre, cookbook author Ragan Wallake and actress, mindset expert and motivational speaker Brianna Brown Keen introduced us to their wellness program designed to help women “look better, feel better and do better” through sustainable lifestyle habits rather than restrictive diets.
Over a lunch featuring the trio’s recipes — vibrant salads, Green Goddess chicken lettuce wraps, health-conscious desserts and a refreshing creamy lemonade elixir — they shared the personal journeys that inspired their collaboration.
Five years ago, Keen said, the three friends combined what she calls their individual “secret sauces” to create the program. As an actress, she faced the constant pressure of being camera-ready while also coping with personal and family health challenges.
“Change is really hard,” she said. “Your habits shape your future, and small changes now lead to big transformations later.”
Keen rejects the quick-fix mentality that dominates much of the wellness industry.
“My mother was on a thousand diets,” she said. “None of them worked because they were too extreme. It’s not about restriction. If it doesn’t taste good, you’re not going to maintain it.”
DelaBarre arrived at nutrition through a different path. Trained as a dancer, she became fascinated by the connection between food, strength and healing. Her work has included athletes, individuals struggling with fertility and oncology patients recovering from cancer treatment.
“Health and wellness are in our control through our lifestyle,” she said. “Every meal is an opportunity to heal.”
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Her approach emphasizes whole foods and understanding how nutrition affects the body physically, emotionally and psychologically. But she is quick to acknowledge that even the healthiest meal plan won’t succeed if people don’t enjoy eating it.
That’s where Wallake comes in. Growing up in a family shaped by her Hungarian grandmother’s rich cooking, Wallake developed an early appreciation for food. While modeling and traveling, she began searching for ways to recreate beloved family dishes with a healthier twist.
The journey eventually led to a food blog and cookbook.
“I wanted recipes that have purpose and health benefits,” she said, “approachable, everyday recipes that are clean, delicious and fun.”
Wallake also believes food is about more than nutrition, she said.
“What I’ve learned over time is that it doesn’t matter how far from home you’ve traveled,” she writes in her cookbook, “Beauty in the Bite.” “It’s important to keep home in your heart. Our history defines us. Everyone has a story. And quite often, it’s food that connects us to that history.”
Together, the three women represent what may be the secret to their program’s appeal: DelaBarre brings the science, Wallake brings the flavor and Keen brings the mindset.
As for that avocado chocolate mousse, it demonstrates their philosophy in a single spoonful. Packed with healthy fats and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, it delivers all the satisfaction of a traditional chocolate dessert with ingredients that support, rather than sabotage, wellness goals.
Fullerton’s Judy Bart Kancigor is the author of “Cooking Jewish” and “The Perfect Passover Cookbook.” Her website is cookingjewish.com.
Velvety Avocado Chocolate Mousse
From the Wellness Babes, wellnessbabes.org.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
• 2 ripe avocados (medium-large, perfectly soft)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or raw honey)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or almond milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch sea salt
• 1-2 teaspoons espresso powder, optional
• 1 tablespoon melted dark chocolate for ultra richness, optional
• Toppings (pick your vibe) can be fresh berries, toasted coconut flakes, chopped pistachios or cacao nibs, a drizzle nut butter or flaky sea salt
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Method:
1. Scoop avocado flesh into food processor or blender.
2. Add maple syrup, cocoa powder, coconut milk, vanilla, and salt.
3. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity to your liking.
5. Spoon into individual ramekins or jars; chill at least 30 minutes.
6. Top and serve with flair!